While visiting our communities, you will be sure to hear Inuktitut, the language of Labrador Inuit. You may hear conversations spoken fully in Inuktitut, Inuktitut words spoken with English words, or maybe even some Inuktitut words mixed with an English word. The regional radio network, OKâlaKatiget broadcasts news in both English and Inuktitut.

The numbers of fluent speakers in Inuktitut have been declining in recent years but the Nunatsiavut Government has been playing an active role in reviving the language. A few of the many revival initiatives include the Labrador Inuktitut Training Program, Language Nests, and Rosetta Stone in Inuktitut. Inuktitut is also taught in all schools within Nunatsiavut.

Inuktitut Language & Pronunciation Guide

Pronunciation

Short Vowels – a i u
Long Vowels – â e o
Other Sounds – k=k, K=h, ng, dl

Good Morning – Ullâkut
Good Day – Ullusiakkut
Goodbye – Atsunai
It is a beautiful day – Ullusiangujuk
How are you? – Kanuivet?
What is he/she doing? – Kanuk pijuk angutik/annâk?
How is he/she? – Kanuivâ?
The woman is sewing – Annak mitsujuk
Our beautiful land – Nunatsiavut
People of Nunatsiavut – Nunatsiavummiut
Resident of Nunatsiavut – Nunalik Nunatsiavummi
A person – Inuk
Whoever – Kinatuinnak
People – Inuit
Who they are – Kinakkut
Thank you – Nakummek
Yes – Ahali
No – Auka
Welcome – Ilâli