For example, kofe (coffee) and chay (tea) are Russian words that have been added to the vocabularies of the Unangan (Aleut), Alutiiq (Sugpiaq), and Yup'ik.
Jackson implemented an "English Only" policy within the school, legal, and political systems, and any violation of the rule was met with physical and mental punishments and abuse.
[6] Alaska Native languages are being recorded and transcribed today in the hopes of having them revitalized through the use of these published dictionaries and grammar books.
[8] These languages are not limited solely to Alaska since their speakers were among northern North America before state and country borders were established.
This law, effective as of 2015, recognizes Inupiaq, Siberian Yupik, Central Alaskan Yup'ik, Alutiiq, Unangax, Dena'ina, Deg Xinag, Holikachuk, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwim, Gwich'in, Tanana, Upper Tanana, Tanacross, Hän, Ahtna, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian as official state languages.
This means that the deliverance of messages is as much through nonverbal cues such as body language, silence, and eye contact.
[12] For instance, many Alaska Native languages determine silence to be a sign of respect and a demonstration that one is listening.
Practice of Alaska Native languages often follows a didactic pattern, using stories and anecdotes to teach morals and lessons.
[12] This is indicative of the importance of oral tradition in Tlingit culture, where information is passed down from elders to young learners.