Pronunciation: [tˈanə͡ʊn] (IPA) 
The word 'Tanoan' is spelled as tæn.oʊ.ən according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, the 'a' in the first syllable being pronounced as 'æ' as in 'cat' and the 'o' in the second syllable as 'oʊ' as in 'boat'. 'Tanoan' refers to a group of indigenous languages spoken in the southwestern region of the United States.
Tanoan refers to a group of Native American languages spoken primarily in the southwestern United States, specifically in the regions of New Mexico and Arizona. It is also used to describe the individuals who belong to the Tanoan language family or the cultures associated with these languages.
Tanoan languages are part of the larger Kiowa-Tanoan language family, which is classified as a language isolate in the greater Uto-Aztecan language family. Tanoan languages are known for their complex grammatical structures, including extensive use of prefixes and suffixes to encode information such as tense, aspect, and mood. The most well-known Tanoan language is probably the Tiwa language, which is spoken by the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico.
Beyond language, the term Tanoan is also applied to the different Indigenous cultures and tribes that speak Tanoan languages or have historical connections to these languages. These cultures have a long history and are known for their agricultural practices, complex social structures, and unique art forms, including pottery, basketry, and weaving.
In summary, Tanoan refers to a group of Native American languages spoken primarily in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as the cultures and tribes associated with these languages. It encompasses linguistic features, cultural practices, and historical connections among various indigenous groups of the Southwestern United States.
The word "Tanoan" derives from the Tanoan language family, which encompasses several Native American languages spoken primarily in the southwestern United States. The etymology of the word is based on the Tanoan people, who are indigenous to this region. The Tanoan language family includes languages such as Tewa, Tiwa, and Towa, spoken by tribes like the Tewa, Tiwa, and the Jemez Pueblo. The term "Tanoan" is used to refer to these languages as well as the people who speak them.
