Language Program

Welcome to our Lushootseed language resources. Here you will find information that will help you learn more about the language traditionally spoken by the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.

Listen to a greeting in Lushootseed:

Historically the Snoqualmie people’s language was not a written language. There was no name to call this language that has been spoken since time immemorial until a man named Thom Hess coined (when someone creates new words) the name of this region’s language to be called Lushootseed.

There are several dialects of the Lushootseed language. Two main ones are the Northern dialect, and the other is a Southern dialect, which is the dialect the Snoqualmie’s originally preferred to speak. Today, the Snoqualmie’s speak the Southern txʷəlšucid dialect due to the vast variety of language materials. These materials were created from the efforts of those that are now passed on that had the foresight to create a nonexistent writing system and audially record first speakers as the use of their native language declined and English became dominate in the Puget Sound region.

Today, these resources have been vital for the work that has been done to restore the language within the tribal community. Even some folks who live on Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands are taking time to learn Lushootseed. It is encouraging to now have Lushootseed be embraced by the greater community not just with individuals but at local Montessori schools, public schools, colleges, businesses, libraries, museums, educational materials, public recreational trails, street signage, and more.

Although effort has been made to restore Lushootseed in tribal communities, the Lushootseed language has been labeled as “Critically Endangered”.

The Snoqualmie Tribe is proud of the work that has been done for nearly two decades to create a community of speakers that are actively restoring the language to its peoples.

To learn more about endangered languages in the United States, visit this Wikipedia page about a List of endangered languages in the United States.

Lushootseed Flashcards

The Snoqualmie Tribe’s Lushootseed Flashcards feature Lushootseed vocabulary and related images. Each group of vocabulary includes a PDF document and accompanying audio pages to listen to each word or phrase. See an example below.

Common Lushootseed Language

Common phrases, commands, questions, words, and greetings can be used in year-round Lushootseed practice. When Lushootseed is included in everyday life there is a higher chance of retaining the language for future generations.

“Months of the Year in Lushootseed”

Holidays in Lushootseed

To celebrate the holidays in a special way, these written phrases and audio examples can help you practice greetings and phrases for the holidays.