If You Can Pronounce These 7 Words, You Can Call Yourself An Alaskan
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Megan McDonald
Author
Alaskan words are some of the most beautiful sounds in the world. The state represents 20 distinct Alaskan languages spoken inside two main language groups. These have contributed to unique words that you won’t find anywhere else in the country! These beautiful sounds from the different regions carry the weight, history, and uniqueness of our awesome state. Let’s take a look at a few.
1. Nenana (neh-nan-uh)
The small town of Nenana, population <400, resides right on the banks of the Nenana River. This area is in the westernmost portion of Tanana territory. The Tanana are among the large Dené language family, also known as Athabascan. The name Nenana comes from the Athabascan word neenano meaning the stopping-while-migrating stream.
2. Eklutna (ee-kloot-nuh)
Eklutna, Anchorage, AK 99567, USA
Many Alaskans have visited Eklutna Lake. This stunning turquoise body of water is fed by Eklutna Glacier. This Dena'ina Athabascan village of Eklutna was established more than 800 years ago. It’s actually the oldest known settlement in the Anchorage area. The name of Eklutna derives from Idluytnu, the Dena’ina name for Eklutna River, meaning (plural) objects river, referring to two nearby hills.
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3. Williwaw (wil-li-waw)
A williwaw is a sudden, violent squall, usually blowing offshore from a mountainous coastline. This describes most of Alaska’s oceanfront, and we see our fair share of williwaws in the state.
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4. Chinook (shuh-nuk)
On the other side of the equation is a chinook. Words in Alaskan say chinook is a warm, dry wind that blows, usually at the end of winter. In fact, when the wind kicks up in early spring, most Alaskans know that warmer weather and "break up" is on its way!
5. Denali (duh-naa-lee)
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
Denali is the tallest mountain in all of North America. In Athabascan, it means the high one, and this is an apt descriptor of this stunning, imposing mountain. The name Denali stems from the word deenaalee. This word originates in the Koyukon language, traditionally spoken on the north side of the mountain.
6. Utqiaġvik (UUT-kee-AH-vik)
Utqiagvik, AK 99723, USA
This area has been home to the Iñupiat for more than 1,500 years. The city's Iñupiaq name actually refers to a place for gathering wild roots and is a derivative of the word potato. The town’s original name was in use until 1901, when non-Native Alaskans found Barrow of nearby Point Barrow easier to pronounce, and it made its way onto the local Post Office. In 2016, the town voted to change its name to Utqiaġvik.
7. Cheechako (chee-cha-ko)
A cheechako is someone new to Alaska or the Yukon and usually refers to a newcomer who hasn’t yet spent the winter in our great state.
Alaskan words are just as diverse as the state itself. Have you heard any of these before? Which one is your favorite? Are there any that you love that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
For more Alaskan words, read about these phrases that will make you swear Alaskans have their own language. If you’re thinking of traveling to The Last Frontier, reserve a room on Booking.com.
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More to Explore
State Parks In Alaska
What are some of the best state parks in Alaska?
- Wood-Tikchik State Park (Dillingham): It's hard to imagine this property is nearly 1.6 million acres making it the largest state park in the country. Such a huge space provides 12 lakes, rivers up to 60 miles long, mountains more than 5,000 feet tall, along with scenic lowlands. The park was created in 1978 to protect fish and wildlife breeding and to preserve the use of the land for many recreational activities and subsistence that provide a cultural tie to the land. Sign up for the unforgettable float that passes through five beautiful lakes and four shallow-water rivers. And if you're interested in spending the night or a week, the Agulukpak River Campground has a three-night stay limit that is a memorable and worthwhile activity.
- Gates of the Arctic National Park (Bettles): This vast and wild park offers no roads or trails. The enchanted land of 8.4 million acres is a place for discovery and exploration. Without cell phone service, visitors must be well-versed in survival skills, including caring for themselves in times of emergency. It is highly recommended not to traverse this country without a guide if you are not proficient in wilderness back-country skills. But options exist, such as local air taxis offering sightseeing tours and camping expeditions. And if you decide to go it alone, stop by one of the park's visitor centers for a backcountry orientation.
- Kachemak Bay State Park (Homer): Another amazing space is the first state park in Alaska. With about 400,000 acres of glaciers, forests, mountains, and ocean, the recreational options are endless. The park's outstanding and unusual scenery includes the bay's twisted rock formations from the movement of the earth's crust. Go boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Look for sea otters, whales, and porpoises.