Abenaki Language

see http://www.cowasuck.org/language/language.htm

COWASUCK BAND of the PENNACOOK-ABENAKI PEOPLE

The People of the White Pines

The Abenaki Language

The Abenaki language is classified by linguists as belonging to the Algonquin family of Native American Languages. Therefore, there are many similarities between the terms used by the tribes ranging from New England to Northeast and Central Canada, and often it is possible for these distinct groups to verbally communicate. In our homeland encompassing Southern Quebec, Vermont, New Hampshire and parts of Maine and New York, many modern place names are derived from their original Native pronunciation. For example, the name of the well-known Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire originated from the Abenaki word Winninebesakik or region of the land around lakes. The main difficulty in understanding the Abenaki language from many published sources is that, unlike the English language, there is not always a literal translation for a word. For example, according to Gordon Day's Abenaki Dictionary, the Abenaki word for clock is babizookwazik. However, in Abenaki translation this word loses some of its meaning and becomes "that thing that ticks." The concept of a clock and other terms is further complicated because Native Americans do not think along Western European lines, and have an altogether different concept of what time is and how it is measured. Consequently, while many place names have remained similar to their original names, a literal translation of many other Abenaki words is not possible.

N'gadiwawaldam alnôbaôdwawogan.

I want to learn Abenaki language.

Abenaki Historical Background

The Abenaki People originally lived throughout much of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Currently, they are recognized only as "Canadian Indians", with the exception of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, & Maliseet (all Eastern Abenaki) in Maine. Our focus is on Western Maine, which is loosely defined as west of the Kennebec River.

Today, Abenaki populations in the Northeast are often referred to as "Invisible People". A statement that is especially poignant in Western Maine. We find fleeting glimpses of them in early town histories. They soon fade into the shadows. Their identity, language, history, and culture hidden from sight. Our historians could not "see" the Abenaki. They wrote about Indian wars from Euroamerican view points. They described inaccurate, often negative, and sometimes highly romanticized pictures of Indians. They used labels such as noble savage, uncivilized barbarian, and lazy worthless thieves. They told us that the Androscoggin, Piscataqua, Presumscot, Sandy, and Saco River Abenaki were gone from the forests, lakes, and rivers of their homeland in Western Maine, exterminated by war and disease or removed to Canada.

But how can this be? Some of the nicest people we know are Abenaki and they live right here in Western Maine. Are they ghosts? No. Are they immigrants from Canada? Some are, but NOT all of them. Many of these families have been here for generations. They are very real, with feelings, needs, and dreams just like any other human being. However, they do seem to be invisible. Why can't we see them? Marge Bruchac, said it best when she used the phrase "they learned to hide in plain sight". In order to survive in their homeland, they had to hide their identity. Something which they apparently learned to do very well.

The Maine frontier was embroiled in colonial wars for almost 100 years. The French and the English were political and religious enemies. The Abenaki People held much of the land between these two European rivals. The English wanted Abenaki land. The French wanted Abenaki souls for their Pope and soldiers for their battles. The French often supplied the Abenaki with weapons, supplies, and military leaders to wage war on the English. The warriors' families were welcomed by Jesuit priests at missions set up for them. The Abenaki were good warriors. The shout "Indians" brought fear to the hearts of frontier settlers for many generations.

The wounds of war ran deep. Too deep for the Abenaki and English to openly accept each other. But for many Abenaki, love for their homeland (N'dakina) ran even deeper. Many did go to Canada at one time or another. Some never left. Many of those that left did not stay away long. One by one, families returned to their homeland. They intermarried and joined the Euroamerican communities which were springing up like wild flowers all over Western Maine. Gradually, they became an invisible force in the history and development of the region. The Abenaki did not disappear from New England, only from our sight.

Today, the descendants of the Abenaki People ask questions. Why do our elders hide their identity ? Why can't we find our Native ancestors ? Who are we ? What is our place in history ? These are very tough questions. The answers are very complex. The wounds of war have been replaced with the wounds of obscurity. It is time to begin the healing process. It is time to search for pieces of the puzzle. It is time for Abenaki People to step forth from the shadows. Finally, it is time for the Euroamerican People to recognize the role of the Abenaki in this region's history.

As Abenaki descendants speak out, our vision is improved. However, there is still much work to be done before the picture becomes clear. Modern scholars are rediscovering the Abenaki people throughout the Northeast. This is being accomplished by combining French, English, and Dutch documents with personal diaries, captivity stories, family genealogies, and oral tradition. The Abenaki story is a giant jigsaw puzzle with most of it's pieces scattered by the winds of time. By gathering existing documented information, we begin to make sense of the pieces we have. By researching family histories, we find missing pieces. By digging through old reports, ledgers, and journals, we find pieces we were not aware existed. By putting these pieces together, we begin to understand the role the Abenaki people played in the history of the Northeast and the methods they used to survive to present?

Our interest in adding new chapters to the history of this region. Chapters that will define who the Abenaki people are, what sacrifices were made in order to survive, and what contributions they made to local communities.

Idiomatic Translations

Lesson 1 - Greetings, Questions & Commands in Abenaki

Greetings -

Hi, hello.      Kway.

Goodbye.      Adio.

I.        Nia.

You.        Gia.

Yes.        Oho.

No.        Nda.

How are you?      Doni gedowiozin?

I'm fine.      Newowlowzi.

And how are you?    Ni doni gia?

I too, I'm very well.    Nia atsinowlowzi bitta.

Go - walk.      Alosa.

Work.        Aloka.

Have a good trip.    Olibamkanni.

He/she sleeps.      Gao.

Say.        Ida.

Say this.      Ida yo.

Say that.      Ida ni.

Say that again.      Ida ni mina.

I say yes.      Nididam oho.

What did you say?    Gagwi gedidam?

He/she is good.      Oligo.

It is good.      Oligen.

Sleep well.      Oligawi.

Dream well.      Olegwasi.

Give me.      Mili.

Give me something.    Mili gagwi.

All, everthing.      Mziwi.

Also, too.      Atsi.

Who is that?      Awani na?

I want something.    Nadacowaldam.

Go to sleep!      Gawi!

Wake up!      Omki!

This.        Yo.

That.        Ni

What?        Gagwi?

What is this?      Gagwi yo?

What is that?      Gagwi ni?

Here is something.    Yo gagwi.

Did you have a good trip?  Golibamkanni?

I had a good trip.    Nolibamkanni.

Who are you?      Awani gia?

Who is she/he?      Awani agema?

She/he is my friend.    Nidoba agema.

What is that?      Gagwi ni?

Man / husband.      Sanoba.

Woman / wife      Behanem.

Today.        Bamegizegak.

Tommorow.      Saba.

Thanks.        Oliwni.

Sun.        Gizos.

Let's go.      Alsoda.

Let's work.      Aloka.

Look!        Kina!

Listen!        Kita!

I am (name).      (Name) nia.

Kiss me!      Wajemi!

Snow.        Wazoli.

Snow on the ground.    Wazolis kik.

Earth / soil.      Ki.

Air.        Awan.

Let's eat.      Micida.

Let's drink.      Gadosmida.

Lesson 2 - Meetings & Relations in Abenaki

Meetings -

Bodawazin       - holding a council.

Bodawazenw8gan       - a council.

Wanask8wadin or Mahadin   - group meeting.

Wodam8gan       - Pipe Ceremony

All Our Relations - Relations - Al8gom8mek

The Abenaki language has a complex set of words

that refer to family relationships.

The following is a short list of some of

the more often used words:

My father (formal)      N'mitôgwes

My father (personal)      N'dadan

Your father        K'mitôgwes

His/her father        Wmitôgwa

His/her father        Wdadana

 My mother (formal)      Nigawes

My mother (personal)      N'nonon

Your mother        Kigawes

His/her mother        Wigewessa

My grandfather        N'mahom

My grandmother        Nokemes

His/her grandmother      Okemessa

Their grandmother      Okemesw8n

My spouse        Nizwia

My spouse's father      N'zikh8s

My spouse's mother      N'zekwes

Our daughter's spouse      Wazilmegoa

Our son's spouse      N'sem

God father/mother (traditional)    Kalnegoa

Our little boy        W'skinnossis

Our little girl        N'ôkswassis

Grandson        Nosses

My older brother      Nidokan

My younger brother / sister    Nichemis

My older sister        N'messis

My father's sister      Nokem

My mother's sister      Nokemisis

My father's brother      N'n8jikw

My mother's brother      N'zasis

My female cousin      Nadôgweskwa

My male cousin        Nad8gwsis

Baby          Chijiz (Tsi'dzis)

Young child        Awôssis

Widower          Sigwid

Widow          Sigweskwa

Father and son        Kchai ta wski

Mother and daughter      Kchi phanem ta wdoza

Lesson 3 - Basics: Alphabet, vowels, grammar rules in Abenaki

The Abenaki Alphabet -

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll

    Mm Nn Oo 8 Pp Ss Tt Uu Ww Zz

Vowels are sounded as follows -

A  as in master.

E  as in label.

I  as in Indian; but more often "I" is

    sounded as "E" in emotion.

O  as in notice.

U  as if it were "e yo" when followed or preceded

      by a consonant;

      when alone it is as "U" in union.

8  is the nasal "o(n)" sound; for example, 8h88

    (yes) is pronounced o(n)-ho(n).

The consonants are sounded as follows -

B & P  are sounded as a hard "P"; when written

      they are often interchanged.

C  is always followed by the letter "H" and

           is sounded as "TS";

     for example, chaga (if) is pronounced tsa-ga.

D & T  are sounded as a hard "T"; when written

    they are often interchanged.

G  is always hard as in game.

H  is sounded like "H" in help;

      when not preceded by "C".

J  is sounded like the letters "DZ";

  for example, chijis (baby) is pronounced tsid-zes.

K  as in kitten.

L  as in label.

M  as in mom.

N  as in name.

S  as in sound.

W  is pronounced (oo)w; for example wliwni

  (thank you) is pronounced oowle-oowne.

Z  as in zebra.

Basic Language Rules -

A or Ï    AIEE.

CH    TS.

J    DZ.

G    hard "G".

W    (OO)W.

8 or Ô  O(N)  - nasal "O".

PH    not "F" sound.

D    soft "T".

I    at end of word "E" as in pedal.

I    in middle of a word "EE" as in seen.

Basic Grammar Rules -

>  Plural animate words end in "K".

>  Plural inanimate words end in "AL"; except

    words ending in "KW" or "GL" have "O"

      for plural.

>  Words ending with "AD" or "ID" denote trade or

    occupation; "JIK" in plural.

>  "R", "F", "V", "X", and "Y" have no pronunciation

    in the language.

>  "EIAW" at the end of a word means "four".

Here are some words to test some of these

  pronunciation rules:

Mean, angry  chilao    tsi-lao'

Bad    majigo    ma-dzi-go'

Good    wligen    (oo)w-li-gen

Man    san8ba    sa-no(n)-ba

Woman    phanem    p-ha-nem

Tree    abazi    ah-bah-ze

Drum    pakholigan  pak-ho-li-gan

Drummer    noli pakholid  no-le' pak-ho-it

Leaf    wanibagw  (oo)wah-ni-bahgw'

Leaves    wanibagwol   (oo)wah-ni-bahg'-wohl

I/me    nia    ni-ah'

You    kia    ki-ah

He/she    agma    ahg-mah'

Us/we    niona    ni-oh'-nah

You (formal)  kiona    ki-oh'nah

They    agm8w8    ag-mo(n)-wo(n)

Lesson 4 - Phrases in Abenaki Part 1

Kwai, t8ni kd8l8wzi?       Hello, how are you?

N'w8wl8zi, ni kia?      I'm fine, and you?

Ala n'sawi tanii.      I'm doing so-so.

Nda, nolidbamalsiw      No, I feel sick.

N'dakwamadamen n'dep.      I have a headache.

K'kadgomin8gwzi.      You look sleepy.

K'namiolji saba.      I'll see you tomorrow.

Chowi!          Sure!

Niga, n8ji pmossada, wligen ji wli kia.

   Then, let's take a walk, it will be good for you.

N'bamaldamen n'lessinen, n'saossani, nngadi 8dabi.

  I prefer (that) I go to bed, I'm tired, I want to rest.

Nwigi ba askidagizi kiow8w8 waji agakimsiak kwani mojia.

  I would like to count on you to study while I'm gone.

Nda ni nattamiwi k'dilhelnob.

  This is not the first time I've told you that.

N'gadiwawaldam aln8ba8dwawogan.

  I want to learn Abenaki language.

Kwai, toni kd 8l8wzi?    Hello, how are you?

N'madamalsi.      I don't feel well.

N'dakwamadamen n'dep.    I have a headache.

N'kadopi.      I'm hungry.

Niga kadopi.      Then eat.

N' kadosmi.      I'm drinking.

Ngadgom nsaosani.    I'm sleepy.

Losada.        Let's go.

Wigi pao.      She is playing.

Nwigi pmeg8.      I like to dance.

Abi spiwi nai.      Come sit with me.

Ska taka.      You stand over there.

Sogl8giskad.      It looks like rain.

Chwi sogl8 pamgiskak.    It's supposed to rain today.

Pi8n n'wigomnok.    Come to my house.

Koz8mi nopaiwi aii.    You live too far.

Ndaii passojiwi.    I live nearby.

Nibeniwi.      I live to the south.

Peboniwi.      I live to the north.

Nakil8t kizoswiwi.    I live to the west.

S8khilh8t kizoswiwi.    I live to the east.

N'mit8gwes.      My father.  (formal)

N'dadan.      My father.  (personal)

Nigawes.      My mother.  (formal)

N'nonon.      My mother. (personal)

Azomi kezossa.      You walk too fast.

Kzomi mannossa.      You walk too slow.

N'gadi m8ji n'wig8mnok.    I want to go home.

Chiga pai8?      When did you arrive?

Mini ida.      Say it again.

Mena ni ida.      Say that again.

Kagwi k'didam?      What did you say?

Kagwi kadi idam?    What do you want me to say?

Kadgwi achiwaldaman?    What do you want?

Nwigi nadiali.      I like to hunt.

Nwigi namasika.      I like to fish.

Nwigi pamkani.      I like to travel.

Nwigi 8daka.      I like to visit.

N'pedgi.      I'll return.

Paakuin8gwzian.      It's nice to see you.

K'kassigadma?      How old are you?

T8wdanna kl8gan.    Open the door.

Kbaa kl8gan.      Close the door.

T8wdanna taoz8gan.    Open the window.

Kbaa taoz8gan.      Close the window.

Pakholigan.      Drum.

Noli pakholid.      Drummer.

Noli pakholigit.    I drum good.

Lesson 5 - Parts of the Body in Abenaki

Parts of the Body - Mhaga

Whagakw    Scalp    Mdup      Head

Wdep    Head    Wdepkwanal    Hair

Piassoal  Hairs    Wsizokw      Face

Wsizgowal  Eyes    Wdon      Mouth

Wj8l    Nose    Wanaowa       Cheek

Wd8pikan  Chin    Wilalo      Tongue

Wibid    Tooth    Wked8gan    Throat

Wlaw8gan  Heart    Wlagzi      Belly

Wlagzial  Bowels    Wbeskwan    Back

M8igan    Loins    Wzabi      Hip

Wk8d    Leg    Wkeji      Buttocks

Welji    Hand    Wzid      Foot

Wkeskwan  Elbow    Wkedokw      Knee

Wskadgwa  Brow    Wdawagw      Ear

Wdagwa    Temple    Wlideb8n    Brain

Win    Marrow    Wskaw      Bone

K8jo    Vein    Wdolka      Stomach

Wjatal    Nerves    Witkwalji    Finger

Witkwazit  Toe    Alipskweskak    Ankle

Wikwa    Thigh    Azbasdon    Lip

Wdapskokwa  Neck    Wpanak       Lungs

Wnozoganak  Chest    Nonozak      Breasts

Nonoz / Nonos  Nipple    Dodos/Bobos    Breast

Wdolloak  Kidneys    Wbesnoda    Bladder

Wkejiloakw  Rectum    Bloti      Vagina

Askoks    Penis     Askoksial    Testicles

Wdlemogan  Shoulder  Wili      Bellybutton

Wkazak    Nails-finger  Bagakaw      Blood

Lesson 6 - Wintertime in Abenaki

Today we will speak - only about wintertime.

  Pamgisgak kd'8dokazibnaji - alwa ibiwi peb8nwiwi.

A skate      L8gmapozowan

Skates      L8gmapozowanak

To skate    L8gmapozimek

A skater    L8gmapozowinno

A snow shoe    8gama

Snow shoes    8gamak

To snow shoe    8gamakamek

A snow shoer    8gamakawinno

A ski      Skaďpozowan

Skis      Skaďpozowanak

To ski      Skaďpozimek

Skier      Skaďpoziwinno

A sled      Chipozigan

To sled      Chipozimek

A sledder    Chipoziwinno

I think Joseph - like(s) (to) snowshoe.

    N'laldam Sozap - wigi 8gmaka.

But Mary - she prefers skiing.

    Kanwa Moli - w'bamaldamen skaďpozin.

(The) boys - like (to) skate.

    skinossizak - wigi l8gmapozoak.

Cold Talk -

 Sure, it is winter.    Chowi, pebonwiwi.

It is cold in here.    Tkigen iodali.

It's too cold.      Wz8mi tka.

I am cold.      N'gwaskwaji.

It's cold today.    Tkegisgad pamgisgad.

If it is not too cold,    Chaga nda wz8mi tkawiw,

  I'll go out.        n'saossa ji.

Winter Life -

Tka --        Cold.

Tkigen Iodali - -    It's cold here.

N'kwaskwaji- -      I am cold.

N'Kwaskwajibna - -    We are cold.

Pson - -      Its snowing.

Wazoli - -      Snow.

Wazolika - -      There is snow.

Sikwla - -      Sleet.

Kladen - -      Frost.

Pkwami - -      Ice.

Pkwamiok - -      Icicles.

Pabadegw - -      Hail.

Pbon - -      Winter.

Pbona - -      Last winter.

Pboga - -      Next winter.

Logmapozi - -      I skate.

Logmapozimek - -    To skate.

Logmapozowinno - -    Skater.

Logmapozowanak - -    Skates.

Logmapoziwiganek - -    Skating rink.

Ogma - -      Ash wood.

Ogmakwam - -       Ash tree.

Ogmak - -      Snowshoes.

Ogmakamek - -      To snowshoe.

Pogwassek - -      Moonlight.

Skaipozimek - -    To ski.

Wawiobwan - -      Blowing snow.

Pesgawan - -      Foggy

Lesson 7 - "to" Verbs or infinitives in Abenaki

To sit      Abimek

I or you sit    Nd'abi

He or she sits    Abo

To want      Achwaldamek

I or you want    Nd'achwaldam

He or she wants    Achwalda

 To read    Agizimek

I or you read    Nd'agizi

He or she reads    Agizo

To return    Pedigamek

I or you return    N'pedgi

He or she returns  Pedgo

To enter    Pidigamek

I or you enter    N'pidiga

He or she enters  Pidiga

To walk      Pmossamek

I or you walk    N'pmossa

He or she walks    Pmossa

To go out    Saossamek

I or you go out    N'saossa

He or she goes out  Saossa

To work      Alokamek

I or you work    Nd'aloka

He or she works    Aloka

To use      Awakamek

I or you use    Nd'awaka

He or she uses    Awaka

To refuse    Aza8mek

I or you refuse    Nd'aza8

He or she refuses  Azaa

To fear      Sagzimek

I or you fear    N'sagzi

He or she fears    Sagzo

To be drowsy    Nolmekwizimek

I or you are drowsy  N'nolmekwizi

He or she is drowsy  Nolmekwzo

To be sleepy    Kadgomek

I or you are sleepy  N'kadgom

He or she is sleepy  Kadgo

To sleep    Kawimek

I or you sleep    N'kawi

 He or she sleeps  Kao

To dream    Legwassimek

I or you dream    N'legwassi

He or she dreams  Legwasso

To be thirsty      Kadawesmimek

I or you are thirsty  N'kadawesmi

He or she is thirsty  Kadawesmo

To drink    Kadoasmimek

I or you drink    N'kadosmi

He or she drinks  Kadosmo

To be hungry    Kadopimek

I or you are hungry  N'kadopi

He or she is hungry  Kadopo

To listen / obey  Kiktamek

I or you listen    N'kikta

He or she listens  Kikta

To speak    Klozimek

I or you speak    N'klozi

He or she speaks  Klozo

To yell      K8g8lwamek

I or you yell    N'k8g8lwa

He or she yells    K8g8lwa

To sing      Lintomek

I or you sing    N'linto

He or she sings    Linto

Lesson 8 - "to have" & "to be" & Verbs 2 in Abenaki

To be      Aimek

To Have      Waj8nomek

I am well    N'olidbamalsi

To be well    Wlidbamalsimek

I am sick    N'madamalsi

To be sick    Madamalsimek

I am hungry    N'kadopi

To be hungry    Kadopimek

 I am thirsty    N'kadosmi

To drink    Kadosmimek

I am cold    N'kwaskwaji

To be cold    Kwaskwajimek

I am hot    N'kezabzi

To be hot    Kezabzimek

To bring (animate)  Pazw8mek

To bring (inanimate)  Padozik

To take care of something (animate).  Nanawalm8mek.

To take care of something (inanimate).  Nanawaldomzik.

To like or reside.       Wigimek.

Would you like to meet that girl?

      Kwigi ba wanaskaw8 na n8kskwa?

I met her last summer.       Kizi n'wanaskaw8b.

I had met her quite a while ago.   N8wat na n'anakaw8b.

Wait for me!        Askawii!

Listen to me.        Tbestawikw.

Sometimes you do not listen to me.  Sawi nda k'bestawiba.

Ask them if they would like to come in.

    Nadodmawa chaga w'kadi pai8n spiwi niona.

Let's go and visit there.    N'n8dodaida taka.

Follow me.        N'nossokawikw.

Let's take a puff on the pipe.    Wikwalap8da wdam8gan.

Let's light it first.      Pla chegasa.

Lesson 9 - Short Conversations in Abenaki

Where did you go?    T8ni odosaan?

I went to the woods.    N8dossa kpiwi.

Very nice day,       T8ji wlegisgad,

  let's go in the woods.    lossada kpiwi.

What's happening?    Kagwi lla?

Nothing much.      Nda kagwi n8damiwi.

What are they doing?    Kakwas llalokak?

You should not do that.    Nda k'dachwi ni llalokawen.

You should not complain.  Akwi ga madw8zi.

What time is it now?    Kass8mkipoda ato nikw8bi?

It is early.      Sp8swiwi.

It is quite late.    Kwinatta sipkiwi.

Let's go there.      Lossada taka.

I have been there.    Kizi n'odossab.

I was there.      N'odossan.

I am going home.    N'dlossa 'wigw8mnok.

I did not go too far.    Pasojiwi n'dlossab.

Would you like to come with me?  Kwigi ba paï8 spiwi nia?

Do you know that man?    K'wawinaw8 na san8ba?

Yes, I knew him.    8h8, nwawinaw8bo.

I would like to buy them.  N'gadi manomenal.

How much do they cost?    T8ni ll8wadowal?

Conversations -

Hello! Hello! I am glad to see you, how do you do?

  Kuai! Kuai! Paakuin8gwzian, t8ni k'doll8wzin?

I am very well, and you?    N'w8wl8wzi, kia nawa t8ni?

I am very well, thank you.  N'w8wl8wzi nia achi, wliwni ni.

Well, that's very good.      Kam8ji, pita ni wligen.

Now let us part. Good-bye.  Chaga chajabihl8da.  Adio.

Good-bye, take care of yourself.  Adio, wli nanawalmezi.

The "8" symbol is used for the "nasal O" sound

  that is shown as "Ô" in French.

Lesson 10 - Animal Names in Abenaki

Ant        Alikws

Bat        Madagenilhas

Bear        Awasos

Beaver        Tmakwa

Bee        Wawil8mwa

Bird        Sips

Blue Jay      Tidesso

Bobcat - Lynx (no tail)    Bezo, wigwedi

Buffalo        Pziko

Bullfrog      Agebalam

Butterfly      Mamij8la

Cat        Minowis, pezois

Caribou        Mag8libo

Chickadee      Kejegigilhasis

Chicken        Ahamo

Chipmunk      Anikwses

Cock        N8balha

Cougar (much tail)    Bitt8lo

Cow        Kaoz

Cricket        Ch8ls

Crow        Mkazas

Deer        Nolka

 Dog        Alemos, adia

Duck (Black)      Kwiguigum

Eagle        Mgeso, Megeso

Elk        W8boz

Fish        Namas

Fisher        Wlanigw

Fly        Wjawas

Fox        W8kwses

Frog        Chegual

Goat        Kots

Goose        W8btegua

Gull        Kaakw

Hawk (bird of prey)    Si8mo

Heron        Kasko

Horse        Ases, Ahaso

Humming Bird      Nanatasis, Nanataso

King-Fisher      Cheskwadadas

Lamb        Azibis

Loon        Mdawilha

Marten (sable)      Apanakes

Mink        Mosbas

Mole        Alem8nska

Moose        Moz

Mosquito      Pegues

Mouse        W8bikwsos

Muskrat        Moskuas

Nightingale      Wl8gowilhas

Nuthatch      Cig8l8dawasid

Otter        Wnegigw

Owl        Kokokhas

Partridge      Pakesso, Bakeso

Peacock        P8l8bai-sibes

Pig        Biges

Pigeon        W8bipelaz

Pigeon (wild)      Pelaz

Plover        Sasaso

Porcupine      K8gw

Rabbit        Mateguas

Racoon        Asban

Raven (northern crow)    Ponki-mkazas

Robin        Kwikueskas

Salmon        Mskuamagw

Seal        Akigw

Sheep        Azib

Skunk        Seg8gw

 Snake        Skog

Snake (garter-red racer)  Makwaaskadam8d

Squirrel      Mikowa

Spider        Mamselabika

Sturgeon      Kabas

Swallow        Soglonilhasis

Swan        Wigualha

Turkey        Nahama

Turtle        Tolba

Weasel        Saguasis

Whip-poor-will      Papoles

Wolf        M8lsem

Wolverine      Alaskana

Woodchuck      Agaskw

Woodpecker      O'basas

Worm        Skoks

The list is only a partial one, several of these creatures

have other spellings for specific identification

descriptions,such as male, female, young, adult, large,

small, sub-type, or color.

In some cases the letters may be interchanged

as has been seen with examples for names starting with "P"

and "B" or "D" and "T" or "W" and "O."   It should also be

noted that most of our Abenaki words are descriptive

of the animal.

For example Beaver:  Demakwa - "the tree cutter" or

Abag8lo - "flat tail" or Awadnakwazid - "the wood carrier."

Lesson 11 - Simple Responses & Action Words in Abenaki

Simple Responses -

No    Nda    N-da

Yes    8h8    O(n)-ho(n)'

Maybe    Kizilla    Ki'-zi-l-la'

Or    Ala    A-la'

Simple Action Words -

Jump    Ligdahimek  Lig-da'hi-mek'

Crawl    Pmigwzimek  P-mig'-w-zi-mek'

Sit    Abimek    A'-bi-mek'

Visit    8dakawa8mek  O(n)-da'-ka-wa'o(n)-mek

Leave    Ngad8zik  N'-ga'-do(n)-zik

(I) Give  Mila8mek  Mi-la'-o(n)-mek

Find    Maskawomek  Ma-ska'-wo-mek'

Make    Wlitomek  W-li-to-mek'

Talk    8dokazi    O(n)-do'ka-ze'

The following is a short list of words that refer to the body.

 A much more detailed list is available on request.

 Note the (oo)w "W" sound.

Parts of the Body -

Head    Wdep    (oo)w-dep'

Hairs    Piassoal  pi-a'-so-al'

Face    Wsizokw    (oo)w-si-zokw'

Eyes    Wsizgowal  (oo)w-siz-go-wal'

Mouth    Wdon    (oo)w-don

Nose    Wj8l    (oo)wdzo(n)l

Heart    Wlaw8gan  (oo)w-la'wo(n)gan

Back    Wbeskwan  (oo)w-bes-kwan'

Leg    Wk8d    (oo)w-ko(n)t

Hand    Welji    (oo)wel-dze

Foot    Wzid    (oo)w-zit

Ear    Wdawagw    (oo)w-da-wagw'

Finger    Witkwalji  (oo)wh'-kwal-dze'

Toe    Witkwazit  (oo)wit'-kwa-zit'

Father and Son   Kchai ta wski aln8ba

       (K)tse ta w-ske al-no(n)ba

Mother and Daughter  Kchai phanem ta wdoza

      (K)tse p(h)a'-nem ta w-do'za

I am hungry    N'gadopi  Ni-ga'-do-pe'

Iam thristy    N'kadaosmi  N-ka-da'-os'-me'

Have a nice day    Oji wlegisgao  O-dze' w-le'-gis-gad(t)'

Lesson 12 - Sound-A-Like Words & Numbers in Abenaki

Sound - A - Like Words  -

The following words are presented as an illustration

of words with similar spellings, but with very different

sounds and meanings:

Chilao    Tsi-lao'    Mean, angry

Chijis    Tsi'-dzis    Baby, small

Pedgi    Ped-ge'      To return

Pegdi    Peg-de'      To fart

Majigo    Ma-dzi-go'    Bad

Mgeso    M-ge'-so    Eagle

By request, the following numbers are repeated

from an earlier issue of the news:

Pazok       Pah-zohk'    One

Mis (Nis)    Mis (Nis)    Two

Nas      Nahs      Three

Iao      I-ah-oh'    Four

N8lan      No(n)-lahn'    Five

Ngwed8z      Ng-(oo)we-do(n)z'  Six

T8nbaw8z    To(n)-bah-wo(n)z'  Seven

Ns8zek      Nso(n)'-zek    Eight

Noliwi      No-li-we    Nine

Mdala      M-dah-lah    Ten

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

The Abenaki words for numbers are different for animate and inanimate

subjects.  These are the simple translations for the numbers

for counting:

One    Pazekw

Two    Nis

Three    Nas

Four    Iaw

Five    Nlan

Six    Nguedz

Seven    Tbawz

Eight    Nszek

Nine    Noliwi

Ten    Mdala

Lesson 13 - Say That in Abenaki

Say That In Abenaki -Ida ni Alnobaiwi

Several language source documents, including some

historically old works, are used to create this section

of the newsletter.

Past words were from the Masta works of 1938 and

the Joseph Laurent dialogues of 1884.  In the last issue

the language lesson was focused on the pronunciation

basics as presented by Cecile Wawanolett of Odanak.

This issue will continue using some basic words

that illustrate the pronunciation rules:

 8 = ô (Nasal "O(n)" sound)

M8ji      Moji

Mo(n)'-dze    Moh'-dze

Go Away      Shit

Note the similarities of these two words - but they have

very different meanings.

Pamgisgak    Paml8guik

Pahm'-gis-gahk    Pahm'-lo(n)g-ik

Today      This Evening

Wolgwab8    Saba

(Oo)wol-gwa-bo(n)  Sah-bah'

Yesterday    Tomorrow

Wli D8ga W8gan

 (Oo)w-le Do(n)-gah (Oo)wo(n)-gahn

      Thanks to All Our Relations

Soglon      Solg8nbi

Soh-glon'    Soh-glo(n)-be

Rain      Rain Water

Waz8li      Pkwami

Wah-zo(n)-le'    Pkwah'me

Snow      Ice

Pabadegw    Managw8n

Pah-bah-degw'    Mah-nah-gwo(n)n'

Hail      Rainbow

Lesson 14 - Months & Seasons in Abenaki

Months -

January    - Alamikos    - Greeting Time

February  - Pia8dagos   - Falling Branch

March     - Mozokas    - Moose Hunting

April     - Sogalikas    - Sugar Maker

May    - Kikas    - Field Planter

June    - Nakkahigas-Hoer-Tilling

July    - Temaskikos    - Berry Ripening

August    - Temez8was    - Gaterhing

September  - Skamonkas    - Corn Harvest

October   - Penibagos    - Leaf Falling

November   - Mzatanoskas    - Freezing River

December   - Pebonkas    - Winter Moon

Seasons -

Spring    - Siguan

In Spring  - Siguaniwi

Summer    - Niben

In Summer  - Nibeniwi

In Fall    - Tagu8gowiwi

In Winter  - Peboniwi

Winter    - Pebon

Lesson 15 - Trees & Colors

Trees -

An Oak      Anaskemezi

An Elm      Anibi

A Beech      Wajoimizi

An Ash       Mahlakws

A Maple      Senomozi

A Birch      Maskwamozi

A Willow    Kanozas

A Cedar      Môlôdagw

A Hemlock    Alnisedi

A Red Pine    Pasaakw

A Sassafras    Sasôgsek

Colors -

It is red    Mkuigen

It is blue    Wlôwigen

It is yellow    Wizôwigen

It is green    Askaskuigan

It is white    Wôbigen

It is black    Mkazawigen

It is brown    Wdamôôbamegua

It is violet    Minôbowigen

It is grey    Wibguigen

Lesson 16 - Names

Names -

 For those of you whose name does not directly translate

 into Abenaki from either English or French -

here are the Abenaki translations:

Anthony    Atoan

Joseph    Sozap

Bernard    Pelnal

Lawrence  Lol

Daniel    Tanial

Michael    Missal

David    Tabid

Nicholas  Nikpla

Edward    Edoal

Peter    Pial

Francis    Plasoa

Robert    Lobal

Gregory    Klegual

Simon    Simo

John    Az

Stephen    Atian

Thomas    Tom

Agatha    Agat

Elizabeth  Alizbat

Angelica  O'zalik

Ellen    Alan

Anna    O'nis

Louisa    Lowiz

Agnes    O'nias

Margaret  Malgelit

Catherin  Katetin

Mary    Mali

Charlotte  Sallot

Sophia    Sopi

Clarissa  Klalis

Susan    Sozn

Dorothy    Toloti

Theresa    Talaz

Lesson 17 - Fall Gathering

Fall Gathering -

The following words are a special lesson for the

  Fall Gathering:

The Harvest      Kawakwnigawgan

Autumn - Fall      Tagugo

 The Great Spirit    Kchi Niwaskw

God        Tabaldak

Sunrise        Skhipozit kisos

Sunset        Nakilhlt kisos

Moon        Pgwas, nahnibssat

Moon light      Pguasek

The Star      Alakws

East           Wajinahilt

South        Swanaki

West        Alinkihlt

North        Pebonki

Grandmother      Nokmes

Grandfather      Mahom

Air        Awan

Sky        Asokw

Cloud        Mnasokw

Blue sky/Starry heaven    Kakasakw

Water        Nebi

Earth        Ki

Stone        Sen

Fire        Skweda

Spark        Ohekelas

Smoke        Pekeda

Snow        Wazoli

All My Relations    N'dalgommek

Pipe        Wdamgan

Tobacco        Wdam

Sweat Lodge      Kzabzowigom

In the beginning    Waji mjassaik

Lesson 18 - Time of Day

Time of Day -

Kisokw        The day, a day.

Kisgadiwi      In day time.

Tebokw        The night.

Niboiwi        In the night

Sposowiwi      In the morning.

Wlogwiwi      In the evening.

Paskua        Noon, it is noon.

Paskuak        At noon.

Nowitebakad      Midnight, it is midnight

Nowitebakak      At midnight.

Sokhipozit kisos    Sunrise, at sunrise.

Nakilhot kisos      Sunset, at sunset.

Wlogwa        Yesterday.

Saba        Tomorow.

Lesson 19 - Place Names

Abenaki History - Place Names -

The county north of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

is still called Coos County. The Coaticook River rises

in Vermont, enters into the County of Compton, Quebec,

and runs northeast into the St. Francis River.

The name Coaticook comes  from Koatekwok.

"Koa" means "Pine", and the suffix "Tekw" means "River"

therefore "Koatekwok " means "to the Pine River."

Koatekw - the pine river.

Koatekw'i - of the pine river.

Koatekwok - to / from the pine river.

The name of Cohaset, Massachusetts in Norfolk County comes

from "Koasek" meaning to the small pine tree or

        grove of pine trees.

Koas - the small pine tree.

Koas'i - of the small pine tree.

Koasek - to the small pine tree.

Lesson 20 - Abenaki Legends & Stories of Old

Abenaki Legends & Stories of Old -

The following stories are from the Abenaki Indian Legends,

Grammar and Place Names, by H. L. Masta, 1932.

** Wawan8git Ta M8ladakw **

Wana: Nid8ba M8adakw kia nat8wi migakanian alakssa ato

        koli oji wawiton Koatekwok.

Mol: Koatekwok ennigani 8nka Awanochak ali

        witamodit Coaticook.

Niato kala n'oli wawaldamen:  Oji chig8wteguagani Vermont

  ni talli s8gdahla kzibonnokw, Ailsig8tekwok.

  Koatekw'ni kinni p8ntekwoo pab8miwi mail oji odanak

  n8bi aliwiswik ni waji m8ja p8ntekwwik.

Wana: Kawinawa ni waji liwit8zik Koatekw?

Mol: Wz8migaato pita msalozhanik nitali koaak taagata achi

  askwa wdain8.

** Wawan8git and M8ladakw **

Wana: My friend M8ladakw as you are habitually traveling

      here and you are well acquainted with Koatekwok?

Mol: Koatekwok is the river which is called Coaticook

     by the Whites. I indeed know it well.

     It has its source in Vermont and falls into our river

     Alsigontekwok (St. Francis River).  There are

     many rapids and falls in its course beginning at

     about one mile from the City of the same name.

Wana: But why is it called Koatekwok?

Mol: Because there must have been a large quantity of

     pine trees there and there are some even now..

Lesson 21 - Time in Words

"Seasons of the Year" -

Spring         Siguan

Summer         Niben

Fall          Taguogo

Winter       Pebon

"Days of the Week" -

Sunday         Sanda

Monday         Kizsanda

Tuesday        Nisda alokan

Wednesday      Nseda alokan

Thursday       Jawda alokan

Friday         Skawatukwikisgad

Saturday       Kadawsanda

"Months of the Year" -

January        Alamikos

February       Piaodagos

March          Mozokas

April        Sogalikas

May              Kikas

June           Nakkahigas

July         Temaskikos

August         Temezowas

September      Skamonkas

October        Penibagos

November       Mzatanos

December       Pebonkas

Lesson 22 - An Abenaki Prayer

Abenaki Prayer -

Kassiwi  Niona  Enna  Odakozik  Chibaio  Agaskwikok

With     We    Who     Visit    Ghosts    From

Kizos   Aalakws   Nionakiya   Alnobanogan   Nionakiya

The Sun   Star   of Our   Birth   and in Our

Aw8zsiswogan   Enni   Taolani    Agaskwikok   Noesal   Niona

Infancy   Which   Is   from  the Land  of

Kizosaltoalakws  Taolawisi  Maskozisis  Taolwisi  Nolka  Moz

The Rising Star as Long as the Deer  and

  Moose Shall Run Free and the Grass Shall Grow

Sibo Ikok Pon Tekw

And  the Rivers  Run Swiftly  the Abenaki Shall Survive

Wobigid Sanoba Magigwogan

The Whiteman's Wickedness

N'mahomios Chibaio

Again Our Grandfathers Spirits

Amikimek Pmegamek   Agakidozik

Have Given Us Guidance and Wisdom to

Rise and Come Together to Dance  We Have Been Taught

Kazaldozk  Nigawes  Spemki   Toldal8zi  Nosokazik

To Love  Mother   Earth   and to Respect Her

Niona Aho Wobenakiak   Kizos Posiwaganogan

We Are the Children of  the Dawn the People

Wobenakiak    Mozmozik Odiozon

Of the East  May the Great Spirit and

Kinikinik  Volcanda  Kottliwi   Kwahliwi Tapsiwi

The Great Creator Bless  Us and Smile upon Us

Chief Edwin "Joe" Pero - Coos (Cowasuck) Deer Clan Prayer

Joseph Laurent Dictionary Online

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