Editing Western Apache people (section)

==Language and culture==
[[File:San Carlos Apache woman (F24259 DPLW).jpg|thumb|175px|[[San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation|San Carlos Apache]] woman, c. 1883–1887, photographed by Randall, A. Frank]]

The various dialects of [[Western Apache language|Western Apache]] (which they refer to as ''Ndéé biyáti’ / Nnéé biyáti’'') are a form of [[Apachean]], a branch of the [[Southern Athabaskan]] language family. The Navajo speak a related Apachean language, but the peoples separated several hundred years ago and are considered culturally distinct. Other [[Indigenous peoples]] who speak Athabaskan languages are located in Alaska and Canada.''

The anthropologist [[Greenville Goodwin|Grenville Goodwin]] classified the Western Apache into five groups based on Apachean dialect and culture:<ref name="Greenville1">{{cite book |author= Goodwin, Greenville |author-link= Greenville Goodwin |title= The Social Organization of the Western Apache |location= Tucson, Arizona |publisher= University of Arizona Press |orig-year=1942 |year=1969 |lccn=76-75453 |oclc=17996}}</ref>{{rp|2}}
* Cibecue,
* Northern Tonto,
* Southern Tonto,
* [[San Carlos Apache|San Carlos]], and
* White Mountain.

Since Goodwin, other researchers have disputed his conclusion of five linguistic groups. They do agree that there are three main Apachean dialects, with several sub-groupings:
* [[San Carlos Apache|San Carlos]],
* [[White Mountain Apache|White Mountain]], and
* [[Dilzhe'e Apache|Dilzhę́’é]] (Tonto).

Some 20,000 Western Apache still speak their native language, and the tribes are working to preserve it. Bilingual teachers are often employed in the lower elementary grades to promote that goal, but many children tend to learn to speak only the widely spoken English, mingled with occasional Spanish, depending on their home languages.

In relation to culture, tribal schools offer classes in native handicrafts, such as [[basket weaving]]; making bows, arrows, spears, shields; and cradles for infants. Girls and young women at the elementary and secondary level are taught how to make native regalia from buckskin, in addition to making silver jewelry. In addition, young men often become jewelry makers and are taught skills in this area.