Kwak'wala-Speaking
/ˌkwɑːkˈwɑːlə ˈspiːkɪŋ/noun
Describing a person, community, or context that uses Kwak'wala, an Indigenous language of coastal British Columbia.
Did you know?Kwak'wala is one of several closely related Wakashan languages traditionally spoken by Kwakwaka'wakw communities, and its revitalization is now supported through immersion education and language programs.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-contact period
Kwak̓wala
Kwak̓wala
“The Indigenous language traditionally spoken by Kwakwaka'wakw communities; the name is commonly written with an apostrophe marking a distinctive consonant.”
19th Century
English
Kwak'wala
“An English transcription of the language name, with spelling varying among sources and communities.”
19th–20th Century
English
Kwakiutl
“A colonial English name associated especially with the Kwakwaka'wakw people; it was also used broadly and imprecisely for their language.”
20th Century
English
Kwak'wala-speaking
“An English compound adjective formed from the language name plus “speaking,” meaning using or speaking Kwak'wala.”
Modern English
English
Kwak'wala-speaking
“A respectful descriptive term used in linguistic, educational, cultural, and community contexts.”
Explore more surprising origins