Central Numic languages

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June 24, 2026

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Central Numic languages are a branch of the Numic language family, which itself is part of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family. These languages are spoken by Native American peoples primarily in the western United States.

The Central Numic group includes languages such as Panamint, Shoshoni (also known as Shoshoni-Goshiute), and Comanche. Historically, these languages have been spoken in areas including Nevada, Utah, California, and Oklahoma. The Numic peoples referred to themselves as "Numa," "Nungwu," or "Numu," meaning "people" or "human beings". Evidence suggests that Numic peoples began spreading across the Great Basin from southeastern California approximately 2,000 years ago.12

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Indigenous peoples of the Great Basin
Language
Central Numic languages are spoken by the Panamint (Koso) and several Shoshone groups, including the Gosiute, Timbisha, Western Shoshone, and Comanche. Although they originated in the Great Basin, the Comanche acquired horses during the early colonial period, moved to what is now Texas, and became…
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Central Numic languages are spoken by the Panamint (Koso) and several Shoshone groups, including the Gosiute, Timbisha, Western Shoshone, and Comanche. Although they originated in the Great Basin, the Comanche acquired horses during the early colonial period, moved to what is now Texas, and became…
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Numic languages
…including Mono and Northern Paiute; Central Numic, including Panamint, Shoshoni (or Shoshoni-Goshiute), and Comanche; and Southern Numic, including Kawaiisu, Ute and Chemehuevi, and Southern Paiute. Numic represents the northernmost extension of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Together with Tubatulabal, the Takic languages, and Hopi, the Numic languages form the Northern division…
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…including Mono and Northern Paiute; Central Numic, including Panamint, Shoshoni (or Shoshoni-Goshiute), and Comanche; and Southern Numic, including Kawaiisu, Ute and Chemehuevi, and Southern Paiute. Numic represents the northernmost extension of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Together with Tubatulabal, the Takic languages, and Hopi, the Numic languages form the Northern division…
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