Nuxalk language
Nuxalk /ˈnuːhɒlk/, also known as Bella Coola /ˈbɛlə.ˈkuːlə/, is a Salishan language spoken by the Nuxalk people. Today, it is an endangered language in the vicinity of the Canadian town of Bella Coola, British Columbia. While the language is still sometimes called Bella Coola by linguists, the native name Nuxalk is preferred by some, notably by the Nuxalk Nation's government.
| Nuxalk | |
|---|---|
| Bella Coola | |
| ItNuxalkmc | |
| Native to | Canada |
| Region | Bella Coola area, Central Coast region, British Columbia |
| Ethnicity | 1,660 Nuxalk (2014, FPCC) |
Native speakers | 17 (2014, FPCC) |
Salishan
| |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | blc |
| Glottolog | bell1243 |
| ELP | Nuxalk |
Bella Coola is classified as Critically Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger | |
| People | Nuxalkmc |
|---|---|
| Language | ItNuxalkmc |
| Country | Kulhulmcilh |
Though the number of truly fluent speakers has not increased, the language is now taught in both the provincial school system and the Nuxalk Nation's own school, Acwsalcta, which means "a place of learning". Nuxalk language classes, if taken to at least the Grade 11 level, are considered adequate second-language qualifications for entry to the major B.C. universities. CKNN-FM Nuxalk Radio is also working to promote the language.