It is a beautiful day here today for us and we are about to start another segment of our journey teaching and sharing this language. We are currently working on a lexical piece on the Potawatomi language which now seems like an ever expanding work. In the beginning, we thought to publish and comment on some 90 to 100,000 words we had gleaned from Don’s notes, but quickly found that we had to keep expanding what we thought we understood. It is a work in progress for sure.
Bodewadmi kedwenen
Simple language stuff
What things are called in the language
Ni je ezh ne kadek What is it called?
Ni je ga zhen kadek What was it called?
Ni je wa zhen kadek What will it be called?
Ni je ezh ne ka swat What are they called?
Ni je ga zhen ka swat What were they called?
Ni je wa zhen ka swat What are they going to be called?
Ni je ezh ne kan go yen What are you called?
Ni je ezh ne ka zot What is he/she called?
Ndag zhe an ne Are you through yet?
Ni je ode ezh ne kadek What is this called?
Ni je node ezh ne kadek What are these called?
Ni je o zhe ne ka zot What is he/she called?
Ni je gi ezh ne ka swat What are they called?
Ni je gi da zhen ka swat What should they be called?
Ni je da zhen ka dmen What should they call them?
Megwa byej bye ge o He/she is still writing.
Ni je gode ezh ne ka swat What are these called?
Ni je ga zhen ka ngo ygo What were we called?
Ni je wi zhen ka ngo ygo What can we be called?
Ni je da zhen ka ngo ygo What should we be called?
What can we be called?
Bodewadmiyek gde zhne/zhen kan go men We are called Potawatomi.
Bodewadmik gda zhne/zhen kan go men They can call us Potawatomi.
Some examples:
Wiwkwan ode zhen ka de. It is called a cap.
Kewezi o zhen ka zo. He is called an old man.
Nemosh o zhne ka zo. He/it is called a dog.
Ndebanawen ode zhen ka dem get. (Neutral) It is called love.
Gwabgasen node zhen ka denon They are called cups
Komanen node zhen ka denon. They are called knives.
Zhishibek gode zhen ka zwik. They are called ducks.
Mkesnen node zhen ka denon. They are called shoes.
Dbuhgenen ni zhen ka denon. They are called rulers.
Neshnabek gi zhen ka zwik. They are called Indians.
Zhagnashiyek gi zhen ka zwik. They are called Canadians.
Amoyek gi zhen ka zwik. They are called bees.
Kwekwsek gi zhen ka zwik. They are called woodchucks.
Gokokoyek gode zhen ka zwik. They are called owls.
Biskowagenen node zhen ka denon/don. They are called shirts/it is called a shirt.
Wiwkwanen ni zhen ka denon/don. They are called caps/it is called a cap.
What are you saying?
Kedo h/s is saying s.t.
Ndekto I am saying s.t.
Gdekto you are saying s.t.
Kedwik they are saying s.t.
Ni je ektot o what is he/she saying?
Ni je ektoyen what are you saying?
Ni je ga kedyan what did I say?
Ni je ga kedyen what did you say?
Ni je ektowat what are they saying?
Ni je wa kedwat what are they going to say?
Wi kedwik wa je byayak they are going to say s.t. when we get there.
Wi ye I, wa kedyan that’s what I’m going to say.
Wi ye I, wa kedwat that’s what they’re going to say.
Wi ye I nda dena that is what I told him/her.
Ngi dena I told him/her
Ngi dena a’o ma she na but I told him/her
Widmo a’o wa kedyen tell him/her what you’re going to say
Iw, ga kdot that’s what he/she said
Iw, ga kedyan that’s what I said
Iw, ga kedyen that’s what you said.
Iw, ga kedwat that’s what they said.
Iw, ga kedwat neko that’s what they used to say.
Gda ket ne ode can you say this?
Ni je ode da kedyan how would I say this?
Ni je ode da kedyen how would you say this?
Can you hear me?
Jayék gin wa ne nodwak Can you all hear?
Jayék gin wa ne nodweshen Can you all hear me?
Gnodweshen ne Can you hear me?
Éhé nnodan Yes, I can hear
Cho wi she nnodan si No, I can’t hear
Éhé nnodwen Yes, I can hear you
Cho wi she nnodwe si No, I can’t hear you
Bsentagéshen Listen to me
Bsentagéshek Listen to us
Bsedon! Listen!
Bsedwe’a o Listen to him/her
Mshkwedeniyek kedwenen
Kansas Potawatomi Dialect.
Nekshe Look
Shkeshnen Lay down
Nwéshmon Lay down and rest
Bkéji A little bit
Shko dés Match
Mégwa More
Mshkeke Medicine
Wawabmowen Mirror
Wichewé Marry
Wich ewét Married
Shon ya Money
Gnebech Maybe
Kwétansena
Cho/jo No/negative
Tbekok Last night
Mke téneni Negro/black person/man
Cho she na kéko Nothing
Shkesh shé The oldest one
Sakech zhya Go outside
Nsak sén Open/open it
Gbakwnen Close/ close it
Bakwnen Open it/open
Msenegen Paper
Msenaken Book
Nebyégénatek Pencil
Pwaken Pipe
Pwakas Little pipe
Pwakasnen Sometimes used for cigarettes/little pipes
Kék yéw kwet Preacher/someone who preaches
Medatsobet President/Ten laws man/one who sits at ten laws
Temakse He/she is poor
Gedmakes You are poor
Nedmakes I am poor
Owensé Pretty
Owenséze She is pretty
Do kem Be quiet
No toye Mean tempered/quick tempered
Wdabyango Ride in a car
Mamgo
Bmebto Run
Wébi wé Run away
Wébi wén Running away
Cho ne/jo ne Right?
Mi yéw Road
Miyéwés Path
Ksibyékaken Soap
Gagashe Soon/pretty soon
Nomye Just now
Yaknoké He/she is sick
Yaknoga I am sick
Mnoyési I don’t feel well (needs prefix)
Jibdeben Sit down
Wabem See
Wabdan Look at this
Nwabdan I look
Gwabdan You look
Wwabdan He/she/they look (s)
Kbakdebé Stupid
Mpektebé another stupid or hard headed one
Gshibtem Hardheaded
Ngshiptem I am hardheaded
Ggshiptem You are hardheaded
Wgshiptemwik They are hardheaded
Bsegwin Get up
Nibwen Stand up
Wishkaben Sit tight
Shomikwé Smile
Yayéno He/she laughs/is laughing
Nekshe i See that
Nekshe o See that one
Ki kagdo Said
Kikito He/she said
Keto another one
Ei keto That is what he/she said
Mbéwak He/she sleeps
Mban Sleep
Mbé Sleep
Mbagen Bed/something one sleeps on
Bkeso Swim/bathes
Bmatké Swim (s)
Nom yaken Saddle
Shkwashkese Slide
Shkwashkesen Sled
Bkwéné Smoke in the air
Bkwé Smoke
Bkwénémget It is smokey
Bkwénémi Smokey/a name
Nkemwen Song
Nkemon Sing
Nkemwenen Songs
Nkemo He/she sings
Gekéndasowen Art of becoming knowledgeable
Gkekéndaséwen Art of acquiring knowledge
Gekéndasajek Those who know
Gekéndas ne Do you know s.t./do you have knowledge?
Do you know?
Are you becoming knowledgeable?
Nakendumwajuk those who have the knowledge, the wise ones.
Nagwan Something
Byé ji Slow
Ne ékej Slow……
Nko tek she na shi Some day
Nan kot ken Some time/once in awhile
Ogema Superintendent/Leader/Chief/King
Wgema
Mshenkéwnene Sheriff/Policeman/Officer
Ziwen Sour
Otan Town/city
Otanek To town/at the town/locative
Kche otan Big city/big town
Débwéwen The truth
Nteshtéa Think/what I think
She té ek What he/she thinks
Kikton Talk/speak
Kenomaké Teaches
Kenomakét He/she teaches
Kenomakwé Female teacher
Kenomanene Male teacher
Kenomakwet Teaching/teaches
Sintebékon Teepee
Wigwam Birch bark house/lodge
Nin ashtek My turn
Gin ashtek Your turn
Win ashtek Their turn/his/her turn
Ode This
I That
É I That over there
Mikwéch Thank you
Igwien Many thanks when used in proper context
Ik shegwien I am thankful/grateful/appreciative
Wéwéne I am grateful
Ntakmetam ni bet Tooth ache
Osowanek Tail
Bébamatsejek Travelers
Bamatsik They’re traveling
Waséchken Window
Wabshkiyek White/something that is white
Wabshkyak White
Ni jo pi When
Ni je pi Another when
Wtabyan Wagon/car/truck
Ni pi je Where
Kshéwsen Walk fast
Bama Wait/shortened version
Metatsobinek Wash., D.C.
Wigwam wawyégon Round house
Waka’igan bent sapling lodge
Wabshkan nene White man
Kchemokman Another one/Long knife/Big knife
Wégwni je What
Wéni Another one
Bmosé Walk
Pamsé He/she walks
Pémsék A name/he/she walks
Ngot nemégishek One week
Wé ni je Who
Wé ni je o Who is that
Bam sé wak Walk/they are walking
Bam sé He/she walks
Bmoséwak They are walking
Bmosé He/she walks
Mik ché wi Works/he/she
Mikchéwiwen Work
Ksi kwan Wash up
Ksi kwé Washes up
Mche kwé Mean woman
Mje kwé Another one
Do kin Wake up
Ka wa bem Watch
Ka wab ma Watch him/her
Min wéw ze Good worker
Mnosk sé Good voice
Mnoshk sé ditto
Éh hé Yes/affirmative
Wésh ko wa Yell (loud)
Wéshkwese Loud person
Sebab Rope/twine/thread
Sebabis Small thread/small twine
Zhabneken Needle
Moshwaken Scissors
Bekoyan Material/cloth
Skak aken Straight pin
Skak aken Safety pin
Ba a kwos wen Patch
Se’babwe’n Fringe
Kat a kwas we’n Thimble
Bas ke’kateke’n Clothes
Nme’kse’ne’n My shoes
Mke’sne’n Mocassins
Mke’se’n Mocassin
Sakso ne’n Socks
Bi toshk ke’n Underwear
Mje’kote Dress
Mje’kotekoshkayek Skirt
Kishkyekas Blouse
Wbabkoyan Shirt
Kbe’ti Pants/trousers/slacks
Jijakokateyake’n Shorts
Bis kon we’n T-shirt
Bis kon we’n Sweater
Bis ko wa ke’n Coat
Biskowake’n Jacket
Kishkbiskowake’n Short jacket
Kchebiskowake’n Great coat/long coat/trench coat
Winkwebsowe’n Scarf
Wiwkwan Hat
Wiwkwanes Cap
Moshwekas Handerchief
Mje’tase’n Stocking
Mje’n kaw ke’n Gloves
Wne’ses Sleeve
Wne’sen
Moshwe Shawl
Azyan Diaper/breech cloth
Ntostab My shoe string
Shonyashke’mot Purse/money bag
Shonyashke’moten Wallet/small purse/small money bag
Kjibsowe’n belt
Mi shach so we’n Jewelry
Nanoshe’bsowne’n Ear rings
Nanoshe’bse’nwen Ear ring
Tabne’je’e we’n Ring
Tabne’je’ e ne’n Rings
Nabkowake’n Necklace
Tbe’kiswanes Watch
Tbe’kiswan Clock
Ne’nes Bracelet
Nabkamwake’n Neck tie
Nabkamwake’n Bolo tie
Kejabche’ke’n Hat band
Yasonkebsone’n Arm bands
Yasonkebsowe’n Arm band
Yasotkwebsowwe’n Head band
Azyan Breech cloth
Wew nak Vest
Wayebe’n wan Roach
Saj ke’n Indian blouse
Relative Forms:
Nse’kwe’s Paternal aunt
Knoshe Maternal aunt
Nshe’she Uncle
Nshime Younger brother/sibling
Nse’ze Older brother
Ntowema Brother of female
Nikane Brother of male
Mis se Older sister
Nshime Younger sister/sibling
Nitkako Sister of female
Nte’kwem Sister of male
Nos My father
Mnos Father
The form de de is a new form that came in with the adoption of english into the language.
Ndedeye’m My father
Ngye My mother
Ngye ye’ ditto
No se’s se Grandchild
Nose’me ditto
Nose’mes My little grandchild
Nose’s seye’k My grandchildren
Me’sho Grandfather
Nme’shome’s My grandfather
Nokme’s Grandmother
Gokme’s Your grandmother
Nnokme’s My grandmother
Kokoye’ Grandma in baby talk
Kne’kne’s Your nephew
Nek’ne’s My nephew
Ne’kne’ Nephew
Kne’kne’sne’m Our nephew
Nshe’mes Niece of male
Ntosh mes Niece of female
Nme’s sotanek Parents
De’nwema Relative
De’wemake’n ditto
De’nwemakne’k Pl.
De’nwemakne’tok Relative to all life
De’nwemane’n nanok ditto
Ni jan ses My child (informal term)
Ni jan sek My children
Nijane’s Child (formal term)
Ntane’s My daughter
Ntanse ditto
Ne’ge’s My son
Ne’gwe’s My son
Ne’gwe’ses My little boy/my little son
Nin I/my/me
Ni kan Friend
Okema King/chielf/leader
Wkema ditto
Gin You/your
Ni nan We
Ni nan Us
Winwa They
Win He/she/they/them
Kakabese’k Boys
Kikabe Boy
Kikabes Little boy
Kikyako Girl
Kikyakos Little girl
Kikyakose’k Girls
Sesksi Teenage girl/virgin
Sesksiyek Teenage girls
Be’noje Child
Be’nojes Little child
Be’nojese’k Little children
Be’nojeye’k Children
Ne’shnabe Indian/man of good intentions/intent
Mi ko Mexican
Mke’tene’ni Negro/black person
Kche’mokman White man/woman/big knife/long knife
Kche’mokmanne’ne’ ditto
Kche’mokmanek White men/people
Wabshkanik White people
Wabshkishgok ditto
Kche’mokmankwek White women/ladies
Ni ta Brother in law
Nitawe’s ditto (affectionate)
Agne’kwe Daughter in law
Nshe’n e’s Father in law
Nse’kse’s Mother in law
Nine’m Sister in law (male speaker)
Nte’kwe’ji Sister in law (female speaker)
Ntoshne’kem My son in law
(Dates back to when the son in law hunted and brought food to his in laws.)
Nishote Twins
Nishoteke She had twins
Seasons:
Tkwa kek Fall
Eni bok Summer
Nibne’k ditto
Eshatek ditto
Em nok me’k Spring
Mnokme’k ditto
Eb bok Winter
Bongek ditto
Directions:
Wech bke’shmok West
Epinge’shmok ditto (Ojibewa)
Wechmokek East
Wabnong ditto (Ojibewa)
Wechnawkwek South
Zhawnong ditto (Ojibewa)
Wechkse’nyak North
Kiwedenong ditto (Ojibewa)
Wechbse’gwit Another east
Wechwabe’k ditto
Wechkshatek Another south
Wechshawnot ditto
Wechbyedot Another west
Wechmowe’n ditto
Wechbonimge’t Another north
Kaponkenowe’n ditto
Namjiwne’k Left
Dab niw nok Right
Nekon In front of you
Shkwe yak Behind you
Nam ya kwan Under
Shpe’mok ke’ e kon Over
Megwe pi A long way from here/a long time ago
Mno wi pi A long distance from here
Pi Unit of time
Odo pi At this time
Ngotde’k At one time
Aya pi At one time (another one)
Colors: (Enazwenen)
Wabshkyak White
Mek tewak Black
Mke’dewak ditto (another one)
Meskwak Red
We’zawak Yellow
Wejabkwak Blue
Eshkbokyak Green-like
Eshkbok The color green
Sawak Brown
Weje’pkwatek Purple-like
Wabmeskwak Pink-like
Mskwimwabmeskwak Pinkish
Mskwimwe’zawak Orangish
Numbers:
Ngot One
Nish Two
Nswe Three
Nyew Four
Nyanne’n Five
Ngotwatso Six
Noek Seven
Shwatso Eight
Zhak Nine
Mdatso Ten
Mdastoshe’chngot Eleven
Mdatsoshe’chnish Twelve
Mdatsoshe’chnswe Thirteen
Mdatosshe’chnyew Fourteen
Mdatsoshe’chnyanne’n Fifteen
Mdatsoshechngotwatso Sixteen
Mdatsoshechnoek Seventeen
Mdatsoshechshwatso Eighteen
Mdatsoshechzhak Nineteen
Nishwabte’k Twenty
Nswewabte’k Thirty
Nyewwabte’k Forty
Nyaanomte’ne’ Fifty
Ngotwatsomte’ne’ Sixty
Noeksomte’ne’ Seventy
Shwatsomte’ne’ Eighty
Zhaksomte’ne’ Ninety
Ngotwak One hundred
Nishwak Two hundred
Nswewak Three hundred
Nyewwak Four hundred
Nyannowak Five hundred
Ngotose’k One thousand
Ngotse’gos ditto
Midasso One million
Midasowak ditto
Midaswak ditto
Money/Shonya:
Ngot me’kwi One dollar
Nish me’kwi Two dollars
Nswe me’kwi Three dollars
Nyew me’kwi Four dollars
Nyanno me’kwi Five dollars
Mdatos me’kwi Ten dollars
Nishwabte’k me’kwi Twenty dollars
Nyanno mte’ne’ me’kwi Fifty dollars
Ngot wak me’kwi One hundred dollars
Ngoto se’k me’kwi One thousand dollars
Ngotse’gos me’kwi ditto
Ngot yespe’n Twenty five cents/quarter
Nish yespe’n Fifty cents/half a dollar
Ngot mshkwapko One penny/one piece of copper
Nish mshkwapko Two pennies/two pieces of copper
Nswe mshkwapko Three pennies/three pieces of copper
Nyew mshkwapko Four pennies/four pieces of copper
Nyanno mshkwapko Five pennies/five pieces of copper
Ngotwatso mshkwapko Six pennies/six pieces of copper
Noek mshkwapko Seven pennies/seven pieces of copper
Shwatso mshkwapko Eight pennies/eight pieces of copper
Zhak mshkwapko Nine pennies/nine pieces of copper
Mdatso mshkwapko Ten pennies/ten pieces of copper
*Animals—-Mechbiyek:
Zago Monkey
She’shko Muskrat
Kte’te Otter
Kokosh Pig
Mantanish Sheep
Schgak Skunk
Wabne’m Wolf (resembles white police dog)
Moew Wolf (generic)
Meinge’n Timber wolf
Beshk mo we Lion
She’b shi Tiger
Mke’shis kat we Flying squirrel
Ta ka kos Civet cat
Ma mak she Mule
Kche’ zago Ape
Wapti Antelope
Seksi deer, generic
Nijan doe, white tailed deer
Wawashkeshi white tailed deer
Mshiwé elk
Kshi wi Bull
Bkosh bshe’k ke’ Buffalo
Me’k Beaver
Mko/Mkwa Bear
Ka kin ke’shi Grizzly bear
Kasho Cat
Mayos Another one
Bshe’ke’ Cow
Bshe’kwik (we’k) Cattle
Bshe’kis Calf
Nanimwe Coyote
Espe’n Raccoon
Nemosh Dog
Babaki Hound dog
Mskwe’wakwe’she Red fox
Wakwe’she Fox
Kokjesjish Ground hog
Moto Goat
Kwe’kse Wood chuck
Nektosha Horse
Mi shak ne’k we Bat
Ko kot ni Alligator
Bne shi Bird (generic)
Bne shi we’t Bird with feathers
Se’gnok Black bird (red spots on wings)
Za wa ge Yellow bird
Wezawage ditto
Nano kas Hummingbird
Jejak Crane
Ka kak shi Crow
Andekshkwe Another one
Mimi Dove
Kno Eagle
Mgeshwash Bald eagle
Be’shk kno ditto
We’nake Buzzard
Wab mimi White pidgeon
Mke’dewabmimi Grey pidgeon
Kakabe Screech owl
Wabke’noshkwe Mouse
Kche’wabke’noshkwe Rat
Wekate Lizard
Kokoko Owl
Wabkokoko Great white owl
Memke’ji Toad
Me’kchako Frog
Menjikwe Tree frog
Mneto Snake
Zhashage Garter snake
Mskwan de’p Pine snake
Nedwasi Little rattle snake
Notake Rattle snake
Insects: (Mnetok)
Memeke Butterfly
Memekwe ditto
Amo Bee
Oje Fly
Ske’me Mosquito
Esbike Spider
Espe’k e e be’k ditto
Wemkwoyane Caterpillar
Chin skot mo si Cricket
Kwa kwa te Grasshopper
Boch kwan si Dragon fly
Nenepajne’kesi Mole
Meats—-Wi yase’n
We’sa wak sot ko kosh Bacon
Bshe’k ke’ Beef
Bkosh bshe’k ke’ Buffalo
Mko/Mkwa Bear
Bke’akwa Chicken
Bidi Northern dialect
Bke’akwaye’k Pl.
Bshe’k ke’ Cow
Espe’n Raccoon
Shishib Duck
Shishibe ditto
Se’ksi Deer
Wawashke’sh shi ditto
Beske’si Goose
Beske’siye’k Geese
Ko kosh Pig/Pork
An ken ni Possum
A ye ni ditto
Mshewe Rabbit
Wabozo Northern dialect
Se’ngo Squirrel
Je’dmo ditto
Zhe’gos Weasel
Gde’de Otter
Mak Loon
She’gak Skunk
Pne/Bne Turkey
Wnok shise’n Weiners/hot dogs
Mshe’we Elk
Mshi ke Turtle/Snapping turtle
Gigo Fish
Gigos Little fish
Gigose’k Mess of fish/school of fish
Gete se atsokanen
Traditional Tales
Why we have Spring
Bnewi pene shna gi bbomget, pene gi ksenyamget, gi gwtektowek bemadsetthek.
A long time ago, it was winter all the time, it was cold all the time and people had a hard time.
Ngodek shna eyawek weshgget kwe gi mkedeke, ije egi ndotthget notth na datthe abwamgek.
One time a young girl fasted, and she asked that the weather would be warmer.
I tthe ni mnedon egi widmagwet da shetthget na notth ewi abwamgek.
So the spirits told her what she could do to make the weather warmer.
Gagish mkedeket egi widmowat ni wgetzimen, “Abdek wetthksenyak nwi shya,” wdenan.
After her fast, she told her parents, “I have to go north,” she told them.
“Wiye shi etthe yet o bemendek ode pene e bbomgek ngigdo,” kedo o weshgget kwe.
“That’s where he’s at, the one responsible for it being winter all the time, I was told,” said the young girl.
“Mishgoswen ngi mingo ewi o wabmek. Abdek nwi o mttenwa, gishpen pkenwek wi mnokme mine wi niben.”
“I was given power to go see him. I have to challenge him, if I beat him there will be spring and summer.”
“Nitthe gishpen pkenagwyen?” kedo ni wneneyem. “Jo mine wika ke wabmesim,” wdenan wneneymen.
“What if he beats you?” said her mother. “Then you will never see me again,” she told her mother.
I tthe egi wshitat, mteno shna wa she bmowdek wgi matthidon.
Then she got ready, she took only what she could pack on her back.
Ah itthe ibe wetthksenyak gi gwtekto, o kewesi. Gwa shna shke ewse msen emawdonek.
Meanwhile, up north, the old man was having a hard time. He was barely able to gather firewood.
Pene shna gi mshkewakwten I zibe gabmejwek besotth i edat. Pene gi kche noden shi.
The river that ran by, close to his house was always frozen over. It was always windy there.
O wtthe kewesi gi tthibdebe tthik shkwede shi edat. Gawa gewi psakwnemget i shkwede.
The old man sat in his lodge, next to the fire, which was barely going.
Bama she wiye bye detewegenet shi shkwademek. “Ahow. Bidgek,” kedo o kewesi.
Just then, somebody was knocking on the door. “Ahow. Come in,” said the old man.
Bama she sesksiyen bye bidge’net. Aptthe she goniwe o sesksi mine bigeje.
And a young maiden came in. She was really snowy and cold.
Mine I wdep wabgonen gi wiwkwebso. Mine geshe gi kche mnowabmenagwse.
Around her head, she wore a halo of Trailing Arbutus. And she was also very pretty.
“Bosho ndanes,” kedo. “Gda bye os shote shkwedek.” Pishne atemget gewi I shkwede.
“Hello daughter,” he said. “Come warm up here, by the fire.” The fire itself, was almost going out.
“Ahow nge ske’wa o ndo pwagen, ke wdemamen,” kedo o kewezi.
“Okay, I’ll light up my pipe, we will have a smoke,” said the old man.
Epiche wdemawat, “Ezakttheseyan iw ebinek ode gon,” kedo o kewezi.
While they were smoking, the old man said, “When I go outside, I bring on the snow.”
“Ah i geni ezakttheseyan ebye mokit o gises,” kedo gewi o sesksi.
“Oh, when I go outside, the sun comes out,” said the maiden.
“Shpemek eshenkenwiyan i notth ektthe ksenyak,” kedo o kewezi.
“When I throw my arms towards the sky, the weather gets colder,” said the old man.
“Nin wi shpemek eshenkenwiyan i abwamget,” kedo o sesksi.
“Me, when I throw my arms up at the sky, the weather gets warmer,” said the maiden.
Bama she peneshiyek kwedbek etnemaswat. Gi nabmegon ni kewesiyen.
All of a sudden, birds were singing on the roof. The old man just glared at her.
“Ekanabdeman I zibe I emshkewakwtek,” kedo o kewezi.
“When I look at the river, it freezes up,” said the old man.
“Nin wi ekanabdeman i zibe i engezet o mkwem,” kedo o sesksi.
“Me, when I look at the river, the ice melts,” said the maiden.
I tthe zagetth egi nabet ekanabdek i zibe.
Then, she looked outside to look at the river.
Epi tangedok notth gewi ne gshedemget i shkwede.
As she spoke, the fire started getting warmer.
Bama she o kewezi enodek emdwetthwek i zibe pi enengezet o mkwem.
Then, the old man heard the sound of the river, as the ice started to melt.
“Ngotthi epamseyan i ektthe bonik,’ kedo o kewezi.
“When I walk somewhere, it really snows,” said the old man.
“Metth she bebashyayan ematthigek ni wabgonen,” kedo o sesksi.
“Whereever I walk, the Trailing Arbutus grows,” said the maiden.
I tthe ekanabmet ni kewesiyen eshkem ne gatthi ye.
As she looked at the old man, he started getting smaller.
Mine zagetth enabet I shna ene skebgamgek ni mishkosen.
And as she looked outside again, the grass was turning green.
I tthe egi kwansego mno gishgek. Nekmek dnemaswek peneshiyek.
And it turned into a beautiful day. You could hear birds singing all over the place.
Gatthe tthibdebet o kewesi shna mteno gasweksek i waboyan.
Where the old man sat, all that was there, spread out, was his blanket.
Edapnek i waboyan o sesksi. I shna mteno mbish shi ga askobisek ga tthe nmedbet o kewezi.
The maiden picked up the blanket, and all there was under it, was a puddle of water, where the old man sat.
“I she shna yedek egi ngezet o kewezi,” shede e o sesksi.
“Oh, the old man must have melted,” thought the young maiden.
I tthe shna nekmek i gi pamadset o sesksi. Metth ttheshe ga bme shyat wiye shi ngom etthe matthigek ni wabgonen.
Then, the young maiden traveled all over. Wherever she went, is where the Trailing Arbutus grows today.
Mine she wiye I mamo netem zakimgek e mnokmek.
And it is the first plant to come up in the spring.
I wtthe ode sesksi egi pkenwat ni mkwemi wnenwen ngom wetthe yemgo ode emnokmek. Iw ektownangek.
Because the young maiden overpowered the iceman, is why we have Spring now. That is the story that is told.
All the affixes
The following prefixes and suffixes are used to denote past tense, present tense, future tense, and plurals of the subject. The prefixes and suffixes are bold so that you can see a pattern in the language usage.
NI PI JE – where
E – present tense/ WA – future tense/ GA – past tense
Ni pi je e shya yen? (where are you going?)
Ni pi je e shya ye’k? (where are you people going?)
Ni pi je wa shya yen? (where are you going?)
Ni pi je wa shya ye’k? (where are you folks going?)
Ni pi je ga shya yen? (where did you go?)
Ni pi je ga shya ye’k? (where did you people go?)
NI JE PI –when
WA – future tense/DA – future intent/ GA – past tense
Ni je pi wa shya yen? (when are you going?)
Ni je pi wa shya ye’k? (when are you folks going?)
Ni je pi ga shya yen? (when did you go?)
Ni je pi ga shya ye’k? (when did you people go?)
Ni je pi da shya yen? (when could you go?)
Ni je pi da shya ye’k? (when could you folks go?)
NWI – future tense/NGI – past tense WABEK – tomorrow
Wabek nwi shya. ( I am going tomorrow.)
Wabek nwi shya men. ( we are going tomorrow.)
Wabek wi shye’ wak. (he/she is going tomorrow.)
Wabek wi shye’k. (they are going tomorrow.)
NWI – future tense/ NGI – past tense WNAGO – yesterday
Wnago ngi shya. ( I went yesterday.)
Wnago ngi shya men. ( we went yesterday.)
Wnago gi shye’ wak. ( he/she went yesterday.)
Wnago gi shye’k. (they went yesterday.)
NGOM – now-today
Ngom nwi shya. (I am going today.)
Ngom nwi shya men. (we are going today.)
Ngom shye’ wak. (he/she is going today.)
Ngom wi shye’k. (they are going today.)
Ngom gwi shya men. (we are going today.)
AFFIXES:
Prefixes and Suffixes:
Present n de
Immediate future n ge
Past n gi
Future n wi
Future n da
Singular BMO SE
To walk
N de she bmo se I am walking
Examples:
Odan ek nde she bmo se present
Odane k nge she bmo se future
Odan ek ngi she bmo se past
Odan ek nwi she bmo se future
Odan ek nda she bmo se future/intent
Plural MBEM SE MEN
We are walking
Examples:
Odan ek nde she bmo se men present
Odan ek nge she bmo se men future
Odan ek ngi she bmo se men past
Odan ek nwi she bmo se men future
Odan ek nda she bmo se men future/intent
Some more examples:
Wi h/s is going to
G wi going to
G da could/can
Odan ek ne gwi she bmo se? Singular
Are you going to walk to town?
Odan ek ne gwi she bmo sem? plural
Are you guys going to walk to town?
Odan ek gda she bmo se. Singular
You could walk to town.
Odan ek gda she bmo sem. plural
You guys could walk to town.
Odan ek gda she bmo se men. plural/inclusive
We could walk to town.
Odan ek ne wi she bmo se? Singular
Is he/she walking to town?
Odan ek ne wi she bmo sek? Plural
Are they walking to town?
BMOSE:
M be bam se I am walking around.
Pa m se wak he/she is walking around.
G be bam se you are walking around.
Pa m se wek they are walking around.
Wi pam se he/she is going for a walk.
N wi pam se I am going for a walk.
N wi pamse men we are going for a walk/exlc.
G wi pam se men we are going for a walk/incl.
Ke pam se men let us go for a walk.
Be bam se t one who walks/sing.
Be bam se jek those that walk–also all the/plural.
Bmo se or bmo se wak walking or walking by
Bmo se k walking or walking by
plural
E gi shke wep se t when h/s first started walking.
Ni je pi ga ne wep se t when did h/s start out walking?
Ni je pi wa ne wep se yen when are you going to start out walking?
On becoming Neshnabe
Ode Neshnabe
So, let us take a look at what it takes to become Neshnabe, eh?
Being Neshnabe means you were born that way….you’ve always been that way, there was no alternative but that for you. This means you grew up speaking the accompanying language that goes with being Neshnabe, you also grew up with those mores, norms, standards, sanctions, and taboos. Everything you are, were and became means you learned it all through the target language of the group you were born into.
Definition of Neshnabe.
You learned nothing you currently know in English, it was not gleaned from University studies, nor from any other book learning, or in any other form of English inspired action. It wasn’t learned in English passed on to you from a heritage fluent speaker who trained you. This means you literally learned all that you know, all that you are, from your experiences as a traditional person growing up with the language, surrounded by like speaking elders and peers,
This sort of person can be referred to as Gete Neshnabe! The modern- day world identifies him/her as a traditional person. Traditional because they are heritage fluent speakers, schooled and skilled in all of the lore and craft of their origins, adept and expert in the physical, material, and spiritual culture of their heritage speaking group they emanate from. One important fact, this kind of person was not trained in anything, they were taught from their youth up….
What of others who appear to be like them? Those who mimic these people? Those who sound like them, but were not taught like them, but were trained by Gete Neshnabek who must specialize in training those who have not been taught, but have become separated from their archaic ways and the language so needed to find the way back to their origins?
These people could properly be referred to as quasi traditionals, or even pseudo traditionals then, borrowing upon the modern day terminology used by the dominant society they have become part of. Can they ever become like their Gete cousins one might ask? Can they somehow transpose themselves into what they want to be or study so hard to be?
The undisputable answer is YES, with perseverance and a strong commitment!
The best they can do is follow the teachings of those who are Gete Neshnabek, become trained in the lore, the craft, the sacred ways, learn their heritage language, and begin the process of learning so their offspring can be taught, instead of having to be trained like them. One teaches a child, one trains a person who has not been raised with their language and culture. We, who are Gete Neshnabek were taught, not trained!
I am using English to inform those who will read and listen and take appropriate action, but for those who read and do not listen and do not take any action, I can do nothing….also, there becomes no hope for their offspring, no hope for the generations who come after them. They must look to the future so those who come after them have a chance to survive as Gete Neshnabek.
Our old people used to tell us we had to render decisions with Seven Generations in mind, so there could be a future for those who would come after us. This kind of thinking has nothing to do with Self, or other sorts of pleasures. We must remove Self from the pedestal and return to that Seven Generational thinking our forefathers utilized in their decision making. Only then can our offspring/children have a chance to become Gete Neshnabek once again, and then there shall be those who are taught the sacred ways of the Gete Neshnabek again.
Learn your Language! Which many of you are now doing!
Live your life for the future generations so that anything you become trained in today can benefit them. Live like a Gete Neshnabe even if folks refer to you as a quasi neshnabe, but do not be a pseudo neshnabe or live your life like one, especially in front of your children. Embrace the teachings and learn your heritage language and become trained in them, so you have something to teach your offspring.
Nin se Neaseno…
Construct verbs using body parts and other things…..
Construct Verbs using Body Parts and other things…
| Noun Form | Construct Form |
| Nibden – my teeth | -yabdé -abdé or -denwi |
| Nenji – my hand | -nejé |
| Nzet – my foot | -zeté |
| Njash – my nose | -jané |
| Ndon – my mouth or my lip | -doné |
| Ntog – my ear | -togé |
| Ndep – my head | -debé |
| Nshkishek – my eye | -gwé (eyed or faced) |
| Ngotagen – my throat | -dagwné, -gotagé |
| Ndamken – my chin or my jaw | -damké, -damkné |
| Nek – my arm | -neké |
| Ken – bone | -kené |
| Nwinsesén – my hair | -sesé or -nankwé |
| Ndesam – my skin | -wshé |
| Nkaké – my chest | -kaké |
| Ndodosh – my breast | -dodoshmé |
| Nowéy – my cheek | -nowyé |
| Wnagen – dish | -wnagé |
| Nibi-water | -abo (liquid) |
-Gwé
-Gwé and kwé can sound suspiciously similar, so it is very important to listen carefully and use correct pronunciation. -Gwé can refer to the face or to the eyes.
Jigwé Thunder (Next to His Face)
Shomigwé He/she is smiling
Mniwnagigwé Infected runny eye
Pesangigwé Black eye (bruised eye)
Meningwé He/she has eye boogers
Bokigwé one-eyed, single-eyed
Bokigwénwi Wink
Winingwé Dirty Face
Other endings to watch for are -kadé and -gadé. -Kadé refers to “legged,” while -gadé is an inanimate intransitive ending.
Nyéwokadé He/she is Four-legged
Nishokadé He/she is Two-legged
Gkejgadé Something is hidden
Wébnegadé Something is discarded
Here are some contextual examples of endings, some coupled with other particles. This language is based on PARTICLES which have meaning, but must be attached to other particles to form complete thoughts.
FEET
Magwzede He/she has Big Feet or Smelly Feet
Kchemagwzede He/she has Really Smelly Feet
Génozedé He/she has long feet
Tkozedé He/she has short feet
Gachzedé He/she has little feet
Wawagzedé He/she has pigeon feet (crooked feet)
Mbiwzedé He/she has wet feet
Datkezedé He/she has toes that point outward
Begwzedé He/she has dry feet
Nchiwzedé He/she has ugly feet
Mskwiwzedé He/she has bloody feet
Mskwéwzedé He/she has red feet
Mkedéwzedé He/she has black feet
Winzedé He/she has dirty feet
Binzedé He/she has clean feet
Zheshkiwzedé He/she has soil or sand on feet
Goniwzedé He/she has snowy feet
Mkwemizedé He/she has icy feet
Gishkzedé He/she has a cut off foot
Mnozedé He/she has good feet
Mowzedé He/she has poopy feet
Mtakgwzedé He/she has bare feet
Gzinzedé He/she washes feet
Gziszedé He/she scrubs feet
Mbegzedégabo He/she has a flat tire (literally: He/she is standing there with a flattened foot – implies vehicle)
HEAD
Mbiwdebé He/she has a wet head
Gzindebé He/she washes head
Psakwdebé He/she has a burning head (has a fever)
Peshkwdebé He/she is baldeHe/
Binagdebe He/she has a clean head
Winagdebe He/she has a dirty head
Mbwakawdebe He/she uses his head (smart or wise)
Édbesendebe He/she thinks lowly thoughts (humble)
Édbeséndezot H/s thinks lowly thoughts of himself/herself
SKIN
Wabshkewzhé He/she has White skin
Mskwiwzhé He/she has Blood on skin
Gzibigwzhé He/she washes their skin
Mektewzhe He/she has black/dark skin
Gzibinsewzhe Wash your skin
Bmedewensewzhe He/she has greasy skin
TEETH
Mniwabdé He/she has an abcessed or infected tooth
Wasadbégabo He/she stands with shiny teeth
Niskabdénwi He/she bares h/h teeth
Gsiyabdé He/she brushes teeth
Gsisyabdé He/she scrubs teeth
Throat and misc.
Gishkakgwendagwné He/she has a sore throat
Gikijdagwné He/she has a sore throat
Zagdamknégabo He/she stands with chin sticking out
Zagdamknéshen His/her chin sticks out
Gikmenejé His/her hand or finger is numb
Magnowyé He/she has big cheeks
Magdodoshmé He/she has big breasts
Magtogé He/she has big ears
Winankwé He/she has dirty hair
Binankwé He/she has clean hair
Mbiwnankwé He/she has wet hair
Mishigwé He/she has a hairy face
Mishkadé He/she has hairy legs
Mskwiwjané He/she has a bloody nose
Gzigwé He/she washes face
Gzinjé He/she washes hands
Gzibingé He/she washes things
Gzinagé He/she washes dishes
Gsisega He/she scrubs the floor
Winsega The floor is dirty
Mouth
Zamdoné He/she has a big mouth (talks too much)
Winagdoneket He/she is foul mouthed
Mbwakawdonet He/she speaks wise things
Mishkwedone He/she sounds ambitious or full of resolve
Mjekewdone He/she talks evil
Natkotagdone He/she has a smart mouth
Gikajgedone He/she has argumentative mouth
Genotagdone He/she tells tall tales/lies
Gimojtagdone He/she tells sneaky/shady stuff
Mnowejtagdone He/she speaks good things
Shiwejtagdone He/she talks fierce
Gimojtagwdonet He/she speaks falsely
Eye
Mnowejshkizhgoke He/she sees good things in others
Zheshkiwshkishek He/she has dirt or sand in eye
Mektewshkishek He/she has black eye
Mjewejshkishek He/she has evil eye
Wakjeseshkizhgwen He/she has crooked/crossed eyes
Questions aptly put
| Where are you going? | Ni pi je ézhyayen? |
| Where are you all going? | Ni pi je ézhyayék? |
| Where are we going? (ex) | Ni pi je ézhyayak? |
| Where are we going? (in) | Ni pi je ézhyaygo? |
| Where is he/she going? | Ni pi je ézhyét? |
| Where are they going? | Ni pi je ézhyéwat? |
| What are you doing? | Ni je éschegéyen? |
| What are you all doing? | Ni je éschegéyék? |
| What are they doing? | Ni je éschegéwat? |
| What is he/she doing? | Ni je ézhechkét? |
| What did we do? (ex) | Ni je ga zhechkéyak? |
| What did we do? (in) | Ni je ga zhechkéygo? |
| What will you do? | Ni je wa zhechkéyen? |
| What will you all do? | Ni je wa zhechkéyék? |
| What did you do? | Ni je ga zhechkéyen? |
| What did you all do? | Ni je ga zhechkéyék? |
| What did he/she do? | Ni je ga zhechkét? |
| What did they do? | Ni je ga zhechkéwat? |
| Where did you go? | Ni pi je ga zhyayen? |
| Where did you all go? | Ni pi je ga zhyayék? |
| Where did he/she go? | Ni pi je ga zhyét? |
| Where did they go? | Ni pi je ga zhyéwat? |
| Nowhere | Cho ngoji |
| Over there | Ibe |
| I am going to the hospital | Mshkekiwgemek nwi zhya |
| We are going to the hospital (ex) | Mshkekiwgemek nwi zhyamen |
| We are going to the hospital (in) | Mshkekiwgemek gwi zhyamen |
| I am going to the store | Dawéwgemek nwi zhya |
| We are going to the store (ex) | Dawéwgemek nwi zhyamen |
| We are going to the store (in) | Dawéwgemek gwi zhyamen |
| Who is that? | Wéni je o? |
| What is that? | Wégwni je i? |
| Who are they? | Wéni je gi? |
| What are those? | Wégwni je ni? |
| He is a bear | Mko o yawe |
| He is a dog | Nemosh o yawe |
| She is a dog | Kwésmo o yawe |
| She is called Winnie | Winnie zhenkazo |
| He is called Bob | Bob zhenkazo |
| What did you do yesterday? | Ni je ga zhechkéyen wnago? |
| What did you all do yesterday? | Ni je ga zhechkéyék wnago? |
| What did they do yesterday? | Ni je ga zhechkéwat wnago? |
| What did he/she do yesterday? | Ni je ga zhechkét wnago? |
| What are you going to do tomorrow? | Ni je wa zhechkéyen wabek? |
| What are you all going to do tomorrow? | Ni je wa zhechkéyék wabek? |
| What will they do tomorrow? | Ni je wa zhechkéwat wabek? |
| What will he/she do tomorrow? | Ni je wa zhechkét wabek? |
| What will we do tomorrow? (ex) | Ni je wa zhechkéyak wabek? |
| What will we do tomorrow? (in) | Ni je wa zhechkéygo wabek? |
| Do you want something? | Gégo ne gnedwendan? |
| What do you want? | Ni je énedwendemen? |
| What do you all want? | Ni je énedwendemek? |
| I want some water | Énedwendayan anet mbish |
| More? | Mégwa ne? |
| Hurry | Kénep |
| Hurry up | Yabjeyen! |
| Are you hungry? | Gbekté ne? |
| Are you all hungry? | Gbektém ne? |
| Yes, I am hungry | Éhe nbekté |
| Yes, we are hungry (ex) | Éhe nbektémen |
| We are not hungry (ex) | Cho nbektésimen |
| I am not hungry | Cho nbektési |
| What is this? | Wégni je ode? |
| What is your name? | Ni je ézhnekasyen? |
| What are you all’s names? | Ni je ézhnekasyék? |
| I am called John | John ndezhnekas |
| We are called John and Mary | John mine Mani zhenkaswik |
| Come here | Byan shote |
| Come here (you all) | Byak shote |
| Put it back | Ton i néyap |
| Put it down | Bgednen i |
| Don’t do that | Gégo i zhechkéken |
| Don’t do that (pl) | Gégo I zhechkékék |
| Turn it on | Majibdon |
| Turn off the lights | Atebdon i waskonenjegen |
| What are you going to eat? | Ni je wa je wisneyen? |
| What are we going to eat? (ex) | Ni je wa je wisneyak? |
| What are we going to eat? (in) | Ni je wa je wisneygo? |
| What are you all going to eat? | Ni je wa je wisneyék? |
| What is he/she going to eat? | Ni je wa je wisnet? |
| What are they going to eat? | Ni je wa je wisnewat? |
| Help me | Nizhokmoshen |
| Help us | Nizhokmoshek |
| Where are you from? | Ni pi je wech byayen? |
| Where are you all from? | Ni pi je wech byayék? |
| Where are they from? | Ni pi je wech byéwat? |
| Where is he/she from? | Ni pi je wech byét ? |
| I am from Oklahoma | Oklahoma ndoch bya |
| We are from Oklahoma (ex) | Oklahoma ndoch byamen |
| He/she is from Oklahoma | Oklahoma wej byé |
| They are from Oklahoma | Oklahoma wej byék |
| Are you thirsty? | Gashknabagwé ne? |
| I am thirsty | Ngashknabagwé |
| We are thirsty (ex) | Ngashknabagwémen |
| I am not thirsty | Cho ngashknabagwési |
| We are not thirsty (ex) | Cho ngashknabagwésimen |
| Hello, friend | Hau, nikan |
| Hello, my friend | Bozho, nnikan |
| How are you? | Ni je na? |
| How are you all? | Ni je na ginwa? |
| I am fine | Iw she anwe |
| We are fine | Iw she anwe géninan |
| I am fine (another way) | Anwe she shena |
| I am living well | Nmno bmades |
| We are living well | Nmno bmadsemen |
| Are you sick? | Gdaknoga ne? |
| Are you all sick? | Gdaknogam ne? |
| Are they sick? | Yakwnogék ne? |
| Is he/she sick? | Yakwnogé ne? |
| I am sick | Ndaknoga |
| I am not sick | Cho ndaknogasi |
| We are sick (ex) | Ndaknogamen |
| We are not sick (ex) | Cho ndaknogasimen |
| They are sick | Yakwnogék |
| They are not sick | Cho yakwnogésik |
| He/she is sick | Yakwnogé |
| He/she is not sick | Cho yakwnogési |
| Are they dancing this evening? | Nim’edik ne ode pkonyak? |
| How far is it to your house? | Ni je épichiyak édayen? |
| We are going to the store | Dawéwgemek nwi zhyamen |
| Yucky | She |
| Geez | Shkena |
| Come eat | Byé wisnen |
| Come eat (all of you) | Byé wisnek |
| Are we lost | Ggiwanimen ne? |
| Where are you hanging around? | Ni pi je édnesyen? |
| Where are you all hanging around? | Ni pi je édnesyék? |
| Where are they hanging around? | Ni pi je édneswat? |
| Where is he/she hanging around? | Ni pi je édneset? |
| Do you like this? | Gmedagwendan ne ode? |
| Do you all like this? | Gmedagwendak ne ode? |
| How is your mother? | Ni je éshbmadzet o ggiyé ? |
| How is your father? | Ni je na o g’os? |
| We are going to the beach (in) | Jikbyék gzhyamen |
| Thank you | Migwech |
| Thank you (heartfelt) | Igwien |
| It is good | Wenet |
| It is bad | Myanet |
| Are you working today? | Gmikchéwi ne ngom? |
| Are you working hard today? | Kchemikchéwi ne ngom? |
| I am eating soup | Mbob nmijen |
| I have already eaten | Ngi gishwisen |
| Do you ever see John? | Wika ne ggi wabma o John? |
| Do you ever see them? | Wika ne ggi wabmak gi? |
| I live on the Citizen Potawatomi Reservation | Shishibéni skongen nda |
| Are you going to sleep? | Gwi o mba ne? |
| Go to sleep! | Wi ne mban! |
| Go to sleep! (all of you) | Wi ne mbak! |
| Look over there | Nek she ibe |
| Be careful | Nasana |
| Be careful (another) | Wigézen |
| Let’s visit for a while | Gmbwach’ewémen nomek |
| Come visit me | Mbwach’ewéshen |
| Come visit us | Mbwach’ewéshek |
| Later again | Bama mine |
| I will see you again later | Bama mine gwabmen |
| Later | Nagech |
| Little bit later | Shkejiméyek |
| Are you busy? | Gdotmes ne? |
| Are you all busy? | Gdotmesem ne? |
| I am busy | Ndotmes |
| I am not busy | Cho ndotmesi |
| We are busy (ex) | Ndotmesmen |
| We are not busy (ex) | Cho ndotmesimen |
| Come with me | Wijeweshen |
| Come with us | Wijeweshek |
| Are you Indian? | Neshnabé ne gdaw? |
| Are you all Indians? | Neshnabék ne gdawem? |
| Yes I am Indian | Éhe neshnabé ndaw |
| I am not Indian | Cho neshnabé ndawsi |
| I am an Indian woman | Neshnabékwé ndaw |
| Are you Potawatomi? | Bodéwadmi ne gdaw? |
| I am Potawatomi | Bodéwadmi ndaw |
| I am not Potawatomi | Cho Bodéwadmi ndawsi |
| I am a Potawatomi Woman | Bodéwadmikwé ndaw |
| Where are you enrolled? | Ni pi je éndebendagziyen? |
| Where are you all enrolled? | Ni pi je éndebendagziyék? |
| I am enrolled with Citizen Band Potawatomi | Shishibéniyek ndebendagwes |
| I am enrolled with Prairie Band Potawatomi | Mshkodéniyek ndebendagwes |
| We are enrolled with Citizen Band Potawatomi | Shishibéniyek ndebendagsemen |
| We are enrolled with Prairie Band Potawatomi | Mshkodéniyek ndebendagsemen |
| I am enrolled with Forest County | Ksenyaniyek ndebendagwes |
| What’s happening? | Ni je éshe webek? |
| What happened? | Ni je ga shewebek? |
| What happened to you? | Ni je ga she websiyen? |
| What’s up? | Ni je she shpemek? |
| What’s going down? | Ni je nisajwen? |
| I don’t know | Nemetsena |
| I don’t know anything | Nemetsena gégo |
| It’s hot | Gshatémget |
| Something is hot | Gshedémget |
| It is raining | Gmowen |
| It is hazy | Pkwenemget |
| It is warm | Yabwamget |
| It is blazing hot | Wiskakdemget |
| It is a downpour | Zigbisamget |
| Light rain/drizzle | Wenbisa |
| Light rain | Gmowas |
| It is raining (another) | Gméyamget |
| It is cold | Ksenyamget |
| It is cool | Tkéyamget |
| It is a nice day | Mno gishget |
| Are you broke? | Gbokshka ne? |
| Are you all broke? | Gbokshkam ne? |
| When did you first start speaking Indian? | Ni je pi nétum ga je webneshnabémyen? |
| Do you speak Indian? | Gneshnabém ne? |
| Do you speak Potawatomi? | Gdebodéwadmim ne? |
| Where did you park your car? | Ni pi je ga je toyen gdodabyanem? |
| Are you ready? | Gdozhita ne? |
| Behave | Dadokmeben |
| Behave (pl) | Dadokmebek |
| Take it easy/Be Quiet | Égach |
| My back aches | Ngigijpekwene |
| Do you know that man? | Gkenma ne o nene? |
| Do you know that woman? | Gkenma ne o kwé? |
| Do you know those people? | Gkenmak ne gi bmadzejek? |
| What time is it? | Ni je étso yawek? |
| What time is it? (another) | Ni je tso dbegnek |
| It is one o’clock | Ngot dbegenek |
| It is noon | Nawkwék |
| It is midnight | Aptadbeket |
| Good morning | Mno waben |
| Good evening | Mno pkonyak |
| Good afternoon | Mno gishnawkwék |
| I want some coffee | Énedwendayan anet gapi |
Greetings to one another
Men’s greetings to one another and within groups….
Hau bozho ginwa
Bozho jayek ginwa
Ndenwemagnek
Ndenwemagnenanek
Nijneshnabek
Nijbmadsejek
Nikan
Nikanek
Nijnenwik
Nenwedok
Wadokwuk
Nijkowes
Menwidokwuk
When addressing both male and female;
Nenwedok mine kwedok
Nijneshnabek
Nikanek
Women addressing one another…..
Hau bozho ginwa
Hau bozho jayek ginwa
Ndenwemagnek
Ndenwemagnenanek
Kwedok
Nijkwedok
Nidgekok
Nijkowes
Wadokwuk
Menwidokwuk
Neaseno 