Language Snapshots

Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) (United States and Canada) - Language Snapshot 

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Abstract

Kanien’kéha is an endangered Northern Iroquoian language historically spoken in what is now the Mohawk Valley of central New York state in the United States of America. Today, it is spoken by about 3,800 people in six communities in upstate New York, USA, and in Ontario and Quebec provinces, Canada: Akwesasne, Kahnawake, Kanesatake, Six Nations, Wahta, and Tyendinaga. The varieties spoken in these communities differ slightly in terms of phonology, vocabulary, and orthography. Robust language revitalisation efforts are ongoing, and the language is of great cultural importance to the Kanien’kehá:ka people. 

Keywords: Northern Iroquoian, New York, Ontario, Quebec, revitalization

How to Cite:

Pentangelo, J., (2020) “Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) (United States and Canada) - Language Snapshot ”, Language Documentation and Description 19, 1-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.25894/ldd37