User:T.rabjam12/sandbox
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Alaska is home to more than 20 Native languages that belong to 4 different subgroups of language families; Inuit-Yupik-Unangan, Athabaskan, Haida, and Tsimshian. These "families" descend from a common ancestor, as a result, many specific characteristics found in these languages are similar.
Spotting Differences:
Differences between the family groups are very evident, but languages within a family are harder to distinguish and highlight. Examples of these are Inuit-Aleut and Athabascan, which sound completely different because Inuit Aleut contains ejective, consonants and word formation between the two are completely different. Haida and Tsimshian are very different from the other two because of the origin of them being from Canada.
History of the language:
Alaska Native Languages have been spoken in Alaska for tens of thousands of years and has changed over time with the influence of the Russians and the Americans. Prior to Russian exploration, it was common for individuals being bilingual and Native Alaska languages was the only language spoken. this changed after the enslavements that the Russians partook in and also the introduction of many diseases that decimated the population. Through the integration of the Russian explorers into Native populations, bi-racial groups were produced leading to a deviation from the norm. Then in 1867, Alaska was sold to the United States and at that time NAtive Alsakan Language was still spoken. Until in 1885, Sheldon Jackson was appointed General Agent of Education of Alaska and employed an English only policy.
Remedies
Recently, many state organizations have recognized the importance of fighting to keep Alaska Native Language alive. Through legislation, such as the Alaska Native Language Bill, which designated Alaska's 20 native languages as official languages. Through combined efforts, many languages like Sugpiaq and Tlingit have an increase in the number of individuals able to speak the language.
--This is an initial overview of the contributions that I will be making within the article--
T.rabjam12 (talk) 03:07, 22 February 2019 (UTC)
Great overview -- I'm guessing you're pulling from sources you've identified. Think about putting in your citations as you go, it will be much easier and quicker than adding them after the fact! -- Shannon