Flutes of Fire

An essential book on Californias Indigenous languages, updated for the first time in over 25 years.Before outsiders arrived, about one hundred distinct Indigenous languages were spoken in California, and many of them are in use today. Since its original publication in 1994, Flutes of Fire has become one of the classic books about Californias many Native languages. It is written to be approachable, entertaining, and informativeuseful for people doing language revitalization work in their own communities, for linguists, and for a general readership interested in Californias rich cultural heritage. With significant updates by the author, this is the first new edition of Flutes of Fire in over 25 years. New chapters highlight the exciting efforts of language activists in recent times, as well as contemporary writing in several of Californias Native languages. Both a practical guide and a joy to read, Flutes of Fire is an essential book for anyone who cares about the Indigenous languages of California and their flourishing for many generations to come.