Last native speaker: Ishi (1860 – 1916), USA The Yana language was spoken by the Yaqui Indians living in what is now California and using spanish translator. Ishi was the last representative of both the language and the tribe. His first name is a pseudonym which means “man” in his native language. In Indian society, it was considered taboo to say real names. His story is not at all joyful – when his family was killed, he began to hide. A group of hunters find him. Several documentaries and feature films have been made about his life to cover many …
Extinct language: Yana
