Western Apache people

Because of dialectical differences, the Pinaleño/Pinal and Arivaipa/Aravaipa bands of the San Carlos Apache pronounce the word as Innee or Nnēē:.

The Navajo speak a related Apachean language, but the peoples separated several hundred years ago and are considered culturally distinct.

They do agree that there are three main Apachean dialects, with several sub-groupings: Some 20,000 Western Apache still speak their native language, and the tribes are working to preserve it.

Bilingual teachers are often employed in the lower elementary grades to promote that goal, but many children tend to learn to speak only the widely spoken English, mingled with occasional Spanish, depending on their home languages.

In relation to culture, tribal schools offer classes in native handicrafts, such as basket weaving; making bows, arrows, spears, shields; and cradles for infants.

The Dine called the Tonto Apache and neighboring Yavapai Dilzhʼíʼ dinéʼiʼ – ‘People with high-pitched voices’, distinguishing them by language.