Tłı̨chǫ

Tłı̨chǫ (also spelled Tlicho, Dogrib) is a Dene language spoken by the Tłı̨chǫ people of the Northwest Territories, Canada. It belongs to the Athabaskan language family. The Tłı̨chǫ language is closely related to other Dene languages in the region, such as Slavey, Dehcho, and Dene Suline (Chipewyan).

The Tłı̨chǫ language is traditionally an oral language, though efforts have been made to develop a written form and documentation. There are ongoing initiatives to preserve and revitalize the language through education programs, language nests, and community involvement. These efforts aim to maintain its use and transmission to younger generations. The Tłı̨chǫ Government plays a significant role in these preservation and revitalization efforts. The language faces challenges related to the dominance of English and the decline of traditional language use in everyday life.

Tłı̨chǫ language has a complex system of verb conjugations and noun classifications. It is characterized by tone, which is used to distinguish between different words or meanings. The language also contains a rich vocabulary related to the natural environment, traditional culture, and practices of the Tłı̨chǫ people.