Apache (Ndéé)
Apache is an Athabaskan (Na-Dene) language spoken by about 15,000
in Arizona and New Mexico. There are in fact two Apache languages:
Western Apache and Eastern Apache, each of which has a number of
dialects, including Jicarilla, Lipan, Kiowa-Apache, Chiricahua, and
Mescalero. The Apache and Navajo languages are closely related.
The name Apache probably comes from the Yuma word for “fighting-men”
and/or from apachu, which means “enemy” in Zuni. This was what
the Zuni called the Navajo, who in turn were called Apaches de Nabaju
by the early Spanish explorers in New Mexico. They call themselves N’de,
Inde or Tinde, which all mean “the people”.
Apache pronunciation
Sample text in Apache
‘Iłk’id́ą, k ǫǫ yá’édįná’a.
‘Ákoo Tł’ízhe hooghéí dá’áíná bikǫ’ ‘óliná’a.
‘Ákoo Tł’ízheí gotál yiis’́ąná’a.
‘Ákoo Mai’áee híłghoná’a.
Gotál jiis’́ąí ‘áee, Mai tsíbąąee naaná’azhishná’a.
‘Ákoo bitseeí tsínáiłgoná’a.
Translation
Long ago, there was no fire.
Then only those who are called Flies had fire.
Then the Flies held a ceremony.
And Coyote came there.
At that place where they held the ceremony,
Coyote danced around and around at the edge of the fire.
And he continually poked his tail in the fire.
From: Coyote Obtains Fire, by Lawrence Mithlo
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/apache/frames/A-Ech10.html
Links
English to Apache Speaking Dictionary
http://www.wusd.k12.az.us/Links/Staff/BGood/Apachedictionary/Apachedict.html
Online Apache Texts
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/apache/
http://apache-texts.co.nr
Information about the Apache language
http://www.native-languages.org/apache.htm
http://jeff.scott.tripod.com/apache.html
http://www.greatdreams.com/apache/apache-index.htm
White Mountain Apache Tride
http://www.wmat.nsn.us
Jicarilla Apache Nation
http://www.jicarillaonline.com
Yavapai-Apache Nation
http://www.yavapai-apache.org