Alternate names: Ainu Itak Dialects: Sakhalin (Saghilin), Taraika, Hokkaido (Ezo, Yezo), Kuril (Shikotan, Tsishima). The last speaker of Sakhalin dialect died in 1994. There were at least 19 dialects. Classification: Language Isolate
Killer language: Japanese Main reasons: Destruction of local economy, Language suppression in school, Lessened legal situation, Social stigmatization
Ainu artists