Compiled by Robert DesJarlait and James Bird
The Sound of Our Language
Boozhoo, readers. It is intentional that we haven’t emphasized syllables here. Although standardized Ojibwe language—called the double-vowel system—follows certain rules of English grammar, not all rules are followed. There are good resources online for a more in-depth exploration of the language and its patterns, such as Ojibwe.net. Miigwech —J. B.
aanikoobijigan niimi’idiwin (ah/ni/koo/be/ji/gun ni/me/eh/di/win): ancestor dance
agaasa animosh gichi-ma’iingan’de (ah/gah/sa ah/ni/mush gih/chi/ma/een/gun/day): little dog with a big wolf heart
amik (ah/mik): beaver
animibatoo (ah/ni/me/bah/too): run
animosh (ah/ni/mush): dog
Anishinaabe (Ah/nish/in/nah/bay): Ojibwe people
Anishinaabemowin (Ah/nish/in/nah/bay/mow/win): Ojibwe language
boozhoo (boo/zhoo): hello
chi-miigwech (chi/meeg/witch): many thanks (to you) or big thank you
esiban (ay/see/bun): raccoon
gaagiizom (gah/gi/zom): sorry
gaawiin (gah/ween): no
Gichigami (Gih/chee/gah/mi): Lake Superior
Gichi-onigaming (Gih/chee/-o/ni/gah/ming): Grand Portage
Giiwashkwebiishki (Gii/washk/way/beesh/key): s/he is a drunk/alcoholic
Gizhiibatoo (Gi/she/ba/too): s/he runs fast
indaashaan (in/dah/shahn): come here
indé (in/day): heart
ishkode bakwezhigaans (ish/ko/day bak/way/she/gans): firecracker
kaa wiika boontaake (kah we/ka boon/tah/kay): don’t give up
ma’iingan (mah/een/gun): wolf
makwa (muk/wah): bear
miigwech (meeg/witch): thank you
mino-babaamaadizi (minnow/-ba/bah/mah/di/zi): travel well
miskwaadesi (misk/wah/day/si): turtle
niiji (nee/gee): my friend
nimaamaa (ni/mah/mah): my mother
nimishoomis (ni/mi/show/mis): my grandfather
nimisko niiji (ni/mis/ko nee/gee): my red friend
ninga (nin/gah): my mother
ningozis (nin/go/zis): my son
noodin (noo/din): wind
nookomis (nah/ko/mis): grandmother
ogichidaa (o/gih/chi/dah): warrior
opin (o/peen): potato
wiidooka (we/doo/kah): help me