Ojibwe Dictionary Online Project

[Joseph Lavalley]

Dear Mr. D. Osborn,

Glad you have some contacts in regards to dictionary project. Perhaps a exchange of knowledge with them will provide me with a firmer ground to base this Ojbiwe Dictionary project on. So far it seems so. Look forward to speaking or having meaningful dialogue with someone who participated in it structure and creation.

With great thanks, Chi-Miigwetch

Joseph Brian Lavalley - Mishomis dezhenkaz, Nme dodem

Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:18:08 -0400
From: dzo at BISHARAT.NET
Subject: Re: [ILAT] Ojibwe Dictionary Online Project
To: ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU



















Dear Joseph,

 

I can't speak to the issues of the Ojibwe language, but on the broader
topic of online "living" dictionaries will mention - in case it is of
interest to you and others on ILAT - that there is some interesting work
ongoing and being discussed for several African languages. 

 

* The ""Kamusi" online living Swahili dictionary
has been evolving for several years and, though currently at a moment of
transition, is poised to continue its development.

* Other dictionaries being developed by Kasahorow for Akan (Ghana)
and Ewe (Ghana/Togo)

* A larger project proposal is under discssion to facilitate
among other things, pairing of various African languages

 

Most of the languages concerned in the current efforts and discussions
have millions of speakers and sometimes considerable, if difficult to access, published
resources. So the context is somewhat different than what I understand one would
be dealinng with for a Native American language like Ojibwe. Nevertheless,
perhaps there could be some useful sharing of tools and experience.

 

I'll cc Dr. Martin Benjamin (Kamusi) and Paa Kwesi Imbeah
(kasahorow) for their info.

 

All the best.

 

Don Osborn

Bisharat.net

PanAfriL10n.org

 

 

 







From: Indigenous
Languages and Technology [mailto:ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU] On Behalf Of Joseph
Lavalley

Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:20 PM

To: ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU

Subject: [ILAT] Ojibwe Dictionary Online Project





 

To all interested colleagues,



Currently engaged in a online Ojibwe dictionary project and have been going it
alone for the last year and a half. Seeking interested persons who are
currently working on the Ojibwe language (Anishnawbemowin) and those who have
dictionary building experience.



So far using a 1975 reprint of a 1874 Ojibwe language dictionary listed as a
grammarian in a Bibliography of Algonquian Language as primary source to create
this hand typed (keyboarded) digitized dictionary into a website. The
dictionary is the one compiled by Wilson. The reprint was done by the
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The typeface is
approx. 6pt Times. I am currently work in Arial 12pt in Word. Would like to do
a cross comparison of other dictionaries extant from either English and French
texts past and present to do a complete analysis and comprehensive re-working
of Orthography, Phonetic soundings using voice snippets from local oral
speakers to establish universal Phonology and Morphology.



To be honest and truthful to the fullest extent, I have no university standing
at this time, although I am currently applying to university to become a
Linguist. It is my hope that those that care about the educational
responsibilities to the children and people of the Anishnawbe will come forth
and help me in the vision of a unified Ojibwe oral, written and symbolic
system.



With a dream to fulfill in ones' lifetime, there is much to be done,



Miigwetch,



Joseph Brian Lavalley - Mishomis dezhnikaz, Nme dodem.



PS. Also, interested in making contact with John D. Nichols leading Algic
Family Language Specialist.



JBL







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