Edwin Benson
Last speaker of Mandan language
About Edwin Benson
Lived 1931 – 2016 (aged 85). Edwin Benson was a language teacher, known for Mandan language.
Edwin James Benson (; Ma-doke-wa-des-she, modern Mandan orthography: Wéroke Wáatashe, Iron Bison He was involved in efforts to teach the basics of Mandan to youth. When he died on December 9, 2016, the Mandan language became extinct.
The documentary To Save a Language (2020) showed the efforts of the Estonian linguist who tried to learn and save the Mandan language.
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Important facts
People in Edwin Benson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Edwin Benson?
Last speaker of Mandan language (1931-2016)
When was Edwin Benson born?
Edwin Benson was born on 23 October 1931.
When did Edwin Benson die?
Edwin Benson died on 9 December 2016.
What was Edwin Benson's occupation?
Edwin Benson was a language teacher.
What was Edwin Benson known for?
Edwin Benson was known for Mandan language.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edwin Benson. https://biography.guide/edwin-benson/
MLA: "Edwin Benson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edwin-benson/.
Chicago: "Edwin Benson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edwin-benson/.
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