Ainu language

Ainu is a language spoken by the Ainu people, an indigenous group in northern Japan, particularly on Hokkaido. It is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no known relatives and is not part of any major language family. Ainu is characterized by its unique phonetic system and rich oral tradition, including folklore and songs. Despite its cultural significance, the language faced decline due to assimilation policies and modernization, leading to very few fluent speakers today. Efforts are ongoing to revitalize Ainu through education and cultural initiatives, reflecting a broader recognition of indigenous rights and heritage.