How the Chitimacha language was nearly lost—and is now undergoing a renaissance
I talk about the history of the Chitimacha language, how new words are created for awakening languages, and the tribe’s remarkable story of linguistic revitalization on this episode of the Butter No Parsnips podcast:
I talk about the history of the Chitimacha language, how new words are created for awakening languages, and the tribe’s remarkable story of linguistic revitalization on this episode of the Butter No Parsnips podcast:
September 29, 2026 at 4:25 PM
How the Chitimacha language was nearly lost—and is now undergoing a renaissance
I talk about the history of the Chitimacha language, how new words are created for awakening languages, and the tribe’s remarkable story of linguistic revitalization on this episode of the Butter No Parsnips podcast:
I talk about the history of the Chitimacha language, how new words are created for awakening languages, and the tribe’s remarkable story of linguistic revitalization on this episode of the Butter No Parsnips podcast:
I don’t talk about it much on here, but my full-time job is working with a Native American tribe in Louisiana called the Chitimacha to help them revitalize their language.
March 19, 2026 at 2:15 PM
I don’t talk about it much on here, but my full-time job is working with a Native American tribe in Louisiana called the Chitimacha to help them revitalize their language.
The Chitimacha language was once thought to be extinct, but today is undergoing a renaissance as young people learn the language again.
Here is a text in the Chitimacha language.
Here is a text in the Chitimacha language.
July 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The Chitimacha language was once thought to be extinct, but today is undergoing a renaissance as young people learn the language again.
Here is a text in the Chitimacha language.
Here is a text in the Chitimacha language.
For years, the Chitimacha tribe of Louisiana has been working with linguists to revitalize the Chitimacha language. While the language lost its last native fluent speakers in the 1930s, efforts to teach and speak the language continue to grow.
LSU finds new athletic director, continues search for head football coach; Chitimacha language revitalization efforts
Today on Louisiana Considered, we learn all about LSU’s new athletic director and hear about some of the names in mind to replace Brian Kelly as head football coach. We also discuss modern and…
www.wwno.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:35 PM
For years, the Chitimacha tribe of Louisiana has been working with linguists to revitalize the Chitimacha language. While the language lost its last native fluent speakers in the 1930s, efforts to teach and speak the language continue to grow.
The sovereign nations of the Atakapa, Caddo, Chitimacha, Choctaw, Houma, Natchez and Tunica all of a sudden never existed now? Colonial brain is so wild.
December 24, 2024 at 9:54 PM
The sovereign nations of the Atakapa, Caddo, Chitimacha, Choctaw, Houma, Natchez and Tunica all of a sudden never existed now? Colonial brain is so wild.
How the Chitimacha tribe of Louisiana heard their language spoken for the first time in 70 years, with @dannybate.bsky.social
March 19, 2026 at 9:01 PM
How the Chitimacha tribe of Louisiana heard their language spoken for the first time in 70 years, with @dannybate.bsky.social
Series 3 of ALILI ends with this smashing episode about Chitimacha, an indigenous language of Louisiana! My guest @linguisticdiscovery.com and I discuss the language's history, revitalisation, grammar, and even the part it's played in the story of linguistics.
Listen here:
pod.link/1703401848/e...
Listen here:
pod.link/1703401848/e...
March 18, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Series 3 of ALILI ends with this smashing episode about Chitimacha, an indigenous language of Louisiana! My guest @linguisticdiscovery.com and I discuss the language's history, revitalisation, grammar, and even the part it's played in the story of linguistics.
Listen here:
pod.link/1703401848/e...
Listen here:
pod.link/1703401848/e...
Have a listen at the links!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Chitimacha and Daniel W. Hieber
A Language I Love Is... · Episode
open.spotify.com
March 19, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Have a listen at the links!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
But this week I appeared on the podcast “A Language I Love Is…” to talk all about Chitimacha! Host Danny Bate @dannybate.bsky.social and I also discuss language endangerment and revitalization, language isolates, and a bit of the history of linguistics.
March 19, 2026 at 2:15 PM
But this week I appeared on the podcast “A Language I Love Is…” to talk all about Chitimacha! Host Danny Bate @dannybate.bsky.social and I also discuss language endangerment and revitalization, language isolates, and a bit of the history of linguistics.
In ground firing of 2 different vessels at the Chitimacha cultural office to demonstrate blackening a pot vs creating an oxidized finish. #ceramics #archaeology
June 23, 2025 at 4:07 AM
In ground firing of 2 different vessels at the Chitimacha cultural office to demonstrate blackening a pot vs creating an oxidized finish. #ceramics #archaeology
Creole: Me
18x24
A self-portrait
#mardigras #art #acrylicpainting #painting #blackart #blackartist #louisianacreole #Cajun ##indegenous #nolasky #Genocide #resist #kouri-vini #Voodoo #selfportrait #senegal #chitimacha #France #spain #acadiana
18x24
A self-portrait
#mardigras #art #acrylicpainting #painting #blackart #blackartist #louisianacreole #Cajun ##indegenous #nolasky #Genocide #resist #kouri-vini #Voodoo #selfportrait #senegal #chitimacha #France #spain #acadiana
March 5, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Creole: Me
18x24
A self-portrait
#mardigras #art #acrylicpainting #painting #blackart #blackartist #louisianacreole #Cajun ##indegenous #nolasky #Genocide #resist #kouri-vini #Voodoo #selfportrait #senegal #chitimacha #France #spain #acadiana
18x24
A self-portrait
#mardigras #art #acrylicpainting #painting #blackart #blackartist #louisianacreole #Cajun ##indegenous #nolasky #Genocide #resist #kouri-vini #Voodoo #selfportrait #senegal #chitimacha #France #spain #acadiana
The region where Chitimacha was traditionally spoken
July 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The region where Chitimacha was traditionally spoken
WiP
VOODOO: Chiti
Update on Chiti. I'm thinking the Catfish's name is Seven...but some call em Jeff
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #catfish #voodoo #conceptart #blackartist #indigenous #abandoned
VOODOO: Chiti
Update on Chiti. I'm thinking the Catfish's name is Seven...but some call em Jeff
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #catfish #voodoo #conceptart #blackartist #indigenous #abandoned
May 21, 2026 at 11:25 PM
WiP
VOODOO: Chiti
Update on Chiti. I'm thinking the Catfish's name is Seven...but some call em Jeff
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #catfish #voodoo #conceptart #blackartist #indigenous #abandoned
VOODOO: Chiti
Update on Chiti. I'm thinking the Catfish's name is Seven...but some call em Jeff
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #catfish #voodoo #conceptart #blackartist #indigenous #abandoned
WiP
VOODOO: Chiti
Workin on the Catfish Lady. She's HIM...and a lil toxic😉
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #fish #voodoo
VOODOO: Chiti
Workin on the Catfish Lady. She's HIM...and a lil toxic😉
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #fish #voodoo
March 13, 2026 at 4:20 PM
WiP
VOODOO: Chiti
Workin on the Catfish Lady. She's HIM...and a lil toxic😉
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #fish #voodoo
VOODOO: Chiti
Workin on the Catfish Lady. She's HIM...and a lil toxic😉
#screenwriting #art #red #portrait #Chitimacha #Creole #Cajun #Louisianaartist #Acadiana #fish #voodoo
Listen to the entire interview here!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Chitimacha and Daniel W. Hieber
A Language I Love Is... · Episode
open.spotify.com
March 19, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Listen to the entire interview here!
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6yI7...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
This happens to be exactly what I’m doing with the Chitimacha tribe as well. We’re creating a modern dictionary and grammar book based on materials from the 1930s and before, including wax cylinder audio recordings! Read more here:
linguisticdiscovery.com/posts/renais...
linguisticdiscovery.com/posts/renais...
Renaissance on the bayou: Revitalizing the Chitimacha language
The Chitimacha language was once thought to be extinct, but today is undergoing a renaissance as young people learn the language again.
linguisticdiscovery.com
August 3, 2025 at 7:35 PM
This happens to be exactly what I’m doing with the Chitimacha tribe as well. We’re creating a modern dictionary and grammar book based on materials from the 1930s and before, including wax cylinder audio recordings! Read more here:
linguisticdiscovery.com/posts/renais...
linguisticdiscovery.com/posts/renais...
Lovely start to #lsa2026 with prayer from Chitimacha cultural program #linguistics
January 8, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Lovely start to #lsa2026 with prayer from Chitimacha cultural program #linguistics
I will seriously at some point recover all of the potterymaking supplies from in & around the old shed.
Here is 2-gal of Bayou Teche clay from the Chitimacha Reservation. Collected it while I was finding them a good local clay source. #ceramics #archaeology
Here is 2-gal of Bayou Teche clay from the Chitimacha Reservation. Collected it while I was finding them a good local clay source. #ceramics #archaeology
March 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I will seriously at some point recover all of the potterymaking supplies from in & around the old shed.
Here is 2-gal of Bayou Teche clay from the Chitimacha Reservation. Collected it while I was finding them a good local clay source. #ceramics #archaeology
Here is 2-gal of Bayou Teche clay from the Chitimacha Reservation. Collected it while I was finding them a good local clay source. #ceramics #archaeology
Pots, temper processing tools, etc. we displayed during a native pottery making workshop we held at the Chitimacha cultural office in the early 2000s. #ceramics #archaeology
June 15, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Pots, temper processing tools, etc. we displayed during a native pottery making workshop we held at the Chitimacha cultural office in the early 2000s. #ceramics #archaeology
Episode Page: www.butternoparsnipspodcast.com/episodes/j88...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5tJL...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/2...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5tJL...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/2...
201. Language Revitalization: How Linguists Revive Lost Languages with Danny Hieber — Butter No Parsnips Podcast
This week, Kyle and Emily talk with linguist Daniel W. Hieber, Ph.D. (@linguisticdiscovery) about typology, his work with the Chitimacha tribe, and what it takes to revitalize a language. And as…
www.butternoparsnipspodcast.com
September 29, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Episode Page: www.butternoparsnipspodcast.com/episodes/j88...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5tJL...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/2...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5tJL...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/2...
Myself and Erin Daniels, cultural instructor with the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, went on New Orleans Public Radio this week to discuss historical and modern efforts to revitalize the language. @npr.org
Listen at any of the links below. Our segment starts around 9:35.
Listen at any of the links below. Our segment starts around 9:35.
November 13, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Myself and Erin Daniels, cultural instructor with the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, went on New Orleans Public Radio this week to discuss historical and modern efforts to revitalize the language. @npr.org
Listen at any of the links below. Our segment starts around 9:35.
Listen at any of the links below. Our segment starts around 9:35.
Louisiane languages have been destroyed and created by various nationalization efforts and most are on the verge of extinction due to the Americanization of Louisiana— Kouri-Vini, Chitimacha, Cajun French, Chahta, Louisiana Spanish, Atakapa, etc.
Shout out to reinvigorated preservation efforts!
Shout out to reinvigorated preservation efforts!
One of the largest killers of language outside of colonization is nationalization. Most countries did not speak one language. When they began to rally around nationalism, the other languages in a the country became eradicated. Italian wasn't widely spoken until mid-20th century, French the late 19th
'Humanity might once have spoken many more languages than it does today, with tens of thousands in use between 3,000 and 1,000 years ago. This far exceeds the more than 7,500 unique languages now used worldwide.' 1/2
July 25, 2026 at 3:25 AM
Louisiane languages have been destroyed and created by various nationalization efforts and most are on the verge of extinction due to the Americanization of Louisiana— Kouri-Vini, Chitimacha, Cajun French, Chahta, Louisiana Spanish, Atakapa, etc.
Shout out to reinvigorated preservation efforts!
Shout out to reinvigorated preservation efforts!