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Salinan Indian Language

The Salinan language is considered by some linguists to be part of the Hokan family of languages, possibly related most closely to Chumash. Unfortunately, language loss has been particularly severe in California (where Indian slavery was practiced until late in the 19th century), and the Salinan language has not been spoken since the 1950's, leaving few records behind.

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Salinan Language

Salinan language samples and resources.

Salinan Culture and History

Information and links about the Salinan tribe past and present.

Salinan Legends

Introduction to Salinan mythology.

Salinan Language Resources

Our Online Salinan Materials

Salinan Vocabulary
Our list of vocabulary words in the Salinan language, with comparison to words in other Hokan languages.

Salinan Language Lessons and Linguistic Descriptions

Salinan Language
Demographic information about Salinan from the Ethnologue of Languages.

Salinan Language Tree:
Theories about Salinan's language relationships compiled by Linguist List.

Salinan Language Structures:
Salinan linguistic profile and academic bibliography.

Survey of California Indian Languages: Salinan:
Profile of the Salinan language from the University of California at Berkeley.

Languages of the Coast of California
Language map showing the distribution of Yokuts, Salinan, Chumash, and other western California languages.

The Language of the Salinan Indians
Salinan linguistics book for sale online. (Amazon affiliate link)

Additional Resources, Links, and References

Lenguas Salinan:
Article about the Salinan language in Spanish.
Salinan Tribe:
Salinan Indian books.

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