Itelmen

A language of Russian Federation

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Itelymem, Kamchadal, Kamchatka, Western Itelmen

Population

80 (2010 census), decreasing. Ethnic population: 3,200 (2002 census).

Location

Kamchatka Peninsula, west coast, Tigil region, Kamchatka District, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskij.

Language Status

8b (Nearly extinct).

Classification

Dialects

Sedanka, Xajrjuzovo.

Language Use

Shifting to Russian [rus]. Home. Mainly older adults. Neutral to mildly positive attitudes.

Language Development

Taught in primary schools. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1996.

Language Resources

Writing

Cyrillic script.

Other Comments

1950s–1980s the state sent children to boarding schools. Traditional religion.