Bill Jancewicz | University of North Dakota (original) (raw)
Papers by Bill Jancewicz
UNP - Nebraska eBooks, Sep 7, 2017
Michigan State University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2021
Algonquian Papers - Archive, Jun 1, 2008
Algonquian Papers - Archive, Dec 1, 1997
The language described in this paper has been referred to as "Western Naskapi". It is a palataliz... more The language described in this paper has been referred to as "Western Naskapi". It is a palatalized ^-dialect spoken in the northeast of the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum. The data are from speakers resident at the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach, near Schefferville, Quebec. PRODUCTION PROCESS Like other languages in the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum, one very productive means employed to form new words in Naskapi is the process referred to as nominalization. Essentially, this is accomplished by adding a kaa-prefix to a verb inflected for conjunct indicative neutral, third person singular. Although kaa-is homophonous with the prefix that marks a conjunct verb as past reference, Lynn Drapeau (1978:214) points out that in Montagnais this kaa-functions as a relative particle referring to an antecedent, meaning roughly 'the one who...' or 'the thing that...', forming a relative clause. As in Montagnais, it is from these relative conjunct verbs that Naskapi nominalizations arise, when they are lexicalized as nouns by the speech community. Once thus lexicalized, nominalizations function syntactically as nouns and are (for the most part) inflected as nouns: 1 (1) a. chiskutimaachaa-w Al 's/he teaches' b. kaa-chiskutimaachaa-t NomA 'teacher' (2) a. nituutiihkwaa-w Al 's/he is hunting caribou' b. kaa-nituutiihkwaa-t NomA 'caribou hunter'
Language Learning & Technology, May 1, 2002
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects. The nine communities of East Cree speakers, located in northwestern Quebec from the eastern coast of James Bay and Hudson's Bay inland, range in population from 300 to 3000. Although united both politically and administratively, these nine communities represent two distinct Cree dialects, with additional inter-community lexical and phonological variations. These Cree and Naskapi communities share not only related languages, but also similarities in culture, traditions, and physical environment. However, despite these similarities, the use of computer technology for language maintenance has taken a very different path within each group. In both areas Cree or Naskapi is the first language of all, including children. The primary second language is English, with some provision for French. Both Cree and Naskapi use similar syllabic orthographies. This use of syllabics has had a unique influence on the development of applied computer technology used in their language programs. SYLLABIC ORTHOGRAPHIC SYSTEM The orthographic system is based upon the syllabic system innovated by James Evans, a Methodist minister serving the Ojibwa and Cree in Ontario and Manitoba from the 1820's to the 1840's (Murdoch, 1981). Evans was an avid philologist whose desire for an easy-to-learn "shorthand" method of writing these Indian languages provided the initial framework of the syllabic writing system. In the fall of 1841, while lodged at Norway House in Manitoba, he produced, after planning and experimentation, the first syllabic chart and some hymns in Cree. After some relatively minor changes, syllabics became the basis of the writing systems used today by the Cree, Naskapi, Ojibwa, and Inuit.
Multilingual Matters eBooks, Dec 31, 1996
SIL International and the Naskapi Development Corporation This is a presentation of research expl... more SIL International and the Naskapi Development Corporation This is a presentation of research exploring how Naskapi grammatical awareness can be developed, providing insight into the form that pedagogical grammatical instruction should take, to equip Naskapi adults to become adequately literate in their mother tongue. The teaching method incorporates a grammatical description crafted to help speakers attain successful literacy in their own language, applied in the context of reading meaningful texts.
This thesis meets the standards for appearance, conforms to the style and format requirements of ... more This thesis meets the standards for appearance, conforms to the style and format requirements of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of North Dakota, and is hereby approved.
Born in the Blood: On Native American Translation, 2011
For many years, readers in the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach used translations of religiou... more For many years, readers in the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach used translations of religious literature that were produced not for their own language, but rather for and by Cree- speaking communities some hundreds of miles to the west of Naskapi territory. Only recently have they had the capability to produce their own language materials in their own language and orthography.
Language development specialists affiliated with SIL International1 were invited by the Naskapi community to assist them and their church and school to produce their own materials in the local idiom, which is distinct from the nearby related languages that already had language programs underway. Naskapi elders and community leaders themselves established the goals of the interrelated language projects that included the production of a dictionary, a Naskapi language curriculum in the local school, the recording of traditional Naskapi oral legends and history, along with the translation of religious literature, including the New Testament and significant portions of the Old Testament. To accomplish these tasks, the community recruited the help of not only SIL, but also linguists from Memorial University, and educators affiliated with the Central Quebec Regional School Board.
This essay will document the process of translating portions of the Naskapi Bible, particularly the New Testament, as it took shape in the Naskapi community, especially during the years since the signing of the Northeastern Quebec Agreement (NEQA) in 1976.
This essay will also describe some of the technical hurdles that were overcome and the unique approach that the translation team employed to accomplish their goals. Also considered will be the complementary roles that workers affiliated with SIL International played with the Naskapi community members and their goals of preserving their cultural identity through language development projects.
Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken ... more Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken in northern Quebec, it is in a unique situation because of the Naskapi people’s relatively late date of European contact, their geographic isolation, and the fact that, within their territory, Naskapi speakers outnumber speakers of Canada’s official languages. Historically, the vernacular word from which we derive the modern term “Naskapi ” was applied to people not yet influenced by European culture. Nowadays, however, it refers specifically to the most remote Indian groups of the Quebec-Labrador peninsula (Mailhot, 1986). The Naskapi of today, who now comprise the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach near Schefferville, are direct descendants of nomadic caribou hunters of the Ungava tundra region. Although they are sometimes considered a part of the larger Innu grouping (also referred to as Montagnais-Naskapi by linguists and anthropologists), the Naskapi themselves insist that they are a...
The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop... more The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop resources for typing in Cree syllabics in the area of information technology. Changes in the digital world have allowed the generalization of Unicode, but the question of what are the best tools—and whether they can be understood and accessed by the people who need them— remains. Aboriginal languages, being minority languages, remain vulnerable to the dominance of English in the domain of software development, hardware preferences for certain platforms, and ever-changing technologies. We report on successful and less successful initiatives undertaken to serve the needs of the nine East Cree communities in Quebec: development and updates of typing tool packages, open source vs. proprietary-commercial software, distribution and accessibility of those tools, problems with obsolete practices, and training. We report on some resources made available via the eastcree.org website, including tr...
Papers of the 40th Algonquian Conference, 2008
The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop... more The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop resources for typing in Cree syllabics in the area of information technology. Changes in the digital world have allowed the generalization of Unicode, but the question of what are the best tools—and whether they can be understood and accessed by the people who need them— remains. Aboriginal languages, being minority languages, remain vulnerable to the dominance of English in the domain of software development, hardware preferences for certain platforms, and ever-changing technologies.
We report on successful and less successful initiatives undertaken to serve the needs of the nine East Cree communities in Quebec: development and updates of typing tool packages, open source vs. proprietary-commercial software, distribution and accessibility of those tools, problems with obsolete practices, and training. We report on some resources made available via the eastcree.org website, including training videos in Cree, English and French. Like standardisation of orthography, standardisation of technology is essential. We demonstrate and emphasise the benefits stemming from collaboration and sharing between all people working in any capacity with a minority language.
This paper explores how Naskapi grammatical awareness can be developed, and provides insight into... more This paper explores how Naskapi grammatical awareness can be developed, and provides insight into the form that pedagogical grammatical instruction should take, in order to equip Naskapi adults to become adequately literate in their mother tongue. In the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach, Quebec, Naskapi is the language of instruction in the early primary grades of the school. Only recently have Naskapi-speaking teachers received formal instruction in pedagogy, with a cohort of Naskapi teachers following courses for their Bachelors in Education degree towards careers teaching in the Naskapi language in their local school. These adults are highly motivated to improve their mother tongue literacy in order to teach or prepare curriculum materials in Naskapi classrooms. This paper describes an instructional method for learning Naskapi language patterns in a form that is accessible to speakers. This method was implemented a classroom setting in which bilingual adult Naskapi speakers w...
Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken ... more Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken in northern Quebec, it is in a unique situation because of the Naskapi people's relatively late date of European contact, their geographic isolation, and the fact that, within their territory, Naskapi speakers outnumber speakers of Canada's official languages. Historically, the vernacular word from which we derive the modern term " Naskapi " was applied to people not yet influenced by European culture. Nowadays, however, it refers specifically to the most remote Indian groups of the Quebec-Labrador peninsula (Mailhot, 1986). The Naskapi of today, who now comprise the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach near Schefferville, are direct descendants of nomadic caribou hunters of the Ungava tundra region. Although they are sometimes considered a part of the larger Innu grouping (also referred to as Montagnais-Naskapi by linguists and anthropologists), the Naskapi themselves ins...
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects.
Like other languages in the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum, one very productive means employed... more Like other languages in the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum, one very productive means employed to form new words in Naskapi is the process referred to as nominalization. Essentially, this is accomplished by adding a kaaprefix to a verb inflected for conjunct indicative neutral, third person singular. Although kaais homophonous with the prefix that marks a conjunct verb as past reference, Lynn Drapeau (1978:214) points out that in Montagnais this kaafunctions as a relative particle referring to an antecedent, meaning roughly 'the one who...' or 'the thing that...', forming a relative clause. A s in Montagnais, it is from these relative conjunct verbs that Naskapi nominalizations arise, when they are lexicalized as nouns by the speech community. Once thus lexicalized, nominalizations function syntactically as nouns and are (for the most part) inflected as nouns:
Language Learning Technology, May 1, 2002
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects. The nine communities of East Cree speakers, located in northwestern Quebec from the eastern coast of James Bay and Hudson's Bay inland, range in population from 300 to 3000. Although united both politically and administratively, these nine communities represent two distinct Cree dialects, with additional inter-community lexical and phonological variations. These Cree and Naskapi communities share not only related languages, but also similarities in culture, traditions, and physical environment. However, despite these similarities, the use of computer technology for language maintenance has taken a very different path within each group. In both areas Cree or Naskapi is the first language of all, including children. The primary second language is English, with some provision for French. Both Cree and Naskapi use similar syllabic orthographies. This use of syllabics has had a unique influence on the development of applied computer technology used in their language programs. SYLLABIC ORTHOGRAPHIC SYSTEM The orthographic system is based upon the syllabic system innovated by James Evans, a Methodist minister serving the Ojibwa and Cree in Ontario and Manitoba from the 1820's to the 1840's (Murdoch, 1981). Evans was an avid philologist whose desire for an easy-to-learn "shorthand" method of writing these Indian languages provided the initial framework of the syllabic writing system. In the fall of 1841, while lodged at Norway House in Manitoba, he produced, after planning and experimentation, the first syllabic chart and some hymns in Cree. After some relatively minor changes, syllabics became the basis of the writing systems used today by the Cree, Naskapi, Ojibwa, and Inuit.
![Research paper thumbnail of Naskapi sibilants: acoustic characterization of [s] and [ʃ]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/34370464/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Naskapi and Mushuau Innu aimun are two speech varieties spoken on the Quebec-Labrador peninsula t... more Naskapi and Mushuau Innu aimun are two speech varieties spoken on the Quebec-Labrador peninsula that are closely related, and are among the varieties of Cree-Innu-Naskapi that have merged Proto-Algonquian *s and *ʃ. This paper characterizes the acoustic correlates of [s] and [ʃ] in Naskapi and Mushuau Innu, with a view to tracking the current status of these allophonic segments in the speech of younger bilingual speakers of these speech varieties.
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects.
UNP - Nebraska eBooks, Sep 7, 2017
Michigan State University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2021
Algonquian Papers - Archive, Jun 1, 2008
Algonquian Papers - Archive, Dec 1, 1997
The language described in this paper has been referred to as "Western Naskapi". It is a palataliz... more The language described in this paper has been referred to as "Western Naskapi". It is a palatalized ^-dialect spoken in the northeast of the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum. The data are from speakers resident at the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach, near Schefferville, Quebec. PRODUCTION PROCESS Like other languages in the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum, one very productive means employed to form new words in Naskapi is the process referred to as nominalization. Essentially, this is accomplished by adding a kaa-prefix to a verb inflected for conjunct indicative neutral, third person singular. Although kaa-is homophonous with the prefix that marks a conjunct verb as past reference, Lynn Drapeau (1978:214) points out that in Montagnais this kaa-functions as a relative particle referring to an antecedent, meaning roughly 'the one who...' or 'the thing that...', forming a relative clause. As in Montagnais, it is from these relative conjunct verbs that Naskapi nominalizations arise, when they are lexicalized as nouns by the speech community. Once thus lexicalized, nominalizations function syntactically as nouns and are (for the most part) inflected as nouns: 1 (1) a. chiskutimaachaa-w Al 's/he teaches' b. kaa-chiskutimaachaa-t NomA 'teacher' (2) a. nituutiihkwaa-w Al 's/he is hunting caribou' b. kaa-nituutiihkwaa-t NomA 'caribou hunter'
Language Learning & Technology, May 1, 2002
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects. The nine communities of East Cree speakers, located in northwestern Quebec from the eastern coast of James Bay and Hudson's Bay inland, range in population from 300 to 3000. Although united both politically and administratively, these nine communities represent two distinct Cree dialects, with additional inter-community lexical and phonological variations. These Cree and Naskapi communities share not only related languages, but also similarities in culture, traditions, and physical environment. However, despite these similarities, the use of computer technology for language maintenance has taken a very different path within each group. In both areas Cree or Naskapi is the first language of all, including children. The primary second language is English, with some provision for French. Both Cree and Naskapi use similar syllabic orthographies. This use of syllabics has had a unique influence on the development of applied computer technology used in their language programs. SYLLABIC ORTHOGRAPHIC SYSTEM The orthographic system is based upon the syllabic system innovated by James Evans, a Methodist minister serving the Ojibwa and Cree in Ontario and Manitoba from the 1820's to the 1840's (Murdoch, 1981). Evans was an avid philologist whose desire for an easy-to-learn "shorthand" method of writing these Indian languages provided the initial framework of the syllabic writing system. In the fall of 1841, while lodged at Norway House in Manitoba, he produced, after planning and experimentation, the first syllabic chart and some hymns in Cree. After some relatively minor changes, syllabics became the basis of the writing systems used today by the Cree, Naskapi, Ojibwa, and Inuit.
Multilingual Matters eBooks, Dec 31, 1996
SIL International and the Naskapi Development Corporation This is a presentation of research expl... more SIL International and the Naskapi Development Corporation This is a presentation of research exploring how Naskapi grammatical awareness can be developed, providing insight into the form that pedagogical grammatical instruction should take, to equip Naskapi adults to become adequately literate in their mother tongue. The teaching method incorporates a grammatical description crafted to help speakers attain successful literacy in their own language, applied in the context of reading meaningful texts.
This thesis meets the standards for appearance, conforms to the style and format requirements of ... more This thesis meets the standards for appearance, conforms to the style and format requirements of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of North Dakota, and is hereby approved.
Born in the Blood: On Native American Translation, 2011
For many years, readers in the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach used translations of religiou... more For many years, readers in the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach used translations of religious literature that were produced not for their own language, but rather for and by Cree- speaking communities some hundreds of miles to the west of Naskapi territory. Only recently have they had the capability to produce their own language materials in their own language and orthography.
Language development specialists affiliated with SIL International1 were invited by the Naskapi community to assist them and their church and school to produce their own materials in the local idiom, which is distinct from the nearby related languages that already had language programs underway. Naskapi elders and community leaders themselves established the goals of the interrelated language projects that included the production of a dictionary, a Naskapi language curriculum in the local school, the recording of traditional Naskapi oral legends and history, along with the translation of religious literature, including the New Testament and significant portions of the Old Testament. To accomplish these tasks, the community recruited the help of not only SIL, but also linguists from Memorial University, and educators affiliated with the Central Quebec Regional School Board.
This essay will document the process of translating portions of the Naskapi Bible, particularly the New Testament, as it took shape in the Naskapi community, especially during the years since the signing of the Northeastern Quebec Agreement (NEQA) in 1976.
This essay will also describe some of the technical hurdles that were overcome and the unique approach that the translation team employed to accomplish their goals. Also considered will be the complementary roles that workers affiliated with SIL International played with the Naskapi community members and their goals of preserving their cultural identity through language development projects.
Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken ... more Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken in northern Quebec, it is in a unique situation because of the Naskapi people’s relatively late date of European contact, their geographic isolation, and the fact that, within their territory, Naskapi speakers outnumber speakers of Canada’s official languages. Historically, the vernacular word from which we derive the modern term “Naskapi ” was applied to people not yet influenced by European culture. Nowadays, however, it refers specifically to the most remote Indian groups of the Quebec-Labrador peninsula (Mailhot, 1986). The Naskapi of today, who now comprise the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach near Schefferville, are direct descendants of nomadic caribou hunters of the Ungava tundra region. Although they are sometimes considered a part of the larger Innu grouping (also referred to as Montagnais-Naskapi by linguists and anthropologists), the Naskapi themselves insist that they are a...
The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop... more The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop resources for typing in Cree syllabics in the area of information technology. Changes in the digital world have allowed the generalization of Unicode, but the question of what are the best tools—and whether they can be understood and accessed by the people who need them— remains. Aboriginal languages, being minority languages, remain vulnerable to the dominance of English in the domain of software development, hardware preferences for certain platforms, and ever-changing technologies. We report on successful and less successful initiatives undertaken to serve the needs of the nine East Cree communities in Quebec: development and updates of typing tool packages, open source vs. proprietary-commercial software, distribution and accessibility of those tools, problems with obsolete practices, and training. We report on some resources made available via the eastcree.org website, including tr...
Papers of the 40th Algonquian Conference, 2008
The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop... more The goal of this paper is to discuss and provide an overview of our experience in helping develop resources for typing in Cree syllabics in the area of information technology. Changes in the digital world have allowed the generalization of Unicode, but the question of what are the best tools—and whether they can be understood and accessed by the people who need them— remains. Aboriginal languages, being minority languages, remain vulnerable to the dominance of English in the domain of software development, hardware preferences for certain platforms, and ever-changing technologies.
We report on successful and less successful initiatives undertaken to serve the needs of the nine East Cree communities in Quebec: development and updates of typing tool packages, open source vs. proprietary-commercial software, distribution and accessibility of those tools, problems with obsolete practices, and training. We report on some resources made available via the eastcree.org website, including training videos in Cree, English and French. Like standardisation of orthography, standardisation of technology is essential. We demonstrate and emphasise the benefits stemming from collaboration and sharing between all people working in any capacity with a minority language.
This paper explores how Naskapi grammatical awareness can be developed, and provides insight into... more This paper explores how Naskapi grammatical awareness can be developed, and provides insight into the form that pedagogical grammatical instruction should take, in order to equip Naskapi adults to become adequately literate in their mother tongue. In the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach, Quebec, Naskapi is the language of instruction in the early primary grades of the school. Only recently have Naskapi-speaking teachers received formal instruction in pedagogy, with a cohort of Naskapi teachers following courses for their Bachelors in Education degree towards careers teaching in the Naskapi language in their local school. These adults are highly motivated to improve their mother tongue literacy in order to teach or prepare curriculum materials in Naskapi classrooms. This paper describes an instructional method for learning Naskapi language patterns in a form that is accessible to speakers. This method was implemented a classroom setting in which bilingual adult Naskapi speakers w...
Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken ... more Although the Naskapi language has many features in common with other Algonquian languages spoken in northern Quebec, it is in a unique situation because of the Naskapi people's relatively late date of European contact, their geographic isolation, and the fact that, within their territory, Naskapi speakers outnumber speakers of Canada's official languages. Historically, the vernacular word from which we derive the modern term " Naskapi " was applied to people not yet influenced by European culture. Nowadays, however, it refers specifically to the most remote Indian groups of the Quebec-Labrador peninsula (Mailhot, 1986). The Naskapi of today, who now comprise the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach near Schefferville, are direct descendants of nomadic caribou hunters of the Ungava tundra region. Although they are sometimes considered a part of the larger Innu grouping (also referred to as Montagnais-Naskapi by linguists and anthropologists), the Naskapi themselves ins...
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects.
Like other languages in the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum, one very productive means employed... more Like other languages in the Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi continuum, one very productive means employed to form new words in Naskapi is the process referred to as nominalization. Essentially, this is accomplished by adding a kaaprefix to a verb inflected for conjunct indicative neutral, third person singular. Although kaais homophonous with the prefix that marks a conjunct verb as past reference, Lynn Drapeau (1978:214) points out that in Montagnais this kaafunctions as a relative particle referring to an antecedent, meaning roughly 'the one who...' or 'the thing that...', forming a relative clause. A s in Montagnais, it is from these relative conjunct verbs that Naskapi nominalizations arise, when they are lexicalized as nouns by the speech community. Once thus lexicalized, nominalizations function syntactically as nouns and are (for the most part) inflected as nouns:
Language Learning Technology, May 1, 2002
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects. The nine communities of East Cree speakers, located in northwestern Quebec from the eastern coast of James Bay and Hudson's Bay inland, range in population from 300 to 3000. Although united both politically and administratively, these nine communities represent two distinct Cree dialects, with additional inter-community lexical and phonological variations. These Cree and Naskapi communities share not only related languages, but also similarities in culture, traditions, and physical environment. However, despite these similarities, the use of computer technology for language maintenance has taken a very different path within each group. In both areas Cree or Naskapi is the first language of all, including children. The primary second language is English, with some provision for French. Both Cree and Naskapi use similar syllabic orthographies. This use of syllabics has had a unique influence on the development of applied computer technology used in their language programs. SYLLABIC ORTHOGRAPHIC SYSTEM The orthographic system is based upon the syllabic system innovated by James Evans, a Methodist minister serving the Ojibwa and Cree in Ontario and Manitoba from the 1820's to the 1840's (Murdoch, 1981). Evans was an avid philologist whose desire for an easy-to-learn "shorthand" method of writing these Indian languages provided the initial framework of the syllabic writing system. In the fall of 1841, while lodged at Norway House in Manitoba, he produced, after planning and experimentation, the first syllabic chart and some hymns in Cree. After some relatively minor changes, syllabics became the basis of the writing systems used today by the Cree, Naskapi, Ojibwa, and Inuit.
Naskapi and Mushuau Innu aimun are two speech varieties spoken on the Quebec-Labrador peninsula t... more Naskapi and Mushuau Innu aimun are two speech varieties spoken on the Quebec-Labrador peninsula that are closely related, and are among the varieties of Cree-Innu-Naskapi that have merged Proto-Algonquian *s and *ʃ. This paper characterizes the acoustic correlates of [s] and [ʃ] in Naskapi and Mushuau Innu, with a view to tracking the current status of these allophonic segments in the speech of younger bilingual speakers of these speech varieties.
After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Na... more After an introduction to the parameters for the application of computer technology in Cree and Naskapi language programs, it will be shown that the deliberate and structured introduction of these technologies to indigenous language programs can facilitate indigenous language stabilization and development. Using first-hand accounts from within Cree and Naskapi language communities as case studies, both the successes and frustrations associated with computers for language work will be described, and recommendations made for the future use of computer technology in these projects.