History Today | 21/01/2015: Loss of Eyak Language

Marie Smith Jones, one of the last speaker of Eyak. (photo: zmescience.com)

Eyak is one of the languages native who lived around the mouth of the Copper River, south-central Alaska. This language was officially declared extinct after the death of the original speakers on January 21, 2008.

Eyak or commonly called the Na-Dene language is a language family of Eyak tribe. But when the Tlingit tribe that migrated along the Pacific coast of Alaska, acculturation occurs between the two ethnic groups, the Tlingit language is more often used. In addition, along with the spread of English in Alaska led to a decrease in the use of Eyak.

One native speaker of Eyak is Marie Smith Jones, an activist for indigenous rights and conservation. Throughout his life, Jones helped the University of Alaska compile an Eyak dictionary, in the hope of continued sustainable language to the next generation. Unfortunately, women who are heavy smokers did not have a successor of preserving the spirit of Eyak.

Although already married and had 9 children during her life, none of whom inherited the mother's struggle. After her death, Eyak officially declared extinct.