Inuinnaqtun (, ; natively meaning ) is an Inuit language. It is spoken in the central Canadian Arctic. It is related very closely to Inuktitut, and some scholars, such as Richard Condon, believe that Inuinnaqtun is more appropriately classified as a dialect of Inuktitut. The government of Nunavut recognises Inuinnaqtun as an official language in addition to Inuktitut, and together sometimes referred to as Inuktut.Official Languages Act, S.Nu. 2008, c. 10, s. 3(1) with Inuit Language Protection Act, S.Nu. 2008, c. 17, s. 1(2). It is spoken in the Northwest Territories as well and is recognised as an official language of the territory in addition to Inuvialuktun and Inuktitut.Official Languages Act, RSNWT 1988, c. O-1, s. 4 in its 2003 version; PWNHC: Official Languages of the Northwest Territories
Inuinnaqtun is used primarily in the communities of Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk and Gjoa Haven in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Outside Nunavut, it is spoken in the hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, where it is also known as Kangiryuarmiutun, forming a part of Inuvialuktun.Inuvialuit Cultural Centre: Inuvialuit Digital Library – Language Resources It is written using the Roman orthographyCBC Original Voices: Inuinnaqtun except in Gjoa Haven, where Inuit syllabics are used (as for Natsilingmiutut).
Phrases
English Inuinnaqtun pronunciationGoodbye Good morning How are you? I am fine I am good How about you? What are you doing? What are you going to do? I'm not going to do anything I love you I don't know Yes/Yeah No Who are you? Where are you from? Where am I? Who is that person? Where is the store? How much is this? Do you have a phone? Do you have a camera? Can you cut this? Would you like to go for a walk? This is nice I am going to work I am going home now I am hungry I need help (help me) I like those I will see you tomorrow My name is... I have a daughter I have a son Thanks Thank you Thank you very much You are welcome May I ask you a question? One Two Three Four Five Knife Fork Spoon Plate Cup That's all!
See also Natsilingmiutut Utkuhiksalik
References
Further reading
Harnum, Betty; McGrath, Janet; Kadlun, Margo. Inuinnaqtun Lessons Phase 1 : Copper Dialect of the Inuit Language. Cambridge Bay, N.W.T.: Kitikmeot Inuit Association, 1982. Harper, Kenn. Current Status of Writing Systems for Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun and Inuvialuktun. [Yellowknife, N.W.T.]: Northwest Territories, Culture and Communications, 1992. Ohokak, Gwen; Kadlun, Margo; Harnum, Betty. Inuinnaqtun-English Dictionary. Cambridge Bay, Nunavut: Nunavut Arctic College, 1996.
External links
Let's Speak Inuinnaqtun Inuktut Lexicon Atlas: Inuinnaqtun Word List Inuinnaqtun-English Dictionary (1996) Tuhaalanga: Learn Inuinnaqtun On-line Service Book of the Western Eskimos for Use in the Diocese of Mackenzie River Anglican liturgical text in Inuinnaqtun