The Ute language forms part of the Ute-Chemehuevi division, the
southernmost of three divisions constituting the Plateau Branch of the
Shoshonean stock of the Uto-Aztecan family. This northern orientation
of language agrees well with certain cultural traits. There is very
little structural resemblance with neighboring groups such as would be
of interest in cultural interpretation. The language is characterized
by an impression of phonetic softness rather than harshness; but of
vagueness and lack of distinctness. (See Kroeber, 1910; Sapir, 1931;
Stewart, 1957).