The Ktunaxa langauage is spoken in
south-eastern British Columbia (5 communities), northern Idaho, and in
north-western Montana (1 community each). Although the Ktunaxa
language has been tentatively grouped together with other North
American languages, it is a unique language which may not be related
to any other in the world.
There are are two writing system variants, the major difference
being in the way the glottal stop is represented. In Canada, this is
the full length character which resembles a backwards "c". In the
United States, a smaller raised half ring is used.
Demographics
According to the 1990 U.S. Census, there are 102 Kutenai speakers
in the United States. Research conducted by the Canadian Census in
2002 shows that there are only 32 fluent speakers in Canada, all over
the age of 65 (Don Maki, personal communication). Other statistics
give 50 in the U.S., and 120 in Canada. The Canadian Census counts 200
Kutenai speakers in 2006, down from from 220 in 2001.
4 Level Languages
Understanding Language Renewal and
Fluency:
Four possible levels of language renewal:
1. Level 1 or Ritual
2. Level 2 or Ceremonial
3. Level 3 or Vernacular
4. Level 4 or Functional
1. Level 1 or Ritual Language
Most limited level of language retention.
Memorization and use of a few hundred words and songs.
Very limited use of the language that will result in the near
extinction of the Ktunaxa language.
School-based programs of 60 - 100 minutes per week is only
capable of achieving this low level of language retention.
Higher levels of language use would not likely result, even if
a school-based program were improved with additional material and
teacher training.
2. Level 2 or Ceremonial
Language:
Includes speaking in longer stretches than just
inserting a few words.
Speaking in sentences and longer stretches of speech. (E.g.
short greetings, small talk about the weather or a little teasing
before switching to English).
Could include speaking a rehearsed speech.
Speaker uses Ktunaxa more extensively than for ritual use, but
this is always rehearsed, not spontaneous, and involves the
repetition of memorized passages.
When spoken to, speakers at this level would only understand a
limited range of topics.
This Ceremonial language level can be attained through an
extended school-based program, such as doubling the current
instructional time, or through a limited immersion program where
Ktunaxa is used for up to half the time for 3 or 4 years.
3. Level 3 or Vernacular
Language:
Use of Ktunaxa for sustained conversation (e.g.
two speakers could have a conversation about almost any topic of
daily life and generally be able to have social visits all in
Ktunaxa)
Vernacular language users are fluent, and can speak with one
another without hesitation. Speakers at this level of fluency
would understand conversation about most topics.
The Ktunaxa that would be spoken would be extensive but it
would involve the simplification of language forms and, although
spoken freely, it would not be the quality of language now spoken
by elders.
Vernacular language proficiency is only possible through
sustained immersion in the language, that is, using the language
in a Ktunaxa only environment for several hours a day over 5 to 9
years.
This language interaction is mostly with other learners who
have a level of fluency like them and their language may include
some errors in usage or pronunciation.
4. Level 4 or Functional
language:
This is language renewal.
This is a community of speakers who freely and frequently
speak Ktunaxa in a wide array of situations and about almost any
topic.
The language is used accurately and pronunciation is not
marked by any English accent.
Individuals who achieve Functional Language use will
contribute to the vernacular fluency by providing the one on one
language interaction with a highly fluent elder.
To achieve functional proficiency the language would need to
be used not only in an immersion situation with other learners,
but also to speak with fluent elders in an immersion situation,
over extended period of time.
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Citizenship
Ktunaxa citizenship is
comprised of Nation members from seven Bands located throughout
historic traditional Ktunaxa territory. Five Bands are located in
British Columbia, Canada and two are in the United States. Many
Ktunaxa citizens also live in urban and rural areas "off reserve".
To learn more about the Ktunaxa Nation, please visit their official website:
