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The Wakashan languages are a family of languages spoken by Indigenous peoples in coastal areas of British Columbia and northwest Washington. The term "Wakashan" itself originates from the Nootka word "wakaš," an interjection used as a shout of approval. These languages are distinct from the Salishan languages, which are also spoken in the Pacific Northwest and are known for their complex consonant systems and limited vowels. The Washoan language family, in contrast, is part of the Hokan stock and comprises only the Washoe language.123

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