Image for A:shiwi (also A:shiwi language)

A:shiwi (also A:shiwi language)

A:shiwi, also known as the Zuni language, is a Native American language spoken by the Zuni people primarily in western New Mexico. It belongs to the Keresan language family and is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no known close relatives. A:shiwi has a complex system of sounds and grammar, and it plays a crucial role in preserving Zuni cultural identity and traditions. Despite historical pressures, efforts are ongoing to keep the language alive through education and community programs. It is valued both as a means of communication and as an important cultural heritage.