Tsimshianic Languages - Family Division

Family Division

Tsimshianic consists of 4 lects:

1. Tsimshian (AKA Maritime Tsimshianic, Lower Tsimshian, Northern Tsimshian)
   • Coast Tsimshian (AKA Tsimshian proper, Sm’algyax̣, Sm’algax)
   • Southern Tsimshian (AKA Sgüüx̣s)
2. Nass–Gitksan (AKA Interior Tsimshianic, Inland Tsimshianic)
   • Nisga’a (AKA Nisqa’a, Nisg̱a’a, Nishga, Nisgha, Niska, Nass, Nishka)
   • Gitksan (AKA Gitxsan, Gitksanimx̣)

Coast Tsimshian is spoken along the lower Skeena River in Northwestern British Columbia, on some neighbouring islands, and to the north at New Metlakatla, Alaska. Southern Tsimshian is spoken on an island quite far south of the Skeena River in the village of Klemtu. Southern Tsimshian is severely endangered, nearing extinction. Nisga’a is spoken along the Nass River. Gitksan is spoken along the Upper Skeena River around Hazelton and other areas.

Nisga’a and Gitksan are very closely related and are usually considered dialects of the same language by linguists. However, speakers from both groups consider themselves ethnically separate from each other and from the Tsimshian and thus consider Nisga’a and Gitksan to be separate languages. Coast and Southern Tsimshian are also often regarded as dialects of the same language.