Hear the unique language of the Tunica-Biloxi people, learn how it guides the tribe

Trinity Velazquez
·2 min read

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Tunica-Biloxi people’s presence in Louisiana runs as deep as their history. As one of four federally recognized tribes in the state, its unique language and culture is unlike any other in the South.

The tribe is scattered across Louisiana, Illinois and Texas. There are 1,500 members in a cluster of five groups: Tunica, Biloxi, Ofo, Avoyelles and Choctaw.

Ryan Lopez, a language instructor with the tribe’s Language and Culture Revitalization Program, said the Tunica language is isolated and not related to any other in the world.

“It is also spoken differently depending on who you talk to. A man talking to a man is different than a man talking to a woman,” Lopez said.

Some common Tunica words are:

  • Heni, which means “hello.”

  • Hita, which means “take care.”

  • Ko’o, which means “awesome. “

Video: Elisabeth Mora from the Tunica-Biloxi tribe pronouncing Tunica words.

According to Lopez, the language is associated with the Mississippi Valley, but since it’s isolated, it formed on its own.

Lopez said the Biloxi language is a Siouan language and is very rare in the South.

“You will mostly encounter a Siouan language in the Northern areas and Canada. As we are currently working on revitalizing the Biloxi language, you would not hear it as much, but we are using it,” he said. “Because it is a Siouan language, it more than likely originated in the Northern areas and made its way south due to the Mississippi River and its many waterways.”

Common Biloxi words include Baŝu, which means “hello.” and Čǫki, which means “dog.”

Video: Elisabeth Mora from the Tunica-Biloxi tribe pronouncing Biloxi words.

Lopez said it’s crucial to preserve and teach the language, along with the tribe’s culture and history.

“That is what makes us, well, us. Without any of it, how could we exist? All of them help teach us, guide us and aid us in our life in so many ways,” Lopez said.

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Those interested in learning more about the tribe’s language and culture can visit the “Mitoloji Latannyèr/Mythologies Louisianaises” exhibit at Capital Park Museum through December 2024.

The exhibit will have paintings, pictures and stories translated into English, Kouri-Vini or Louisiana Creole, a special tale in Tunica and Louisiana and International French.

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