Houma language

Houma

United Houma Nation flag
Total population
10,837 (2010, US Census)
Regions with significant populations
United States ( Louisiana)
Languages
English, French, Louisiana French; formerly Houma
Related ethnic groups
Choctaw and other Muscogeean peoples; Louisiana Creole people

The Houma (Pronounced Ho ma) are a historic Native American tribe located in Louisiana on the east side of the Red River of the South. Their descendants, the United Houma Nation, have been a state recognized tribe since 1972. According to the tribe, they have about 17,000 enrolled tribal citizens residing within a six-parish (county) service area, which encompasses 4,750 square miles. The six parishes are the following: St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes.

The city of Houma (meaning "red"), and the Red River were both named after this people. Oklahoma shares a similar etymology, as the root humma means "red" in Choctaw and related Western Muskogean languages, including Houma.

The indigenous Houma language is thought to have fallen out of use by the late 19th century due to European-American encroachment. As a result of a language shift which began during the French colonial period and trading in Louisiana, a majority of Houma people today speak Louisiana French. American English is also widely spoken by the community. Additionally, in light of their distinct society and isolated geography, as many as 3,000 mostly elderly people living on Houma tribal lands in the Lafourche Basin are believed to be monolingual speakers of French.