University Programs
Alaska's universities offer courses and degree programs in Alaska Native languages, including at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, University of Alaska, Anchorage, University of Alaska, Southeast and Iḷisaġvik College.
Iḷisaġvik College
Inupiaq and Unangam Tunuu
The Iñupiaq Studies program offers students an opportunity to pursue certifications in Iñupiaq culture and language, and lead the way to complete an Associate of Arts degree. The program incorporates the history, knowledge, values, and traditions of the Iñupiat to enhance student learning.
You can also get Iḷisaġvik College credit for the Introduction to Unangam Tunuu course listed as ANS 194.
UAF Alaska Native Languages
Alaska Native languages are spoken by far northern people from the northeastern tip of Siberia, across Alaska and Canada, to East Greenland. Alaska Native languages include the Yupik, Inupiaq and Athabascan languages of Alaska that also extends to Siberia Canada and Greenland. In terms of population and number of speakers, Alaska Yup’ik is by far the largest Alaska Native language; Inupiaq is the second largest. The Athabascan culture is at the forefront of the interior region with 11 distinct languages.
Students who obtain a B.A. in Alaska Native Language may be employed as Native language instructors or language specialists for school districts or Native organizations, which could include social services in various capacities. No other university in the United States offers a B.A. in Alaska Native Languages.
Any Alaska Native language
UAA Alaska Native Studies
Alaska Native Studies provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies, languages, cultures, history, politics, art, tribal governments, and our for-profit as well as our non-profit corporations.
Courses and Occupational Endorsement Certificates are offered in a variety of different Alaska Native Languages at UAA.
Dena'ina, Alutiiq, Ahtna, Yup'ik, Tlingit, Inupiaq
UAS Alaska Native Languages
X̱aad Kíl, Smʼalgyax, Lingít
As language learners we seek to follow the path our fluent elders created for us, while bringing these languages into all areas of our life. In languages we study pronunciation, sentence creation and conversational as well as ceremonial language. Our courses in language include X̱aad Kíl, Smʼalgyax and Lingít yoo X̱ʼatángi language courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels as well as classes on language revitalization, language teaching, and Indigenous oral literature. Students within the Alaska Native Languages programs will develop a strong foundation in language learning, use, and advocacy.