Nez Perce

NEZ

moribund

Alternate Names: Nuumiipuutimt, Nuumiipuutímt

Dialects: Downriver Nez Perce, Upriver Nez Perce.

Genealogy:

Sahaptian

Demographics: 100 (1997 H. Aoki), decreasing. Spoken fluently only by a handful of elders on Nez Perce and Colville Reservations. 30–40 semispeakers, mostly in Idaho (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 610 (2000 census).

Language Use: Shifting to English [eng]. Older adults.

Language Development: A class in Nez Perce is taught on Umatilla Reservation. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1845–1876.

Writing System: Latin

Nation of Origin: United States

Other Comments: Conversational Nez Perce taught in Nespelem, Washington. There is a formal program of Nez Perce language instruction at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho as well as an independent program run by the tribe itself on the Idaho reservation, in Lapwai, Kamiah, and Orofino, Idaho.