The term "Hokan" refers to a proposed language family that includes several indigenous languages of North America, primarily spoken in California and the southwestern United States. This family is thought to encompass languages such as Shasta, Karuk, and Yurok, among others. Linguists have suggested that these languages share common features, indicating a possible historical connection. Hokan languages are characterized by unique phonetic and grammatical structures that distinguish them from other language families. The classification remains controversial, with some researchers questioning the validity of the Hokan grouping. Ongoing studies aim to better understand the relationships among these languages and their historical development.