Pronunciation: [jˈuːpɪk] (IPA) 
The word "Yupik" is spelled with a "y" at the beginning to represent the sound /j/ as in "yellow". The "u" is pronounced as the vowel sound /ʌ/ as in "umbrella". The letter "p" represents the sound /p/ as in "pat" and the "i" is pronounced as a short vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "it". Finally, the "k" is pronounced as a voiceless velar consonant /k/ as in "kite". The correct phonetic transcription for "Yupik" is /jʌpɪk/.
Yupik refers to an indigenous group of people who primarily inhabit the coastal regions and islands of western Alaska and northeastern Siberia. It also pertains to the languages spoken by these Yupik communities. The term "Yupik" is derived from the Yup'ik word yuk meaning "real" or "genuine."
In terms of ethnic identity, Yupik refers to the people belonging to this cultural group, which includes the Central Alaskan Yup'ik, Siberian Yupik, Naukan, and Sirenik Yupik. They have a deep connection to their ancestral lands and have rich traditions rooted in hunting, fishing, and gathering. Yupik communities have a communal lifestyle, with an emphasis on cooperation, sharing, and maintaining harmony within the group.
Furthermore, Yupik languages are a group of Eskimo-Aleut languages spoken by these indigenous communities. The Central Alaskan Yup'ik language is the most widely spoken of the Yupik languages and is recognized as an official language in Alaska. Siberian Yupik is spoken by the Siberian Yupik people in the Chukotka Peninsula of Siberia. These languages have distinct dialects and feature a complex grammatical structure, including polysynthetic and agglutinative elements.
The Yupik people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional practices encompassing storytelling, dance, art, and music. Despite facing challenges posed by modernization and climate change, Yupik communities continue to preserve their unique way of life, maintain their language, and pass down their cultural traditions to future generations.
The term "Yupik" comes from the Yup'ik language, which is spoken by the Yup'ik people living in Alaska and Siberia. The word itself translates to "real person" or "genuine person" in Yup'ik. The Yup'ik people are one of the indigenous groups inhabiting the Arctic regions, and their language and culture have a significant influence on their identity.
