ABSTRACT
Na-Dené language from the Athabaskan family, belonging to the Apache languages, with approx. 140,000 speakers, esp. in Arizona.
Characteristics: tonal language (high and low tone) with complex consonant system. The verbs are morphologically complex (subject agreement, marking of aspect, mood, evidentiality, etc.); many portmanteau morphemes and suppletive formations. The numeral system is complex, with a dual, and plural forms marked on the verb that express repeated events or difference of the participants. Like many other Apache languages, Navajo possesses classifying verbs as well as a switch reference system (differentiation between proximate vs obviative personal pronouns.
