Nez Perce Language Essay

Ella Andersen
Dr. Baese-Berk
LING 201
4 May 2023
Assignment Two – Nez Perce Language
The Nez Perce language, also known as Nimiipuu or Nimipuutímt, is a member of the Sahaptian branch of the Plateau Penutian language family. It is spoken by the Nez Perce people, who traditionally live in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. This includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Nez Perce language has a complex phonology with many consonant and vowel sounds. It is a polysynthetic language, which means words are formed by combining many different morphemes, or word parts. This is done to create long words with complex meanings. Nez Perce is also a tonal language. This means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the speaker's

This includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Nez Perce people have a long and complex history, their presence in the region dates back thousands of years. The Nez Perce were among many indigenous peoples living in the Pacific Northwest when European explorers and settlers arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries. Contact with these newcomers had a profound impact on the Nez Perce society, as the introduction of advancing technologies, diseases, and political systems led to significant changes in their way of life. In the mid-19th century, tensions between the Nez Perce and American settlers and government officials reached a boiling point, culminating in the Nez Perce War of 1877. This conflict arose over disagreements about land rights, government policies, and the Nez Perce people's efforts to resist forced relocation to a reservation. Despite their valiant efforts, the Nez Perce were ultimately defeated by the United States Army and forced to relocate to Kansas and Oklahoma, before finally settling back in Idaho in 1880. Over the following decades, the Nez Perce community faced ongoing challenges related to government policies, loss of traditional lands, and cultural suppression. Despite these challenges, the Nez Perce people have maintained their cultural traditions, language, and efforts to revitalize these significant aspects of their

Some of the pressures that can affect people's choice about when to communicate in Nez Perce and when to communicate in English include language fluency, social context, cultural identity, and access to resources. Nez Perce speakers, especially recent generations, may be more fluent in English than in Nez Perce. This can make it easier and more natural for them to communicate in English. The social context in which communication occurs can also influence language choice. For example, in formal or professional circumstances, English is unfortunately seen as the more appropriate language to use, while Nez Perce may be spoken more frequently in informal or family settings. For some Nez Perce individuals, embracing the Nez Perce language may be seen as a way to assert their cultural identity and connect with their heritage. In contrast, others may feel more comfortable speaking English and may not see the same value in speaking Nez Perce. The availability of language learning resources and the support of the community can also affect people's choice of Nez Perce or English. If there are limited opportunities to learn and use Nez Perce, individuals may rely on English for communication. Fortunately as mentioned before, the Nez Perce do have programs in place to keep their native language alive making it accessible to anyone who