Atomín
| Atomín | |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | ætwɒmɪn |
| Native to | Tomikals |
Native speakers | L1: 12,000 (2021) L2: 24,000 (2021) Total: 36,000 |
| Manually coded English (multiple systems) | |
| Official status | |
Official language in |
|
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-1 | aí |
| ISO 639-2 | atí |
| ISO 639-3 | – |
Atomín (pronounced ætwɒmɪn) is an indigenous language spoken by the Atoím people in the northern regions of the Western Island of the Kaaima archipelago. It is primarily spoken in the state of Tomikals. As of 2021, Atomín has approximately 12,000 native speakers, with an additional 24,000 speakers who use it as a second language, bringing the total number of speakers to 36,000.
Classification
Atomín belongs to the Eskaleut language family, specifically within the Eskimo branch of the Inuit languages. Within the context of the Kaaima archipelago, Atomín is classified as one of the Kaaíma languages.
Script
The written form of Atomín utilizes the Latin script, and there is also a Braille adaptation for visually impaired individuals.
Status
Atomín is recognized as an official language in the state of Tomikals. However, its official status on a broader national or international scale is limited.
Geographical Distribution
The primary speakers of Atomín are concentrated in the northern areas of the Western Island of the Kaaima archipelago. It is predominantly spoken in rural and remote communities within the state of Tomikals.
Revitalization Efforts
Like many indigenous languages around the world, Atomín faces challenges related to language shift and decline in intergenerational transmission. Efforts are being made by local communities, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to preserve and revitalize Atomín through initiatives such as language immersion programs, documentation projects, and community language revitalization efforts.
Importance of Preservation
Preserving Atomín is not only crucial for maintaining the cultural heritage and identity of the Atoím people but also for biodiversity of languages and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems embedded within the language.
References
- List of countries and territories where English is an official language: 1 country - List of countries and territories where English is an official language: 0 non-sovereign entities