Omaha-Ponca

A language of United States

ISO 639: oma
Alternate Names: Cegiha, Dhegiha, Mahairi, Ponka, Ppankka, Umanhan
Population: 85 (Golla 2007). Ethnic population: 525 (2000 census). 365 Omaha and 160 Ponca (2000 census).
Location:: Nebraska: Macy and Walthill (Omaha dialect); Iowa: south of Sioux City, east bank, Missouri river; Oklahoma: Red Rock area (Ponca dialect).
Language Status: 8a (Moribund). Language of registered tribe: Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.
Classification: Siouan-Catawban, Siouan, Mississippi Valley-Ohio Valley Siouan, Mississippi Valley Siouan, Dhegihan
Dialects: Omaha, Ponca. Ponca and Omaha are completely mutually intelligible, Reportedly similar to Osage [osa], Quapaw [qua], and Kansa [ksk].
Language Use: Formally for prayers, especially at funerals, for songs, powwow announcements, but usually translated into English [eng] for nonspeakers present. Older adults only. All shifted to English [eng].
Language Development: Dictionary. Grammar. Omaha language program at Umonhon Nation Public School Culture Center in Walthill. Taught at tribal college and at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Ponca language program at Red Rock high school (Golla 2007).
Other Comments: Traditional religion, Baha’i, Christian, Mormon.

Location: Nebraska: Macy and Walthill (Omaha dialect); Iowa: south of Sioux City, east bank, Missouri river; Oklahoma: Red Rock area (Ponca dialect).