The Language of This Land, Mi’kma’ki by Bernie Francis and Trudy Sable “is an exploration of Mi’kmaw world view as expressed in language, legends, song and dance.”
Language Description
The Mi’kmaw language is a verb-oriented language. Words have no gender attached to them, but there is a broad distinction between animate and inanimate. Different dialects of the Mi’kmaw language are found in Cape Breton, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec, and on the Nova Scotia mainland. It is spoken by about 7,500 people, but its use is currently in decline.
How can you support Mi’kmaw language revitalization?
Curtis Michael from Indian Brook teaches the Mi’kmaw language at the community high school. He sells Language Cards (3 volumes).
The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Center publishes teaching materials aimed, in part, at increasing the use of the Mi’kmaw language in schools across Nova Scotia. They are currently seeking financial support for these and other projects. Find out more.
Or pass the language on in your own family. Here are some Language learning resources:
-
Newfundland’s Conne River Video Lessons (10 lessons)
-
Cape Brenton’s Language Talking Posters (24 posters)
-
Quebec’s Mi’kmaq Online Talking Dictionary (4,000 words)
-
Cape Brenton’s Aboriginal Language Talking Dictionary (2,000 words)
-
You can find other resources on Mi’kmaw Language Enthusiasts, my Mi’kmaq Language Facebook Page
Advertisements
