Apache consists of two languages comprising the Eastern and Western Apache. These spoken languages are Atheabaskan (Na-Dene) uttered in the Southwest territories (New Mexico, Texas and Arizona, Colorado, and Oklahoma). The Western and Eastern Apache languages are really alike even so due to the dissimilar characteristics in speaking the languages, if you are able to speak one of the languages you probably can’t speak; not to mention understand the other. These languages are often called tonal languages.

Numerous dialects of Eastern Apache exist, such as Jicarilla, Lipan, Kiowa-Apache. All the same, today very few can speak the Kiowa-Apache and Lipan laguages and they’re at risk of extinction. Also several dialects of Western Apache exist, such as Cibeque, San Carlos, Northern , Southern Tonto, and White Mountain.

Other than oral communication, Apaches also intercommunicated with the use of smoke signals from faraway distances. Symbols, pictures , and gestures were used to communicate and establish trade with other tribes.

The Navajo tribal language is closely related to Apache. The phonemics used in Navajo is also similarly employed in the Apache linguistic process. All four vowels (a,e,i,o) are toned in the nasal passage using highs, lows and long combinations.

English, which is the National Language of the United States is sweeping over these American Indian languages. Those who can speak the language are dying and those that have the opportunity to learn it aren’t fluent in speaking the language. With today the need to speak a native language isn’t a priority when English can be used to conduct business or every day activities.

Conserving this language has been a priority. Presently there are 20,000 Western Apaches who can speak it in their natural language. Today the language continues to be instructed to elementry grades, but there English tends to prevail dispite their efforts to teach the Apache language. Nevertheless, classes continue to teach the language in addition to native crafts, making various native weapons such as bows and arrows and basket weaving. The native costumes are created from deer skins and crafting silver jewlery and trinkets is also taught.

The preservation of these languages seems bleak, however I do believe that the cuture will endure and go forward…