Rare book archive asks assistance: What's best old CJ dictionary?

Jim Holton jim at ADISOFT-INC.COM
Mon Jan 11 00:57:13 UTC 1999


Hi Dave, For my money Gibbs' is the best.  I think if you analyze his
orthography, it comes the closest to accurately reflecting the correct
pronunciation.  I also think the word definitions are fairly accurate.
If you're purchasing multiple, one interesting one is "The Chinook Book:
by Philips.  It seems to give a snapshot of Chinook on Puget Sound
around 1900. Ukuk nayka moxst sents. Jim

David Robertson wrote:
>
> LaXiyEm, tIlXEm,
>
> I have been approached by the rare book archive of a university, with the
> following question:  "What is the best Chinook [Jargon] dictionary?"
>
> This archive has the opportunity to purchase one or more ChInUk Wawa
> dictionaries from a dealer, and wishes to invest its money wisely.
>
> My opinion was that Gibbs is probably the best, and the university does
> need to get a copy of that book.  But they also appreciated my offer to
> ask the members of this group for their informed opinions.
>
> Please post your replies to the entire list, for everyone's information
> and enjoyment.  I will forward them to the archive.
>
> Dret hayu masi, na-siXs,
> Dave
>
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