Alex speaking Karankawa

This video was recorded by Alex Perez in the U.S. State of California, where he lives and works. His heritage language, Karankawa, is the traditional language of the Karankawa people, an indigenous North American community originating in what is now southern Texas. Following a series of extended conflicts with Spanish settlers, and later, the Mexican and U.S. governments, the Karankawa community was forced to resettle and eventually disbanded. As a result, the language fell into decline: by 1858, no native speakers remained. Today, in the absence of a federally-recognized tribal government, support for linguistic revitalization remains sparse. However, a movement to revive Karankawa has emerged, thanks to the work of cultural descendants like Alex. If you’re a part of this movement and would like to contribute to Wikitongues, you can reach us at hello@wikitongues.org.