Karuk language

Karuk
Karok
Araráhih
Native toUnited States
RegionNorthwestern California
EthnicityKaruk
Native speakers
12 (2007)[1]
Revival30 L2 speakers (2007)
Latin
Language codes
ISO 639-3kyh
Glottologkaro1304
ELPKaruk
Karuk is classified as Severely Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger
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Karuk Tribe Flag
Klamath River in California

Karuk or Karok (Karok: Araráhih or Karok: Ararahih'uripih) is the traditional language of the Karuk people in the region surrounding the Klamath River, in Northwestern California. The name ‘Karuk’ is derived from the Karuk word káruk, meaning “upriver”.[2]: 397 

Karuk is classified as severely endangered by UNESCO with only around 12 fluent native speakers of the language left.[3] Most members of the Karuk nation now use English in their everyday lives. Since 1949, there have been efforts to revitalize the language and increase the number of speakers led by linguists such as Dr. William Bright and Susan Gehr, as well as members of the Karuk community.

  1. ^ Karuk at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
  2. ^ Lyle Campbell (2000-09-21). American Indian Languages. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-534983-2.
  3. ^ "UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in danger". www.unesco.org. Retrieved 2020-05-27.