Chukchi language - Definition and Overview

Chukchi (Luoravetlan (in native language), Chukot, Chukcha) is a Palaeosiberian language spoken by circa 10,400 people (2001) (Chukchi) in the easternmost extremity of Siberia, mainly in the region called Chukotka. Its close relative, Koryak language is spoken by about half that number. The language together with Koryak, Kerek and Itelmen forms the Chukotko-Kamchatkan language family.

The Chukchi and Koryaks form a cultural unit with an economy based on reindeer herding and both have autonomy within the Russian federation.

The Russian word Chukchi is derived from Chukchi word Chauchu, meaning "rich in reindeer".

In the UNESCO Red Book the language is on the list of endangered languages.

The Chukchi language is written using Russian alphabet with two additional letters: Ӄӄ and Ӈӈ, plus the sign ʼ.