The Cupan languages are a branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family that comprises Cupeño, Ivilyuat (Cahuilla), Luiseño-Juaneño, and perhaps Nicoleño, all historically spoken in southern California.
The branch had long been considered to be part of the Takic subgroup, but there is doubt about the validity of Takic as a genetic unit, the similarities between the languages classed as Takic possibly being due primarily to borrowing.Shaul, D. L. (2014). A Prehistory of Western North America: The Impact of Uto-Aztecan Languages. UNM Press.Hill, J. H. (2011). "Subgrouping in Uto-Aztecan". Language Dynamics and Change, 1(2), 241-278.
Languages and dialects
Luiseño-Juaneño Luiseño dialect cluster Juaneño dialect Ivilyuat (also known as Cahuilla) Mountain Cahuilla dialect Pass Cahuilla dialect (also known as Wanikik) Desert Cahuilla dialect Cupeño Cupa dialect Wilaqalpa dialect Paluqla dialect
(†) – Extinct language
References