Language Information
Lakota is a Native American language spoken by the Lakota people, who live in the Great Plains region of the US. It is a member of the Siouan language family and is closely related to other Sioux languages.
Lakota is dangerously close to extinction, with less than a third of the total Lakota population being able to speak the language. Recent linguistic surveys showing around 2,000 speakers of Lakota (speakers of all abilities), on and around the reservations of North Dakota and South Dakota. These speakers are primarily older adults, with the language not readily being taught to the younger generation. However, revitalization efforts are underway.
At Indiana University, the American Indian Studies Research Institute has ongoing research projects and the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center offers additional resources and events throughout the year. Lakota courses are occasionally offered by the Department of Anthropology.