Alaska Native Languages

Intro

 

Sugpiaq or Alutiiq (Sugcestun in the Sugpiaq language) is the language of the Sugpiaq people of Southcentral Alaska and Kodiak Island. Their language is closely related to Yup’ik, although speakers of the two languages would have difficulty understanding one another. About 200 Sugpiat speak the language today. The Sugpiaq language is divided into two main dialects: Koniag and Chugach. Koniag is spoken on Kodiak Island and on the Alaska Peninsula, while Chugach is spoken on the Kenai Peninsula and in Prince William Sound.

 

Sugpiaq is closely related to Yup’ik and the two languages share many vocabulary items, such as the word cama’i, meaning 'hello' or 'welcome.' The Sugpiaq language has seen a comeback in recent years, especially on Kodiak Island, where several second-language speakers have been identified.

Phrases​

 

Cama'i

Quyanaa

Aa'a

Qang'a

Tang'rciqamken

Qunukamken

Linganaa

Silugtua

Imasuugtua