H6113

Correct, Haida is a language isolate.

These isolate and Cascadian languages are known for their complex phonetic systems, particularly their substantial number of dorsal obstruents (restricting air flow in the throat). Tlingit, for example, has ~24 different stop consonants and fricatives in the velar, uvular, and glottal areas (as well as five different lateral obstruents). One needs to learn how to utter these sounds in one’s youth to develop the muscles needed. Without early training, many of these languages are impossible to speak. (Source: see URLs recommended; when Winston Churchill suggested using longbow archers in WW I, he was told they take 20 years of hard training to develop, and one must start young.)

On which islands did (and do) the Haida reside today?

Both of the below, new name – old name
Haida Gwaii
Queen Charlottes

Comments, content, questions appreciated; email bb@plc215.org

Copyright © 2024