Definition

Noun: 1. The Yuman language spoken by the Walapai people: A Native American language belonging to the Yuman language family, traditionally spoken by the Walapai people. 2. A member of the Walapai people: An individual belonging to a North American Indigenous people historically living in the Colorado River valley region of northwestern Arizona.

Usage Examples

• As a language:
  • Linguists are working to document and revitalize the Walapai language.
  • Fewer than 200 fluent speakers of Walapai remain.
• As a person:
  • She is a Walapai and a respected elder in her community.
  • The museum exhibit was curated in collaboration with several Walapai historians.

Advanced Usage

• The term Walapai is often used in anthropological, linguistic, and historical contexts. The people are also officially known as the Hualapai, which is the preferred spelling and term used by the tribe itself (Hualapai Tribe). In formal or contemporary contexts, "Hualapai" is more accurate and respectful.

Variants and Related Words

• Hualapai (noun): The preferred contemporary term for both the people and the language. This spelling reflects the tribe's own orthography and pronunciation.
• Yuman (adjective/noun): Referring to the language family that includes Walapai/Hualapai, as well as other languages like Mojave and Quechan.

Synonyms

• Hualapai (for both meanings).
• For : Hualapai language.
• For : Hualapai tribal member.

Related Phrases

• Walapai Tribe / Hualapai Tribe: The sovereign Native American nation.
• Walapai language preservation / Hualapai language revitalization: Efforts to maintain and teach the language.

Noun

1. the Yuman language spoken by the Walapai
2. a member of a North American people formerly living in the Colorado river valley in Arizona