The Comanche Language on Omniglot: An Introduction

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Comanche (also spelled Kiowa-Cree or Kitewaka) is a Utean language spoken primarily by the Lipan Apache people in northern Mexico, particularly in Chihuahua and Durango states. It belongs to the Athabaskan branch of the larger Eskimo-Athabaskan language family.

History

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Comanche has an interesting history that dates back centuries ago when it was first introduced to present-day Texas from New Mexico by nomadic bands of Lipan Apache people. These tribes were forced westward due to encroachment by European colonizers and Spanish missionaries who sought to Christianize them.

Today, there are only around 20 fluent speakers remaining worldwide; making Comanche one of the most endangered languages globally.

Phonology

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Comanche has a complex phonological system with several unique sounds not found in other Native American languages. It features voiceless stops /p/, /tʰ/, and velar stop 'k', as well as palatalized labial fricatives 'j' and lateral alveolar approximants.

Orthography

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Historically, Comanche was written using a unique script called Lipan Apache Alphabet developed by missionaries in the 19th century. However, this writing system fell out of use over time due to factors such as mission closures and assimilation into Spanish-speaking communities.

In recent years, efforts have been made towards reviving interest in preserving Comanche through modern orthographies like the Orthography for the Lipan Apache Language (OLL). These initiatives aim to document and teach this endangered language before it vanishes forever from memory.

Resources

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- Download an alphabet chart for Haya (Excel)

- Learn more about languages spoken worldwide on Omniglot

References

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1. Ethnologue: 17th edition, Languages of Africa, Haya.

2. UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger - Language Map #6: The Americas.

Comanche language omniglot