Definition

Noun: 1. A Penutian language: A language belonging to the Penutian language family, historically spoken by the Maidu people in north-central California. 2. A member of the Maidu people: A person belonging to a North American Indian people whose traditional territory is east of the Sacramento River in California.

Usage Examples

• As a language:
  • Linguists are working to document and revitalize the Maidu language.
  • Few fluent speakers of Maidu remain today.
• As a person:
  • She is a Maidu and a respected elder in her community.
  • The basket was woven by a Maidu artisan using traditional techniques.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things related to the Maidu people or their culture.
  • We studied Maidu mythology and creation stories.
  • The museum has a collection of Maidu baskets.

Variants and Related Words

• Northeastern Maidu (or Mountain Maidu): Refers to a specific dialect or group within the Maidu people.
• Northwest Maidu (or Konkow): Refers to another distinct dialect or group.
• Nisenan (or Southern Maidu): Refers to a closely related but often considered distinct group and their language.

Synonyms

• For the person: Maiduan (less common, used in anthropological contexts).
• For the language: Maiduan (the language family name, sometimes used for the specific language).

Notes on Meaning

• The definition encompasses both an ethnic identity (a person) and a linguistic identity (a language). The correct meaning is usually clear from context.
• It is the name used by the people for themselves and is preferred over older, external designations.

Noun

1. a Penutian language spoken by the Maidu
2. a member of a North American Indian people living east of the Sacramento river in California