Hokan

noun

Ho·​kan

ˈhōkən

variants or less commonly Hoka

-kə

plural Hokan or Hokans also Hoka or Hokas

1

: a language stock centering in California comprising the Chimarikan, Esselenian, Kulanapan, Quoratean, Shastan, Yuman, and Yanan families

2

: a language phylum generally considered as comprising the Hokan stock plus Chumashan, Jicaquean, Salinan, Serian, Supanecan, Tequistlatecan, and Washoan

Word History

Etymology

coined 1913 by Roland B. Dixon †1934 and Alfred L. Kroeber †1960 American anthropologists

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