Revitalizing Secwepemctsín Kinship Terms:
How kinship terms are shifting during the resurgence of Secwepemctsín among Símpcwemc
Presenter(s)
Affiliation
Topic
Neo-speakers and Re-indigenization (Revernacularization)
Type
Papers
Abstract
This paper explores the evolution of Secwepemctsín kinship terms among Simpcw speakers, particularly how the resurgence of the language may be influencing a shift in how kinship terms are used. Drawing on Elmendorf’s (1961) hypothesis that Salish kinship terms have gone through reductions, this study examines whether something similar is occurring in modern Secwepemctsín. This paper focusses on the increasing use of túm̓e as a generalized term for “aunt,” replacing gender- and lineage-specific terms such as k̓úy̓e (mother’s sister, boy speaker) and tíkwe7 (father’s sister). This shift seems to be driven by the predominance of female language learners in Simpcw. Additionally, this paper considers whether similar trends are emerging for other kinship terms, such as úq̓wi (same-gender sibling/cousin), which may be gaining prominence over smé7stem (opposite-gender sibling/cousin). The findings suggest that as Simpcw families increasingly use Secwepemctsín in daily life, simplifications and social influences are shaping the use of kinship terms. However, given the lack of formal documentation on these changes, further research is needed to determine whether this trend is specific to Simpcw or part of a larger occurrence in Secwepemctsín language revitalization. Understanding these shifts is critical for both linguistic preservation and community-led language planning efforts.
