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Kikapu
Data gathered by the Latin Union, engaged to promote the cultural heritages of their 37 state members.
Data on Kikapu
Alternative names: Kikapú, Kikaapoa, Kicapus, Kickapoo, Kikabeeux, Kikapaux, Kikapoo, Kuicapause
Classification: Algic
Note. Kikapu is generally considered close to Fox (or Mesquakie) and Sauk (or Sac). Mithun (1999) regards them as three variants of the same dialectal group, with around a thousand speakers all together.
Area: USA (Illinois), Mexico (Cohahuila)
Number of speakers:
138 in Mexico (INALI figures). Nearly 400 in USA (UNESCO figures).
Language status:
USA (Illinois) No official status
Mexico (Cohahuila) No official status
Vitality & transmission:
The UNESCO considers Kikapu as “seriously endangered” (level 3 on a scale of 5). Most native speakers are very old, and the language is probably no longer passed on in family circles.
Sources, bibliography & links for more information
Instituto Nacional de Lenguas Indígenas – INALI (2005), Catálogo de lenguas indígenas mexicanas: Cartografía contemporánea de sus asentamientos históricos
Mithun, Marianne (1999). The languages of native North America. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Database and language typology:
http://www.unicaen.fr/typo_langues/consultation_langue.php?malang=fr&code_SIL=KIC&langue=Kikapu
Native-languages.org page on Kikapu (English):
http://www.native-languages.org/kickapoo.htm
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have more information on this language: contact@sorosoro.org