Definition & Meaning of "Salishan languages"

What are "Salishan languages"?

Salishan languages are a group of Native American languages spoken by Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest of North America, particularly in areas of British Columbia, Washington, and Montana. Major languages in this family include Salish, Spokane, and Coast Salish languages such as Lushootseed and Halkomelem. Salishan languages are characterized by complex phonetic systems, including a rich array of consonants and a system of vowel harmony. They often feature a unique grammatical structure, with an emphasis on verb forms and noun classification. The study of Salishan languages provides valuable insights into the cultural heritage, social structures, and histories of the Indigenous communities that speak them, as well as their efforts in language revitalization and preservation.