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What are the names used for Inuit language varieties in Greenland?
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In Greenland, the Inuit language is collectively referred to as Greenlandic, which serves as an umbrella term for the dialects spoken on the island. These dialects are identified by the following names:1
- Kalaallisut: Also known as West Greenlandic, this is the most widely spoken dialect and is the sole official language of Greenland.123
- Tunumiit (or Tunumiisut): This dialect is spoken by the East Greenlandic population.13
- Inuktun (also referred to as Avanersuarmiutut, Polar Greenlandic, or Northern Greenlandic): This dialect is spoken by smaller groups, specifically in the Thule district.123
These varieties are part of the Eskimo-Aleut language family and exist as a dialect continuum, where linguistic differences increase with geographic distance.13