Who Speaks Wukchumni?

Throughout the United States, many Native American languages are struggling to survive. According to Unesco, more than 130 of these languages are currently at risk, with 74 languages considered “critically endangered.” These languages preserve priceless cultural heritage, and some hold unexpected value — nuances in these languages convey unparalleled knowledge of the natural world. Many of these at-risk languages are found in California. Now for some, only a few fluent speakers remain.

This Op-Doc that recently ran in the New York Times tells the story of Marie Wilcox, the last fluent speaker of the Wukchumni language, and the dictionary she has created.

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