Week 37: Colors

Ojibwe Colors

Traditionally, these are the words used for the Ojibwe colors:

miskozi(wag) - S/he is red
makadewizi(wag) - S/he is black
ozhaawashkozi(wag) - S/he is blue, green
waabishkizi(wag) - S/he is white
ozaawizi(wag) - S/he is brown, yellow, orange

miskwaa(wan) - It is red
makadewaa(wan) - It is black
ozhaawashkwaa(wan) - It is blue, green
waabishkaa(wan) - It is white
ozaawaa(wan) - It is brown, yellow, orange


As you can see, there can be more than one color per word.  Recently, schools have begun to search for words to separate the colors.  The colors presented here are the colors used at some schools.  These may vary from school to school as some of them are new inventions.  These are the color words we want you to use:

miskozi(wag) - S/he is red.
makadewizi(wag) - S/he is black.
ozhaawashkozi(wag) - S/he is blue.
aniibiishkozi(wag) - S/he is green.
waabishkizi(wag) - S/he is white
ozaawizi(wag) - S/he is yellow.
miskozaawizi(wag) - S/he is orange.
makadewizaawizi(wag) - S/he is brown.
gegaamakadewizi(wag) - S/he is gray.
oginaanzo(wag) - S/he is pink.
miiningozi(wag) - S/he is purple.

miskwaa(wan) - It is red.
makadewaa(wan) - It is black.
ozhaawashkwaa(wan) - It is blue.
aniibiishkaande(wan) - It is green.
waabishkaa(wan) - It is white
ozaawaa(wan) - It is yellow.
miskozaawaa(wan) - It is orange.
makadewizaawaa(wan) - It is brown.
gegaamakade(wan) - It is gray.
oginiiwaande(wan) - It is pink.
miininganaande(wan) - It is purple.

Some games to play using the Ojibwe Colors List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Week 36: Days of the Month

Aaniin endaso-gonagizid a’aw giizis?
What day of the month is it?

Bezhigo-gonagizi - It's the first of the month.
niizho-gonagizi - It's the second of the month.
niso-gonagizi - It's the third of the month.
niiyo-gonagizi - It's the fourth of the month.
naano-gonagizi - It's the fifth of the month.
ningodwaaso-gonagizi - It's the sixth of the month.
niizhwaaso-gonagizi - It's the seventh of the month.
nishwaaso-gonagizi - It's the eighth of the month.
zhaangaso-gonagizi - It's the ninth of the month.
midaaso-gonagizi - It's the tenth of the month.
ashi-bezhigo-gonagizi - It's the eleventh of the month.
ashi-niizho-gonagizi - It's the twelfth of the month.
ashi-niso-gonagizi - It's the thirteenth of the month.
ashi-niiyo-gonagizi - It's the fourteenth of the month.
ashi-naano-gonagizi - It's the fifteenth of the month.
ashi-ningodwaaso-gonagizi - It's the sixteenth of the month.
ashi-niizhwaaso-gonagizi - It's the seventeenth of the month.
ashi-nishwaaso-gonagizi - It's the eighteenth of the month.
ashi-zhaangaso-gonagizi - It's the nineteenth of the month.
niizhtana daso-gonagizi - It's the twentieth of the month.
niizhtana ashi-bezhigo-gonagizi - It's the twenty first of the month.
niizhtana ashi-niizho-gonagizi - It's the twenty second of the month.
niizhtana ashi-niso-gonagizi - It's the twenty third of the month.
niizhtana ashi-niiyo-gonagizi - It's the twenty fourth of the month.
niizhtana ashi-naano-gonagizi - It's the twenty fifth of the month.
niizhtana ashi-ningodwaaso-gonagizi - It's the twenty sixth of the month.
niizhtana ashi-niizhwaaso-gonagizi - It's the twenty seventh of the month.
niizhtana ashi-nishwaaso-gonagizi - It's the twenty eighth of the month.
niizhtana ashi-zhaangaso-gonagizi - It's the twenty ninth of the month.
nisimidana daso-gonagizi - It's the thirtieth of the month.
nisimidana ashi-bezhigo-gonagizi - It's the thirty first of the month.

Week 36: Days and Months

Days and Months

            The days of the week and months of the year vary from reserve to reserve.  We have decided to use the same words for days and months as used by the University of Minnesota, MCTC, and the Ojibwe Language Society that puts out those calendars that are very popular.  For the exact terms of your reserve or area, please contact a fluent speaker of that area.

Days of the Week
Aaniin ezhi-giizhigak noongom? - What day is it today?

Sunday - Anama’e-giizhigad (Praying day)
Monday - Nitam-anokii-giizhigad (The first day of work)
Tuesday - Niizho-giizhigad (The second day)
Wednesday - Aabitoose (The middle of the week)                    
Thursday - Niiyo-giizhigad (The fourth day)                      
Friday - Naano-giizhigad (The fifth day)
Saturday - Giziibiigisaginige-giizhigad (Floor Scrubbing day)

Months of the Year

Aaniin ezhinikaazod noongom giizis? - What month is it now?

January - Gichi-manidoo-giizis (Great Spirit Moon)
February - Namebini-giizis (Suckerfish Moon)                                
March - Onaabani-giizis (Hard Crust on the Snow Moon)
April - Iskigamizige-giizis (Maple Sap Boiling Moon)                        
May - Zaagibagaa-giizis (Budding Moon)                        
June - Ode'imini-giizis (Strawberry Moon)
July - Aabita-niibino-giizis (Midsummer Moon)
August - Manoominike-giizis (Wild Ricing Moon)
September - Waatebagaa-giizis (Leaves Changing Colors Moon)
October - Binaakwi-giizis (Falling Leaves Moon)                                
November - Gashkadino-giizis (Freezing Moon)                      
December - Manidoo-giizisoons (Little Spirit Moon)

Week 35: Quiz and Test

Take the Basic Words Quiz and the Basic Words Test.

Week 35: Particles

Particles

bangii - little, a little bit, few
aapiji - very, quite
gegaa - nearly, almost
weweni - properly, carefully, correctly
apane - all the time
eshkam - gradually
gakina - all, every
nashke - look, behold
gego - don't
gegoo - something
wewiib - hurry
ambe - come on
ganabaj - maybe
anooj - various, all kinds
enigok - with effort, harder
bakaan - different
ajina - a little while
onzaam - too much, excessively
geget - really, sure
niibowa - many, much

The Anishinaabe Hangout crew did a show on particles:


Some games to play using the Particles List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Hungry Bug, Bug Match

Week 34: Clothing

Biizikiigan(an) - item of clothing

babagiwayaan(an) - shirt
giboodiyegwaazon(ag) - pants
gijipizon(an) - belt
makizin(an) - shoe
azhigan(an) - sock
babiinzikawaagan(an) - coat
majigoode(yan) - dress
minjikaawan(ag) - glove, mitten
wiiwakwaan(an) - hat
didibininjiibizon(an) - ring
oshkiinzhigokaanan - eye glasses
naabishebizon(an) - earring
aasodoodooshimebizon(an) - bra

biizikonaye - S/he is getting dressed.
giizikonaye - S/he is undressing.
aanzikonaye - S/he is changing clothes.

Week 33: Blueberry Time

We want you to read Paul Buffalo's story about picking blueberries.

Week 33: Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit
miin(an) - blueberry
mishiimin(ag) - apple
wewaagijiizid(-) - banana
ode’imin(an) - strawberries
miskomin(ag) - Raspberry
zhoomin(ag) - grape
wezaawiminagizid(jig) - orange

Vegetables
mandaamin(ag) - corn
zhigaagawanzh(iig) - onion
anijiimin(an) - pea
gichi-ogin(iig) - tomato
opin(iig) - potato
okaadaak(oon) - carrot

Chi-mii-gwech to Jason Jones for posting videos of his gramma Nancy Jones on YouTube. Here she talks about food that was eaten in the bush:

Week 32: Baking and Eating

Baking and Eating

Gibozige - S/he is baking things.
Bakwezhiganikewinini(wag) - baker

ombisijigaans - baking powder
ombizigan - baking soda
doodooshaaboo-bimide(-) - butter
bakwezhigaans(ag) - cookie, cracker
zhiiwitaagan(-) - salt
bimide(-) - grease
ziinzibaakwad(-) - sugar
bakwezhigan(ag) - bread
bibine-bakwezhigan(ag) - flour
wiishkobi-bakwezhigan(ag) - cake, sweet roll, pastry

gidaanawe - S/he is eating it all up.
minopogwad - It tastes good.
maazhipogwad - It tastes bad.
minomaagwad - it smells good.
maazhimaagwad - It smells bad.

Week 31: Drinks

Drinks and Table Conversation

nibi(-) - water
aniibiish(-) - tea
waashkobaagamig(in) - pop
makademashkikiwaaboo(-) - coffee
doodooshaaboo(-) - milk
mishiiminaaboo(-) - apple juice

Awegonen menikweyan? - What are you drinking?
__________ niminikwen. - I am drinking __________.

Awegonen waa-minikweyan? - What do you want to drink?
__________ niwii-minikwen. - I want to drink __________.

Awegonen gaa-minikweyan? - What did you drink?
__________ ningii-minikwen. - I drank __________.

Week 30: Nodinens' Story

I want you to read Nodinens' story about sugaring in the old days.

Week 30: Food

Food - Miijim

zaasakokwaan(ag) - frybread
wiiyaas(-) - meat
waawan(oon) - egg
naboob(-) - soup
manoomin(-) - wild rice
dekaag(-) - icecream
giikanaamozigan(ag) - bacon
oginii-dagonigan(-) - ketchup
bakwezhiganaaboo(-) - gravy
aamoo-ziinzibaakwad(-) - honey
bagaanensi-bimide(-) - peanut butter
zhiiwaagamizigan(-) - syrup

(note: the plus in parenthesis denotes animate and the minus sign denotes inanimate)

Awiiya na __________? - Is there any/some _______?

Awegonen maajiyan? - What are you eating?
__________ nimiijin(an). - I am eating (inanimate).
__________ nindamwaa(g).  - I am eating (animate).

Awegonen waa-miijiyan? - What do you want to eat?
__________ niwii-miijin(an) - I want to eat (inanimate).
__________ niwii-amwaa(g) - I want to eat (animate).

Awegonen gaa-miijiyan? - What did you eat?
__________ ningii-miijin(an) - I ate (inanimate).
__________ ningii-amwaa(g) - I ate (animate).

Week 29: When?

When?

Aaniin apii?                                        -                                   When?

Aaniin apii waa-izhaayan?

When do you want to go?

naagaj                                                  -                                   later

baanimaa naagaj                                   -                                   not until later

naawakweg                                          -                                   at noon

jibwaa naawakweg                               -                                   before noon

ishkwaa naawakweg                             -                                   after noon

noongom onaagoshig                            -                                   this evening

noongom dibikak                                  -                                   tonight

aabita dibikak                                       -                                   at midnight

waabang                                               -                                   tomorrow

waabang gigizheb                                  -                                   tomorrow morning

awaswaabang                                       -                                   the day after tomorrow

wayiiba                                                 -                                   soon

Aaniin apii gaa-izhaayan?

When did you go?

zhebaa                                                  -                                   this morning

dibikong                                               -                                   last night

nomayaa                                               -                                   recently

bijiinaago                                              -                                   yesterday

awasonaago                                         -                                   the day before yesterday

Week 28: Places

Places

Ishkonigan(an) - Reservation

Minnesota Reserves

Nagaajiwanaang - Fond du Lac
Gichi-onigaming - Grand Portage
Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag - Leech Lake
Misi-zaaga’iganing - Mille Lacs
Asabekone-zaaga’iganing - Nett Lake
Gaa-waabaabiganikaag - White Earth
Miskwaagamiwi-zaaga’iganing - Red Lake

Oodena(wan) - Town
Gakaabikaang - Mpls

Oodenaang nindizhaa. - I’m going to town.

Aaniindi ezhaayan? - Where are you going?

__________ nindizhaa - I’m going to __________.

Aaniindi wenjibaayan? - Where do you come from?

__________ nindoonjibaa. - I come from __________.

Aaniindi endaayan? - Where do you live?

__________ nindaa. - I live in __________.

Week 27: Body Parts

In the Ojibwe language, when you say a body part, you have to say whom it belongs to. That is to say that the body parts are dependent. You can’t just say an arm. You have to say my arm, his/her arm, or your arm. These are the prefixes you can use:
My - ni, nim, nin, nind
Your - gi, gid
His/her - o

Niiyaw – My Body

ninik(an) - my arm
nipikwan(an) - my back
ninow(ag) - my cheek
nitawag(an) - my ear
nishkiinzhig(oon) - my eye
nindengway(an) - my face
nininj(iin) - my hand
nininjiins(an) - my finger
ninzid(an) - my foot
niinizis(an) - my hair
nishtigwaan(an) - my head
ninde’ - my heart
ningidig(wag) - my knee
nikaad(an) - my leg
nindoon(an) - my mouth
ninjaanzh(an) - my nose
ninzhaga’ay(-) - my skin
nimisad(an) - my stomach
nindenaniw(an) - my tongue
niibid(an) - my tooth
nindis(iin) - my bellybutton
nikwegan - my neck

Week 26: Occupations and Pointers

Occupations and Pointers

Mashkikiiwinini(wag) - doctor
jiibaakwewinini(wag) - cook
Ogimaa(g) – boss/chief
aate’ishkodawewinini(wag) – fireman
gaagiigidoowinini(wag) - councillor
Gikinoo’amaagan(ag) – student
gikinoo’amaagewinini(wag) – teacher
Ogichidaa(g) – warrior
zhimaaganish(ag) – soldier
Dakoniwewinini(wag) – policeman
Mookodaasowinini(wag) – carpenter/carver
Giiyosewinini(wag) – hunter
giigoonhyikewinini(wag) – fisherman
mashkikiiwinini(wag – dentist
bakwezhiganikewinini(wag) – baker
Baapaagokozhiewewinini(wag) – barber
bimiwizhiwewinini(wag) – taxi-driver

Wa’aw – this
A’aw – that
Awedi – that one over there
ongow – these
ingiw – those
ingiwedig – those over there

Gigikenimaa na a’aw _______? - Do you know that _______?

Eya’ ningikenimaa a’aw _______. - Yes, I know that _______.

Gaawiin ningikenimaasii a’aw _______. - I don’t know that _______.

Gigikenimaag ina ingiw _______? - Do you know those _______?

Eya ningikenimaag ingiw _______. - Yes, I know those _______.

Gaawiin ningikenimaasiig ingiw _______ - I don’t know those _______.

Week 25: Ojibwe Bugs

Manidoons(ag) – Bug

Enigoons(ag) - ant
Aamoo(g) - bee
Ezigaa(g) - woodtick
Zagime(g) - mosquito
Memengwaa(g) - butterfly
Oojiins(ag) - fly
Asabikeshii(yag) - spider
Bapakine(g) - grasshopper

Week 24: River Life and Fishing

We want you to read Paul Buffalo's Story on River Life and Fishing.

Week 24: Ojibwe Fish

Giigoo(yag) – Fish

Ashigan(ag) - bass
Ginoozhe(g) - northern pike
Ogaa(wag) - walleye
Namebin(ag) - suckerfish
Agwadaashi(wag) - sunfish
Asaawens(ag) - perch
Awaazisii(g) - bullhead
Gidagwadaashi(wag) - crappie

Wewebanaabi - S/he is fishing (with a rod and reel).

Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug


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Week 23: Ojibwe Birds

Bineshii(yag) – Bird

Migizi(wag) - bald eagle
Gookooko’oo(g) - owl
Maang(wag) - loon
Baaka’aakwe(yag) - chicken
Opichi(wag) - robin
Zhiishiib(ag) - duck
Aandeg(wag) - crow
Nika(g) - Canadian goose
Diindiisi(wag) - bluejay

Week 22: Quiz and Test

Take the Ojibwe Animals Quiz and the Ojibwe Animals Test.

Week 22: Bears Article

I want you to read Paul Peter Buffalo's story on Bears.

Really think about what he says about the importance of respecting the bears and the history of Anishinaabe people working in the forest.

Week 22: Ojibwe Animals

Awesii(yag) – wild animal
Awakaan(ag) - domesticated animal

Mishtadim(oog) - horse
Gookoosh(ag) - pig
Mikinaak(wag) - turtle
Maanishtaanish(ag) - sheep
Ginebig(oog) - snake
Amik(wag) - beaver
Makwa(g) - bear
Zhigaag(wag) - skunk
Waabooz(oog) - rabbit
Ma’iingan(ag) - wolf
Gaag(wag) - porcupine
Animosh(ag) - dog
Mashkode-biizhiki(wag) - buffalo
Gaazhagens(ag) - cat
Bizhiki(wag) - cow
Omakakii(g) - frog
Waawaabiganoojii(yag) - mouse
Esiban(ag) - raccoon
Ajidamoo(g) - squirrel
Waawaashkeshi(wag) - deer
Waagosh(ag) - fox

Awenen wayaabamad? Whom do you see?

Niwaabamaa __________. I see a ___________.


Some games to play using the Ojibwe Animals List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

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Week 21: Town Map

Your project for today is to make a places Town map.

Materials:
Poster Board
Pictures of buildings (printed off the internet or cut out of magazines)
Glue (or tape)
Scissors
Word List (you can print it off this page)
Markers

Directions:

Cut out your pictures. Place your pictures on your poster board. Say the names of each place in Ojibwe as you put them down. Don't do this quietly. Cut out the words of the places (in Ojibwe only) from your word list and place them in front of the buildings they represent. Once you have everything the way you want it, glue/tape it together. Using your markers, draw a road around your town. Hang your poster up. Study these words daily. Remember, once you learn the Ojibwe word for something, that's only what you should use.

Week 21: Buildings

This week's lesson is places.

Wigamig(oon) - Building
Aaniindi ezhaayan? __________ nindizhaa.
Where are you going? I’m going to __________.

To say: ‘to’, ‘from’, or ‘in’ you must add –ong at the end of the word. This is known as the locative. For example: Gabe-gikendaasoo-wigamigong nindizhaa – I am going to the college.

gabe-gikendaasoo-wigamig(oon) - college
gikino’amaadii-wigamig(oon) - school
zhooniyaa-wigamig(oon) - bank
mazinaate-webinige-wigamig(oon) - movie theatre
dibaakonige-wigamig(oon) - court house
mashkikiiwi-adaawe-wigamig(oon) - drug store
odaabaanii-wigamig(oon) - garage
waasamoo-bimide-ziiginige-wigamig(oon) - gas station
biiwaabikoodaawe-wigamig(oon) - hardware store
aakozii-wigamig(oon) - hospital
noogishkaa-wigamig(oon) - hotel, motel
agindaasoo-wigamig(oon) - library
ozhibii’ige-wigamig(oon) - office
mazina’iganii-wigamig(oon) - post office
wiisini-wigamig(oon) - restaurant>BR? adaawe-wigamig(oon) - store
baapaagokozhiwewigamig(oon) - barber shop

Week 20: Seasons and Weather

Seasons and Weather


Ziigwan - it’s spring
Niibin - it’s summer
Dagwaagin - it’s fall
Biboon - it’s winter

Aaniin ezhiwebak agwajiing?
How’s the weather outside?

Mino-giizhigad - it’s a nice day
Niiskaadad - it’s nasty weather
Mizhakwad - it’s clear
Ningwaanakwad - it’s cloudy
Zaagaate - it’s sunny
Gizhide - it’s hot
Aabawaa - it’s warm
Gisinaa - it’s cold
Daki-ayaa - it’s cool
Gimiwan - it’s raining
Animikiikaa - it’s thundering
Awanibiisaa - it’s misty
Awan - it’s foggy
Noodin - it’s windy
Zoogipon - it’s snowing
Biiwan - it’s a blizzard

Week 19: Ojibwe Clock Project

Now that you know the pronunciation and the words for time, we want you to work on making your own Ojibwe clock to study and hang at your home.

Ojibwe Clock

Materials:
Scissors
Construction Paper
Ojibwe Time Wordlists
Metal Clasps
Glue/Tape
A circle shaped bowl
Markers/Color Crayons

Directions:
Get the construction paper, glue/tape, scissors, and metal clasps

Take the circle shaped bowl and trace around it on your construction paper using the marker.

Using your marker, write the numbers in as a clock. You can choose to print off a list of numbers, cut them out, and glue them onto your clock.

Cut out hands of a clock out of different colored construction paper. Using the metal clasp, punch a hole through the hands and clock and connect them.

Now cut out the time in Ojibwe from your word lists and tape them below the numbers on your clock. You may also do this with the phrases.

Now that everyone has the clock, go over the different times, pronunciation, etc.

Week 19: What Time is it?

Aaniin endaso-diba’iganek? - What time is it?



For more time audio, click on Kaagegaabaw's Telling Time in Ojibwe and/or Dennis Jones' Aaniin endaso diba'iganek.

Wiindamawishin endaso-diba’iganek.
Tell me what time it is.

1:00------------------------------ningo-diba’iganed
2:00------------------------------niizho-diba’iganed
3:00------------------------------niso-diba’iganed
4:00------------------------------niiyo-diba’iganed
5:00------------------------------naano-diba’iganed
6:00------------------------------ningodwaaso-diba’iganed
7:00------------------------------niizhwaaso-diba’iganed
8:00------------------------------nishwaaso-diba’iganed
9:00------------------------------zhaangaso-diba’iganed
10:00-----------------------------midaaso-diba’iganed
11:00-----------------------------ashi-bezhigo-diba’iganed
12:00-----------------------------ashi-niizho-diba’iganed

For example: Niizho-diba’iganed means, “It’s two o’clock.”
Niizho-diba-iganek means, “at two o’clock”
(notice that when you change the suffix from a -d to a –k it changes the meaning slightly)

naawakwe (present) It’s noon.
naawakweg (future) at noon
nayaawakweg (past) at noon
aabita-dibikad (present) It’s midnight.
aabita-dibikak (future) at midnight
ayaabita-dibikak (past) at midnight

5 minutes naano-diba’igaans
10 minutes midaaso-diba’igaans
15 minutes ashi-naano-diba’igaans
20 minutes niizhtana daso-diba’igaans
25 minutes niizhtana ashi-naano-diba’igaans
half past ashi aabita
before jibwaa
after ishkwaa

It’s a quarter to three (2:45). Ashi-naano-diba’igaans jibwaa niso-diba’iganed.
It’s ten minutes after three (3:10). Midaaso-diba’igaans ishkwaa niso-diba’iganed.

Some games to play using the More Basic Vocab List:
Flashcards 1, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble

Take the More Basic Vocab Quiz and the More Basic Vocab Test.

Week 18: Descriptions

Descriptions

bakaakodozo – S/he is skinny
wiinino – S/he is fat
ginwaakozi – s/he is tall
dakoozi – s/he is short
waabikwe – s/he has gray hair
makadewindibe – s/he has black hair
waabishkindibe – s/he has white hair
ozaawindibe – s/he has brown hair/blonde hair
babiizigindibe – s/he has curly hair
gagaanwaanikwe – s/he has long hair
dadaakwaanikwe – s/he has short hair
waabizhagindibe – s/he is bald
okaadenige – s/he has braids
miishidoone – s/he has a moustache
miishidaamikane – s/he has a beard
moosewiingwe – s/he has acne on the face
oziigiingwe – s/he has a wrinkled face
miikawaadizi – s/he is beautiful
maanaadizi – s/he is ugly

Week 17: Your and His/Her Relatives

Nimaamaa - my mother
Gimaamaa - your mother
Omaamaayan - his/her mother

Nindede - my father
Gidede - your father
Odedeyan - his/her father

Nindaanis(ag) - my daughter
Gidaanis(ag) - your daughter
Odaanisan(ag) - his/her daughter
Ningozis - my son
Gigozis - your son
Ogozisan - his/her son

Nimishoomis - my grandfather
Gimishoomis - your grandfather
Omishoomisan - his/her grandfather

Nookomis - my grandmother
Gookomis - your grandmother
Ookomisan - his/her grandmother

Noozhis - my grandchild
Goozhis - your grandchild
Oozhisan - his/her grandchild

Niwiiw - my wife
Giwiiw - your wife
Wiiwan - his/her wife

Ninaabem - my husband
Ginaabem - your husband
Onaabeman - his/her husband

Nisaye - my older brother
Gisaye - your older brother
Osayeyan - his/her older brother

Nimise - my older sister
Gimise - your older sister
Omiseyan - his/her older sister

Nishiime - my younger brother or sister
Gishiime - your younger brother or sister
Oshiimeyan - his/her younger brother or sister

Nindawemaa - my sibling of the opposite sex
Gidawemaa - your sibling of the opposite sex
Odawemaan - his/her sibling of the opposite sex

Week 17: Relatives

In Ojibwe, you can’t just say a mother. You have to say my mother or your mother and so on. That is to say that they are dependent nouns. They are also called NAD’s or noun animate dependent’s.

nimaamaa - my mother
nindede - my father
nindaanis(ag) - my daughter
ningozis(ag) - my son
nimishoomis(ag) - my grandfather
nookomis(ag) - my grandmother
noozhis(ag) - my grandchild
niwiiw - my wife
ninaabem - my husband
nisaye - my older brother
nimise - my older sister
nishiime(yag) - my younger brother or sister
nindawemaa(g) - my sibling of the opposite sex

Awenen a’aw? - Who’s that?

Mii a’aw­­­­__________. - That’s __________.

Week 16: People and Pointers

People

Abinoojii(yag) – child
abinoojiiyens(ag) – baby
Gwiiwizens(ag) – boy
ikwezens(ag) – girl
Oshkinawe(g) – young man
oshkiniigikwe – young woman
ikwe(wag) – woman
Inini(wag) – man
mindimooye(yag) – old woman
Akiwenzii(yag) – old man
Anishinaabe(g) – Native American
Gichi-aya’aa(g) – elder
aanikoobijigan(ag) – ancestor

Pointers

Wa’aw – this
A’aw – that
Awedi – that one over there
ongow – these
ingiw – those
ingiwedig – those over there

Gigikenimaa na a’aw _______? - Do you know that _______?

Eya’ ningikenimaa a’aw _______. - Yes, I know that _______.

Gaawiin ningikenimaasii a’aw _______. - I don’t know that _______.

Gigikenimaag ina ingiw _______? - Do you know those _______?

Eya ningikenimaag ingiw _______. - Yes, I know those _______.

Gaawiin ningikenimaasiig ingiw _______ - I don’t know those _______.

Some games to play using the word List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble

Take the Vocabulary Quiz and the Vocabulary Test.

Week 15: Questions and Actions

Awenen? - Who?

Week 14: More Actions and Don't

More Actions and Don't

Mawi - S/he is crying.
Mindawe - S/he is pouting.
Ombiigizi - S/he is loud/noisy.
Boogidi - S/he is farting.
Wanichige - S/he is making a mistake.
Zagaswaa - S/he is smoking.
Gimoodi - S/he is stealing.
Giiwanimo - S/he is telling lies.
Maji-izhiwebizi - S/he is behaving badly.
Bangishin - S/he is falling.

Some games to play using the More Actions and Don't Words List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Share on Facebook

Week 13: More Actions and Commands

More Actions and Commands

Jiibaakwe. - S/he is cooking.
Giiwe. - S/he is going home.
Namadabi. - S/he is sitting.
Agindaaso. - S/he is reading, counting.
Biindige. - S/he is coming in.
Maajaa. - S/he is leaving.
Izhaa. - S/he is going.
Gwaashkwani. - S/he is jumping.
Nibaa. - S/he is sleeping.
Bi-izhaa. - S/he is coming.

Week 12: More Actions and Negation

More Actions and Negation

Giziibiiganaagane - s/he is washing dishes
Ozhisinaagane - s/he is setting the table
Ataage - s/he is betting/gambling
Babaa-ayaa - s/he is hanging around
Odaabii’iwe - s/he is driving
Baabii’o - s/he is waiting
Biibaagi - s/he is shouting/yelling
Bizindam - s/he is listening
Wewiibitaa - s/he is hurrying
Giiwe - s/he is going home

Some games to play using the More Actions and Negation Words List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Share on Facebook

Week 11: Personal Indicators and the Tenses

Now it's time to learn the personal indicators and the tenses.

To say I want to you add "ni" before "wii" and then you add the verb.

To say I did, you add "nin" before "gii" and then you add the verb.

Remember the changes:
B turns into P
D turns into T
G turns into K
J turns into CH
Z turns into S
ZH turns into SH

Examples
Giigido:
Niwii-kiigid. - I want to talk.
Giwii-kiigid. - You want to talk.
Wii-kiigido. - S/he wants to talk.
Niwii-kiigidomin. - We (exclusive) want to talk.
Giwii-kiigidomin. - We (inclusive) want to talk.
Wii-kiigidowag. - They want to talk.

Bimose:
Ningii-pimose. - I walked.
Gigii-pimose. - You walked.
Gii-pimose. - S/he walked.
Ningii-pimosemin. - We (exclusive) walked.
Gigii-pimosemin. - We (inclusive) walked.
Gii-pimosewag. - They walked.

Week 11: The Past and Future Tenses

Today we're going to talk about saying I did do it, and I want to do it.

To do that, we use Wii and Gii before the verb.

We use "wii" to say "want" and "gii" to say that you did it in the past.

Now, when you use wii and gii, there is an initial consonant change.

These are the changes:
B turns into P
D turns into T
G turns into K
J turns into CH
Z turns into S
ZH turns into SH

These are the verbs we will use:
giigido - S/he is talking.
bimose - S/he is walking.
baapi - S/he is laughing.
bimibatoo - S/he is running.
wiisini - S/he is eating.
minikwe - S/he is drinking.
odamino - S/he is playing.
anokii - S/he is working.
nagamo - S/he is singing.
niimi - S/he is dancing.

Wii
Wii-kiigido. - S/he wants to talk.
Wii-pimose. - S/he wants to walk.
Wii-paapi. - S/he wants to laugh.
Wii-pimibatoo. - S/he wants to run.
Wii-minikwe. - S/he wants to drink.
Wii-odamino. - S/he wants to play.
Wii-anokii. - S/he wants to work.
Wii-nagamo. - S/he wants to sing.
Wii-niimi. - S/he wants to dance.

Gii
Gii-kiigido. - S/he talked.
Gii-pimose. - S/he walked.
Gii-paapi. - S/he laughed.
Gii-pimibatoo. - S/he ran.
Gii-minikwe. - S/he drank.
Gii-odamino. - S/he played.
Gii-anokii. - S/he worked.
Gii-nagamo. - S/he sang.
Gii-niimi. - S/he danced.

Some games to play using the Everyday Actions and Tenses List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Week 11: Everyday Actions and Tenses

Everyday Actions 

Aaniin ezhichiged? - What is s/he doing?

Aaniin ezhichigeyan? - What are you doing?

giigido - S/he is talking.
bimose - S/he is walking.
baapi - S/he is laughing.
bimibatoo - S/he is running.
wiisini - S/he is eating.
minikwe - S/he is drinking.
odamino - S/he is playing.
anokii - S/he is working.
nagamo - S/he is singing.
niimi - S/he is dancing.

Some games to play using the Everyday Actions and Tenses List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Week 10: Quiz and Test

Take the Vocabulary Quiz and the Vocabulary Test.

Week 10: They Are Feeling a Certain Way

Here's our main list of feeling words:
mino-ayaa - s/he is good, fine.
aakozi - s/he is sick.
minwendam - s/he is happy.
nishkaadizi - s/he is angry.
bakade - s/he is hungry.
debisinii - s/he is full.
agaji - s/he is shy.
maanendam - s/he is sad

Now let's learn how to say they are feeling a certain way.

To say they are feeling a certain way, you add "wag" to the end of the verb if it ends in a vowel, which most do.  If the verb ends with a consonant, you add "oog" to the end of the verb.

Let's start with mino-ayaa.

Mino-ayaa:
Mino-ayaawag. - They are fine.

Aakozi:
Aakoziwag. - They are sick.

Minwendam:
Minwendamoog. - They are happy.

Nishkaadizi:
Nishkaadiziwag. - They are angry.

Bakade:
Bakadewag. - They are hungry.

Debisinii:
Debisiniiwag. - They are full.

Agaji:
Agajiwag. - They are shy.

Maanendam:
Maanendamoog. - They are sad.


Here's the complete list for We (inclusive) are feeling a certain way:
Mino-ayaawag. - They are fine.
Aakoziwag. - They are sick.
Minwendamoog. - They are happy.
Nishkaadiziwag. - They are angry.
Bakadewag. - They are hungry.
Debisiniiwag. - They are full.
Agajiwag. - They are shy.
Maanendamoog. - They are sad.

Week 10: We Are Feeling a Certain Way

Here's our main list of feeling words:
mino-ayaa - s/he is good, fine.
aakozi - s/he is sick.
minwendam - s/he is happy.
nishkaadizi - s/he is angry.
bakade - s/he is hungry.
debisinii - s/he is full.
agaji - s/he is shy.
maanendam - s/he is sad

Now let's learn how to say we are feeling a certain way.

In Ojibwe, there are two ways to say we are feeling a certain way.  There is we inclusive, which means you are including the person you are talking to and there is we exclusive, which means you are not talking about the person you are talking to.

To say we inclusive (you are including the person you are talking to),  you put "gi" and "gid" in front of the verb just like you did saying you are feeling a certain way.  Then on the end of the verb, we will add "min" if it ends with a vowel, and "in" if it ends with a consonant. Also, as with saying "you all," you add an extra vowel.

To say we exclusive (you are not including the person you are talking to), you put ni, nin, nim, or nind, just like we did when saying I am feeling a certain way.  Then on the end of the verb, we will add "min" if it ends with a vowel, and "in" if it ends with a consonant.  Also, as with saying "you all," you add an extra vowel.

So really, the only new thing for us here is the suffix "min."

Let's start with mino-ayaa.

Mino-ayaa:
Gimino-ayaamin. - We (inclusive) are fine.
Nimino-ayaamin - We (exclusive) are fine.

Aakozi:
Gidaakozimin. - We (inclusive) are sick.
Nindaakozimin. - We (exclusive) are sick.

Minwendam:
Giminwendaamin. - We (inclusive) are happy.
Niminwendaamin. - We (exclusive) are happy.

Nishkaadizi:
Ginishkaadizimin. - We (inclusive) are angry.
Ninishkaadizimin. - We (exclusive) are angry.

Bakade:
Gibakademin. - We (inclusive) are hungry.
Nimbakademin. - We (exclusive) are hungry.

Debisinii:
Gidebisiniimin. - We (inclusive) are full.
Nindebisiniimin. - We (exclusive) are full.

Agaji:
Gidagajimin. - We (inclusive) are shy.
Nindagajimin. - We (exclusive) are shy.

Maanendam:
Gimaanendaamin. - We (inclusive) are sad.
Nimaanendaamin. - We (exclusive) are sad.


Here's the complete list for We (inclusive) are feeling a certain way:
Gimino-ayaamin. - We (inclusive) are fine.
Gidaakozimin. - We (inclusive) are sick.
Giminwendaamin. - We (inclusive) are happy.
Ginishkaadizimin. - We (inclusive) are angry.
Gibakademin. - We (inclusive) are hungry.
Gidebisiniimin. - We (inclusive) are full.
Gidagajimin. - We (inclusive) are shy.
Gimaanendaamin. - We (inclusive) are sad.

Here's the complete list for We (exclusive) are feeling a certain way:
Nimino-ayaamin. - We (exclusive) are fine.
Nindaakozimin. - We (exclusive) are sick.
Niminwendaamin. - We (exclusive) are happy.
Ninishkaadizimin. - We (exclusive) are angry.
Nimbakademin. - We (exclusive) are hungry.
Nindebisiniimin. - We (exclusive) are full.
Nindagajimin. - We (exclusive) are shy.
Nimaanendaamin. - We (exclusive) are sad.

Using a different set of verbs, James Vukelich explains how to say we are doing it.  Please check that video out.  He's very good at explaining it.

Week 10: Personal Indicators - You and You All

Here's our main list of feeling words:
mino-ayaa - s/he is good, fine.
aakozi - s/he is sick.
minwendam - s/he is happy.
nishkaadizi - s/he is angry.
bakade - s/he is hungry.
debisinii - s/he is full.
agaji - s/he is shy.
maanendam - s/he is sad

Now let's learn how to say you and you all are feeling a certain way.

To say you are feeling a certain way, you add gi or gid to the front of the verb.  If a verb starts with a vowel, you will add "gid" to the front of the verb.  If the verb starts with a consonant, you will add "gi" to the front of the verb. The rule that the short vowels will be dropped from the end of the verb is still in affect.  The long vowels will still stay in place.

To say you all are feeling a certain way, you add gi or gid to the front of the verb. To the end of the verb you will add an "M."  If the verb already ends with an "M," you add an extra vowel prior to the "M."

Let's start with mino-ayaa.

Gimino-ayaa. - You are fine.
Gimino-ayaam - You all are fine.

With aakozi, remember to add the "gid" because it starts with a vowel.

Gidaakoz. - You are sick.
Gidaakozim. - You all are sick.

Minwendam is tricky with the ending in saying you all because it already ends with an "M" so we have to add the extra vowel.

Giminwendam. - You are happy.
Giminwendaam. - You all are happy.

Nishkaadizi is next.  Don't forget to drop the short vowel on the end.

Ginishkaadiz. - You are angry.
Ginishkaadizim. - You all are angry.

Ok, now bakade starts with a "B" so we will add "gi" to the beginning.  Remember the "E" is a long vowel, so it stays and for you all we just add the "m" to the end.

Gibakade. - You are hungry.
Gibakadem. - You all are hungry.

Debisinii, starts with a "D" so we will add "gi" to the beginning.  The "ii" ending is a long vowel so we leave it alone.  To say you all, we just add the "m" to the end.

Gidebisinii. - You are full.
Gidebisiniim. - You all are full.

Agaji starts with a vowel.  So we need to add "gid" to the beginning.  It also ends in a short vowel, so that is dropped.

Gidagaj. - You are shy.
Gidagajim. - You all are shy.

Maanendam starts with an "M" so we add "gi" to the beginning.  It ends with a consonant so we leave the ending alone while saying you but to say you all, we have to add an extra vowel.

Gimaanendam. - You are sad.
Gimaanendaam. - You all are sad.


Here's the complete list for you are feeling a certain way:
Gimino-ayaa. - You are fine.
Gidaakoz. - You are sick.
Giminwendam. - You are happy.
Ginishkaadiz. - You are angry.
Gibakade. - You are hungry.
Gidebisinii. - You are full.
Gidagaj. - You are shy.
Gimaanendam. - You are sad.

Here's the complete list for you all are feeling a certain way:
Gimino-ayaam. - You all are fine.
Gidaakozim. - You all are sick.
Giminwendaam. - You all are happy.
Ginishkaadizim. - You all are angry.
Gibakadem. - You all are hungry.
Gidebisiniim. - You all are full.
Gidagajim. - You all are shy.
Gimaanendaam. - You all are sad.

Week 10: Personal Indicators - I am feeling a certain way

Let’s learn how to add more to the feeling verbs we already know.

This is the complete personal Indicator chart:
I - ni, nin, nim, nind
You - gi, gid
S/he - (it is built in)
We (s/he and I) - ni-_______-min
We (you and I) - gi-_______-min
You all - gi-_______-m
They - -wag

Don't worry.  We're not going to go over all of this in one day and it's not as daunting as you may think.  We'll take this one day at a time.

We already know how to say she or he is feeling a certain way.

mino-ayaa - s/he is good, fine.
aakozi - s/he is sick.
minwendam - s/he is happy.
nishkaadizi - s/he is angry.
bakade - s/he is hungry.
debisinii - s/he is full.
agaji - s/he is shy.
maanendam - s/he is sad

Now let's learn how to say I am feeling a certain way.

To say I am feeling a certain way, you simply add ni, nin, nim, or nind to the beginning of the verb.  If a verb starts with a vowel, you will add "nind" to the front of the verb.  If the verb starts with the letter B or ZH, you will add "nim" to the front of the verb.  If the verb starts with the letter D, you will add "nin" to the front of the verb.  All the other consonants, you will add "ni" to the front of the verb.

The other rule is that the short vowels will be dropped from the end of the verb.  The long vowels will stay in place.

Let's start with mino-ayaa.  It starts with an "M" so we will add "ni" to the front of it.

Nimino-ayaa. - I am fine.

With aakozi, remember to add the "nind" because it starts with a vowel.  It also has a short vowel ending, so it must be dropped.

Nindaakoz. - I am sick.

With minwendam, it starts with an "M" so we will add an "ni" to the beginning.  Because it ends in an "M" we don't need to do anything with the ending.

Niminwendam. - I am happy.

With nishkaadizi, it starts with an "N" so we will add an "ni" to the beginning.  It also has a short vowel ending, so it must be dropped.

Ninishkaadiz. - I am angry.

Ok, now bakade starts with a "B" so we will add "nim" to the beginning.  Remember the "E" is a long vowel, so it stays.

Nimbakade. - I am hungry.

Debisinii, starts with a "D" so we will add "nin" to the beginning.  The "ii" ending is a long vowel so we leave it alone.

Nindebisinii. - I am full.

Agaji starts with a vowel.  So we need to add "nind" to the beginning.  It also ends in a short vowel, so that is dropped.

Nindagaj. - I am shy.

Maanendam starts with an "M" so we add "ni" to the beginning.  It ends with a consonant so we leave the ending alone.

Nimaanendam. - I am sad.

We hope it's starting to click for you.

So now you can answer this question:
Aaniin ezhi-ayaayan? - How are you?

Here's the complete list:
Nimino-ayaa. - I am fine.
Nindaakoz. - I am sick.
Niminwendam. - I am happy.
Ninishkaadiz. - I am angry.
Nimbakade. - I am hungry.
Nindebisinii. - I am full.
Nindagaj. - I am shy.
Nimaanendam. - I am sad.


The "Nish Hangout" crew did a segment on personal prefixes.  You can check that out if you need some verbal instruction.

Practice these verb changes with these games:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble

Week 10: Feelings

Feelings

Aaniin ezhi-ayaad? - How is s/he?

mino-ayaa - s/he is good, fine.
aakozi - s/he is sick.
minwendam - s/he is happy.
nishkaadizi - s/he is angry.
bakade - s/he is hungry.
debisinii - s/he is full.
agaji - s/he is shy.
maanendam - s/he is sad

Practice these feelings with these games:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble

Week 9: Quiz and Test

Take the Vocabulary Quiz and the Vocabulary Test.

Week 9: Labeling the House - Bedroom

Nibewigamig(oon) - Bedroom

Waaboowayaan(an) - blanket
Apibii’igan(an) - desk
Wiikobijigan(an) - dresser
Michisag(oon) - floor
Mazina’igan(an) - book, paper
Apikweshimon(an) - pillow
Apikweshimoniigin(oon) - pillowcase
Anaakan(an) - rug
Apishimoniigin(oon) - sheet
Waasechigan(an) - window
Nibaagan(an) - bed
Apishimon(an) - mattress
Odaminwaagan(an) - toy

Some games to play using the More Basic Vocab List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble

Week 8: Quiz and Test

Take the Basic Words Quiz and the Basic Words Test.

Week 8: Labeling the House - Living Room

Abiwin(an) - Living Room

mazinaatesichigan(an) - television
giigidowin(an) - telephone
ginwaako-apabiwin(an) - couch
apabiwin(an) - chair
wewebizoo-apabiwin(an) - rocking chair
gibiiga’igan(an) - curtain
waazakonenjigan(an) - lamp
desaabaan(an) - shelf
bizindamoo-makak(oon) - radio
ishkwaandem - door
mazinaakizon(an) - picture
mazinaabikiwebinigan(an) - computer

Some games to play using the Labeling the House Word List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Share on Facebook

Week 7: Quiz and Test

Take the Basic Words Quiz and the Basic Words Test.

Week 7: Labeling the House - Kitchen

Now let's move on to the kitchen. Be careful not to put a label on anything hot. :)

Jiibaakwewigamig(oon) - Kitchen

Abwewin(an) - frying pan
Badaka’igan(an) - fork
Mookomaan(an) - knife
Baakaakozhigan(an) - can opener
Giizisoo-mazina’igan(an) - calendar
Dakisijigan(an) - refrigerator
Gizhaabikizigan(an) - stove
Adoopowin(an) - table
Adoopowiniigin(oon) - tablecloth
Apabiwin(an) - chair
Ataasowin(an) - closet, cupboard
Emikwaanens(an) - spoon
Giziidoone’on(an) - napkin
Ziigwebinigan(an) - trash
Onaagan(an) - dish, plate
Onaagaans(an) - cup
Akik(oog) - kettle, pot, pan
Aate’igan(an) - fire extinguisher
Mikwamiiwinaagaans(an) - drinking glass
Jiishada’igan(an) - broom

Some games to play using the Kitchen List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Share on Facebook

Week 6: Quiz and Test

Take the Labeling the House Quiz and the Labeling the House Test.

Week 6: Labeling the House - Bathroom

We're going to label the house now so we are surrounded with Ojibwemowin. Once something is labeled, we aren't allowed to use the English anymore for those items.

We're going to start with the bathroom.

Index cards and a black marker work good.

NOTE: The (an), (oon) etc. are how you say the words plural. So, for example, waasechigan is a window. Waasechiganan are windows.

Waakaa’igan(an) - House

Miiziiwigamig(oon) - Bathroom
Giziindime’on(an) - toilet paper
Giziingwe’on(an) - towel
bagizowin(an) - bathtub
Mashkiki(wan) - medicine
Gaashkibaajigan(an) - razor
Binaakwaan(an) - comb
Zhooshkwega’igan(an) - clothes iron
Giziibiiga’igan(an) - soap
Waabamoojichaagwan(an) - mirror
Giziiyaabide’on(an) - toothbrush

Some games to play using the Bathrooms Words List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

Share on Facebook

Week 5: Quiz and Test

Take the Vocabulary Quiz and the Vocabulary Test.

Week 5: The Elders Speak: Pointing with your Lips

Traditional Ojibwe people will point with their lips and not their fingers. It is thought of as impolite and not respectful to point with your finger.

izhidooneni - S/he is pointing with lips.

Ojibwe elder Nancy Jones, from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation explains why we should point with our lips and not our fingers.

Week 5 - More Words/phrases to Help Get Started

Here are a few useful phrases to get the beginner started.

Ojibwemong aaniin ekidong _______________.

In Ojibwe, how do you say _______________.


Now remember, the "g" isn't silent in Ojibwe and it is always hard.


Nawaj ina weweni gidaa-giigid?

Could you speak more slowly?


Mii na gwayak? - Is is right/correct?

Mii gwayak. - It is right/correct.


Ginisidotam ina? - Do you understand?

Ninisidotam. - I understand.

Ikidon miinawaa - Say it again.


Some games to play using the More Words/Phrases List:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

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Week 4: Quiz and Test

Take the Vocabulary Quiz and the Vocabulary Test.

Week 4: First Month Ojibwe Jeopardy Review

Review the words from this week and the prior weeks with First Month Ojibwe Jeopardy Review.

Week 4: Nookwezigan

nookwezigan - A medicine for burning to make a smudge

What is smudging and why do we do it you ask?

Well, I'm happy Jason Jones posted on Youtube his gramma Nancy Jones talking about smudging....


The four sacred plants are:
Asemaa - Tobacco
Bashkodejiibik - Sage
Bashkodemashkosiw - Sweet Grass
Giizhik - cedar

(There are many words for these. We used the words in 'Ojibwemowin' by Tom Vollum for all except Giizhik where he uses Giizhikaandagoons.)

Please read, The Four Sacred Medicines for a good explanation of the uses of each.

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Week 4: Introducing Yourself

You will find that you will have to introduce yourself more than you think you do.  So it is important, when speaking Ojibwe, to do it in a proper way.

We must use the humbling statement first.   

Gaawiin aapiji ninitaa-ojibwemosii. - I don’t know how to talk Ojibwe very much.

Ninga-gagwejitoon ji ojibwemoyaan. - I'll try talking Ojibwe.

Dan Jones was one of my Ojibwe teachers and he explains why you must use the humbling statement. “When you realize the language is a gift, then you accept the gift humbly and the way that you share it is by giving it away.  The humbling statement describes your humility, and your appreciation of the gift the Creator gave to you, and so when you do that, even before you identify, who you are, what you are, where you come from.” – Dan Jones

Dan Jones' dad taught him that there are three protocol you should use when you introduce yourself. You should say your spiritual name, your clan, and where you are from.

_______________ nindizhinikaaz. - My name is _________________.

_______________ nindigoo ojibwemong. - My name in Ojibwe is _________________.

_________ nindoodem. - My clan is _________________.

Gaawiin ningikenimaasii nindoodem. - I don't know my clan.

_______________ nindoonjibaa. - I come from _________________.

_______________ nindaa. - I live in _________________.

Dan Jones explains it here.


Click here to hear Sonny McDougall talk about introducing yourself.

Practice these introduction phrases/words with these games:
Flashcards, Study Stack, Study Table, Matching, Crossword, Word Scramble, Bug Match, Hungry Bug

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