Alaska's governor signed a bill on Thursday to officially recognize the state's 20 indigenous languages in a symbolic move that gives a nod to tribal efforts to save Native American tongues at risk of dying out.
The move would make Alaska only the second U.S. state, after Hawaii, to officially recognize indigenous languages, although English would remain the official language and the state would not be required to conduct business in any other tongue.
"Alaska native young adults and students throughout the State have demonstrated remarkable success in revitalizing Alaska Native languages," Republican Gov. Sean Parnell said in a statement. "This bill reinforces that effort and recognizes the vibrant, existing Alaska Native languages of the state of Alaska."