Ojibwe Dictionary Online Project

Sat Sep 15 14:02:55 UTC 2007

One of the problems with a unified Anishnabe writting system is that the language crosses a few provincial boundaries and state boudaries. Researchers tend to focus on the language of one community or of a selected area...which is fine and important in itself but the the research is rarely done in the vision of a unified anishnabe language. 

Also, there isn t one anishnabe govt that represents all anishnabe people. The most important thing in my opinion is starting a discussion  between all anishnabe communities in order to agree on a writing system, which does not necessarily have to be based on the roman alphabet or syllabics (which of course everyone has an opinion about and might cause more divisions in the process). 

This idea of a unified writting system is outside of the concern of linguists in my opinion - it is a political issue. Anishnabe people themselves need to take the initiative to form a united front (at least in terms of language first). Identifying who is and speaks Anishnabe is the prerequisite to acually forming political ties in the future. 

A linguist would not insist, for example, that a group should call itself Anishnabe instead of their English labels (which of course are based on  native words), such as Ojibwe, Chippewa, saultaux, Algonquin, Oji-Cree, etc... A unified writting system to a unified language - to a unified people.

This is what should be done before a major project begins and people say it is too late to change things, but this is just my opinion. 

Joseph Lavalley <graphfix at HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:    .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma }   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

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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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