Definition & Bedeutung von "Na-Dene languages"

What are "Na-Dene languages"?

Na-Dene languages are a family of Indigenous languages primarily spoken in North America, particularly in Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the southwestern United States. Major languages in this family include Navajo, Apache, and the various Athabaskan languages. Na-Dene languages are characterized by their complex verb morphology, which often includes multiple prefixes and suffixes, and a rich system of noun classification. These languages have deep cultural significance and are tied to the histories and identities of the Indigenous peoples who speak them. The study of Na-Dene languages offers insights into the linguistic diversity of North America, as well as the cultural practices and traditional knowledge of the communities that use these languages.