The Dakota Sioux people primarily refer to themselves by names that reflect their specific dialect: Dakota, Lakota, or Nakota. While "Sioux" is a commonly used term, it was originally an abbreviation coined by fur traders and is not the preferred self-designation of the tribe.
Understanding the Preferred Names
The Indigenous people often grouped under the umbrella term "Sioux" are a large confederation of tribes speaking three mutually intelligible dialects of the Siouan language family. These dialects correspond to their self-identified names:
- Dakota: This name is primarily used by the Isanti (Santee) and Mdewakanton bands, often referred to as the Eastern Dakota.
- Lakota: This name is used by the Teton bands, who are also known as the Western Sioux. Major groups include the Oglala, Hunkpapa, Miniconjou, and others.
- Nakota: This name is typically used by the Yankton and Yanktonai bands, sometimes referred to as the Central Sioux.
The choice of name—Dakota, Lakota, or Nakota—depends on the specific dialect spoken by an individual or community within the larger nation.
The Origin of "Sioux"
The term "Sioux" is an exonym, meaning it was a name given to the people by outsiders. It is believed to be derived from a French corruption of an Ojibwe word meaning "little snakes" or "adders." Over time, this abbreviated term became widely adopted, particularly by fur traders and settlers, and is now prevalent in historical texts and common parlance. However, the tribal members themselves predominantly use their own terms, such as Dakota, Lakota, or Nakota, to signify their identity and linguistic heritage.
Dialectal Differences
The table below illustrates how the self-chosen names align with the different dialects and divisions within the larger Sioux nation:
| Self-Designation | Primary Dialect | Major Divisions/Bands Represented |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota | D-dialect | Isanti (Santee), Mdewakanton, Wahpeton, Wahpekute |
| Lakota | L-dialect | Teton (Oglala, Hunkpapa, Miniconjou, Sicangu, O'ohenumpa, Itazipco) |
| Nakota | N-dialect | Yankton, Yanktonai |
Understanding these distinctions respects the cultural and linguistic diversity within the community often generalized as "Sioux." For more information on the Sioux people and their history, you can refer to resources such as the Sioux on Wikipedia.
[[Native American Identity]]
