malakwa

[Jim Holton]

Henry, Kata mayka pi mesayka,

I have a book called "Conversatinal Cajun French I" written by Randall
P. Whatley and Harry Jannise, published in 1985.  On page 11 under "E.
Insects - Les Insects" it has the following entry:

mosquito - moustique (m), marinqouin (m)

The last version looks pretty close to Gibbs and is probably the same
word.  This also brings up another topic I have some interest in. A
number of years ago, I ran across an "article" on the Missouri French
Dialect that was spoken up until pretty recently in Missouri in area
south of St Louis.  I think the area is referred to as St. Genevieve.  I
think it had a word list. (of course I didn't copy it)  Does anybody on
the list have any references on Missouri French.

Hayash Masi. Kl., Jim



hzenk at PDX.EDU wrote:

>Hello all,
>
>Don't remember if this has received attention on the list before, but there is a
>word for 'mosquito' that appears as "malakwa" or "melakwa" in a number of the
>old "Chinook" dictionaries.  Gibbs cites French MARANGOUIN as the source, but
>none of the native French speakers I've asked so far even recognize the word.
>Can anyone clarify where this word comes from, and whence it would have entered
>Chinuk Wawa (presumably, sometime during the early 19th century)?  Thanks, Henry
>
>To respond to the CHINOOK list, click 'REPLY ALL'.  To respond privately to the sender of a message, click 'REPLY'.  Hayu masi!
>
>
>
>

To respond to the CHINOOK list, click 'REPLY ALL'.  To respond privately to the sender of a message, click 'REPLY'.  Hayu masi!