Normalizing the language for everyday use

Normalization:  Target audience:  Tweens and Teens

Dokin!                                                                   Get up!

Ni je she shpemek?                                         What’s up?

Nshi                                                                       Bro

Tkéyamges                                                          I’m cool

Cho she mkanayan étkéyamsiyen              I don’t find you cool

Cho nedwendasi edokiyan                            I don’t want to wake up

Cho nedwendasi ebsegwiyan                      I don’t want to get up

Cho nedwendasi eskonoyan                        I don’t want to go to school

Megwa embayan                                              I’m still sleeping

Bgednoshen embayan megwa                    Let me sleep some more

Bgednoshen ezhadgeyan ngom                  Let me stay home today

Abdek ne eskonoyan ngom?                        Do I have to go to school today?

Ndezhya o nikan wigwamen                        I’m going to my friends house

Cho nedwendasi emijyan I                            I don’t want to eat that

Kapsek ne gdeton?                                          Do you have any chips?

Gwétajwenesh o                                               He/she is cringy

Nin se nda wénkwénge                                  I could drive

Nda wénkwéngé ne?                                      Can I drive?

Nda je wenkwenge?                                       Can I drive?

Nda yowen ne i gdo dabyanem pkonyak?              Can I use your car tonight?

Byénashen msenegéwgemek                      Take me to the library

Byénashen ibe o nikan wigwamen             Take me to my friend’s house

Gda bgednoshen ne édat o nikan?            Can you drop me at my friend’s house    

Gda bgednoshen ne éskonoyan?               Can you drop me at school?

Bgednoshen ézhyayan zhi msenaksegnen              Let me go to the movies

Abdek gwi giwé bwamshe abtadbeket     You have to be home before midnight

Byégiwén bwamshe aptadbeket!               Come home before midnight!

Teens talking to each other

Gbaknedonén                                                    Shut up/Shut your mouth

Gwétajwenesh o                                               He/she is cringy

Ngi nibabé                                                           I stayed up all night

Nzhigéndan gédasowen                                I hate math

Ngi nibabémen éwatoyak                             We stayed up all night having fun

Ngi nibabémen éwabnotakchegéyak        We stayed up all night on the computer

Biwabkojegen                                                    phone

Ndomajegen                                                      phone

Shegnonajegen                                                 phone

Géchnejiké                                                          scrolling (using your thumb)

Cho ggi bsedwesin                                           I didn’t hear you

Ndotmes                                                             I’m busy

Gégo gimochkéken                                           Don’t sneak around

Gégo dbabéken                                                 no peeking

Gzhadze o                                                           He/she is friendly, approachable

Iw she anwe                                                       I’m fine, it’s fine, everything is fine.

Jagdéwmagwet                                                 something smells burnt

Gi jagzo o                                                             he got burned

Haha ggi jagzo                                                   haha you got burned

Jagdét                                                                   BUUUUUURRRRNNN

Haha gi bebgeshen o                                       He fell pitching (he was throwing shade and it failed)

Nd’anwéndem                                                  I’m disgusted

Gi apjemajit                                                        he/she took off

Ode ngi asendan                                               I changed my mind about this

Ooo nwi ashto’a o                                            I’m going to get back at him/her

Babin                                                                     Wait up

Ge bagdowémen                                              Let’s play ball

Gégo bapshmashen                                        Don’t blow up on me (don’t cuss me out or holler at me)

Basyak ndeton bidagnek                                I have some change in my pocket

Gwi wid-bbadajman ngom                           I’m going to drag you around today

Ngyé ngi bbadajmek wnago odanek         My mother was dragging me around yesterday in town

Bbamajmo                                                          Gossip, spread rumors

Gégo bbamajdaken                                         Don’t gossip

Ni je ébbamajmot?                                          What’s the gossip?

Ni je ébbamajmayen o gigyago                   What rumors are you telling on that girl?

Ni je ébbamajdayen i skongemek?            What rumors are you telling about school?

Ngi nodagé                                                         I heard the news

Gégo bbanéndeken                                         No worries (don’t worry)

Myanéndem                                                      I’m bummed

Cho ga kedyan!                                                 I said no!

Cho mnoyési                                                      I don’t feel good

Cho zabénma o                                                 I don’t care for him/her

Cho débwétwa o                                               I don’t believe him/her

Dokmeben                                                          sit still

Chomamda ndokmeb!                                   I can’t sit still!

Yagwades ne?                                                    are you crazy?

Ndakwades                                                        I’m nervous/anxious/crazy

Yagwatkégishek                                                 Crazy day

Gi yagwatké ngom                                           It was crazy today

Bapnezwagnek                                                  all hell is breaking loose

Ngi nibabé énagdewéndemyan                  I stayed up all night thinking

Chomamda ngi mbasi dbekok                     I couldn’t sleep last night

Sneget                                                                  It’s hard/difficult (verb)

Snegéwen                                                           Something difficult (thing)

Ngi bashkdebé egi wabdeman                    What I saw blew my mind

I yé ngi bashkdebé                                           That blew my mind

Gde dkobkin                                                       You are grounded

Gwi wijewshen ne pkonyak?                        Do you want to come along with me tonight?

Cho, nde dkobin                                                No, I’m grounded.

Gwi wijéwshen épa odankéyak ne?           You want to go around town with me?

Cho, nwi zhadgé                                               No, I’m staying home

Cho she nin                                                         It wasn’t me/not me

Débwé                                                                  legit 

Hau zhechken node kedwenen

Wne ste tan                                         He/she understands it

                                                            (what is being said)

Gne ste tan ne?                                    Do you understand it?

Wne stotwan                                       He/she understands him/her

Gne sto to ne?                                     Do you understand me?

Gne sto twa ne?                                   Do you understand him/her?

Gne sto twak ne?                                 Do you understand them?

Gne sto ta gwnan ne?                          Does he/she understand us?

Gne sto ta gwnanek ne?                      Do they understand us?

Jo gne ste tos non                                I don’t understand you.

Gne sto tan ne i?                                

Do you understand that?

Gne sto tam ne i?

            Do you people understand that?

Ahau, nse tem ok ode

            Ok, understand this!

Ne sto tan

            I understand!

Ne sto tamen

            We understand! (excl.)

Gne sto tamen

            We understand! (incl.)

Gne sto tamen ne?

            Do we understand? (incl.)

Jo, gne ste to snon

            I don’t understand you.

Gne sto twa ne?

            Do you understand him/her?

Gne sto towem ne?

            Do you people understand me?

Gne sto twen

            I understand you.

Nse ta gwse

            He/she is understandable!

Gne ste townem

            I understand you people.

Jo, gne ste to wso nem.

            I don’t understand you guys.

Gi gne ste tam ne ga wje yajmoawat gi kékyajek wnago

            Did you understand what those elders told the people yesterday?

Gne sto twam ne ga wje kedyan

            Do you all understand what I said?

Gne sto tam ne i nga ket?

            Do you people understand what I said?

Ahau, gse tem ok jayék éktot ode kewézi

            Ok, understand everything this old man says!

Bsetmok

            Listen (all of you)

Ahau, bsetmok jayék éktowat gi nakéndemwajek mine gsetemok jayék i ézhyayen ibe émawjeshnowat gi neshnabék.

            Ok, listen (all of you) to everything these wise ones say to you all and understand all they say when you go over there where those Indians have gathered!

Bno wi pi égi penojéwiyak pené she gi yajmowat ibyé nebgeshmok gi kékyajek.

            Long ago when we were children always those elders spoke to us when evening came.

Bama she pi gwi byé na wat ni kenomagewnen bwamshe ebyat o gatikno.

            They will bring those teachings back before this spotted eagle returns!

Mano gwi zhe wébet mine!

            It will happen again!

Gwi gne sto twak jayék gin wa i byé zhe wébek i

            They will all understand when it happens!

Gnestetan ne node

Wne ste tan                                         He/she understands it

                                                            (what is being said)

Gne ste tan ne?                                    Do you understand it?

Wne stotwan                                       He/she understands him/her

Gne sto to ne?                                     Do you understand me?

Gne sto twa ne?                                   Do you understand him/her?

Gne sto twak ne?                                 Do you understand them?

Gne sto ta gwnan ne?                          Does he/she understand us?

Gne sto ta gwnanek ne?                      Do they understand us?

Jo gne ste tos non                                I don’t understand you.

Gne sto tan ne i?                                

Do you understand that?

Gne sto tam ne i?

            Do you people understand that?

Ahau, nse tem ok ode

            Ok, understand this!

Ne sto tan

            I understand!

Ne sto tamen

            We understand! (excl.)

Gne sto tamen

            We understand! (incl.)

Gne sto tamen ne?

            Do we understand? (incl.)

Jo, gne ste to snon

            I don’t understand you.

Gne sto twa ne?

            Do you understand him/her?

Gne sto towem ne?

            Do you people understand me?

Gne sto twen

            I understand you.

Nse ta gwse

            He/she is understandable!

Gne ste townem

            I understand you people.

Jo, gne ste to wso nem.

            I don’t understand you guys.

Gi gne ste tam ne ga wje yajmoawat gi kékyajek wnago

            Did you understand what those elders told the people yesterday?

Gne sto twam ne ga wje kedyan

            Do you all understand what I said?

Gne sto tam ne i nga ket?

            Do you people understand what I said?

Ahau, gse tem ok jayék éktot ode kewézi

            Ok, understand everything this old man says!

Bsetmok

            Listen (all of you)

Ahau, bsetmok jayék éktowat gi nakéndemwajek mine gsetemok jayék i ézhyayen ibe émawjeshnowat gi neshnabék.

            Ok, listen (all of you) to everything these wise ones say to you all and understand all they say when you go over there where those Indians have gathered!

Bno wi pi égi penojéwiyak pené she gi yajmowat ibyé nebgeshmok gi kékyajek.

            Long ago when we were children always those elders spoke to us when evening came.

Bama she pi gwi byé na wat ni kenomagewnen bwamshe ebyat o gatikno.

            They will bring those teachings back before this spotted eagle returns!

Mano gwi zhe wébet mine!

            It will happen again!

Gwi gne sto twak jayék gin wa i byé zhe wébek i

            They will all understand when it happens!

Conjugation patterns

Bidge

Nbidge

Gbidge

Gbidgemen

Nbidgemen

Gbidgem

Bidgewik

Jo bidgesi

Bidgen

Bidgek

Gego bidgeken

Gego bidgekek

Wi-bidge

Gi-bidge

Gge-bidgemen

Gbidge ne

Jo ne gbidgesi

Gwi-bidge ne

Ggi-bidge ne

Bidgewikne

Nwi-bidgemen

Ngi-bidgemen

Gnebech gi-bidge

Neko ngi bidge

he/she is coming in

I am coming in/going in

you are coming inlgoing in

we (and you) are coming in/going in

we (but not you) are coming in/going in

ya all are coming in/going in

they are coming inI going in

he/she isn’t coming inlgoing in

come in!

ya all come in!

don’t come in/go in!

ya all don’t come in/go in

he/she will/wants to come inlgo in

he/she came in/went in

lets go in

are you in?

aren’t you in?

will you/are you/do you want to come in/go in?

did you go in?

are they coming in/going in?

we (but not you) will/want to go in

we (but not you) went in

maybe he/she went inlh/s must have went in

I used to go in

Bigech

He/she is cold

Nbigech

Gbigech

Gbigejmen

Nbigejmen

Gbigejem

Bigejwik*

Jo bigejsi

Bigejen!

Bigejek!

Gego bigejken!

Gego bigejkek!

Wi-bigech

Gi-bigech

Gge-bigejmen

Bigech ne?

Gbigechne?

Jo ne gbigejsi?

Gwi-bigech ne?

Ggi-bigech ne?

Bigech wik ne

Nwi-bigejmen

Ngi-bigejmen

Gnebech gi-bigech

cold

Neko ngi-bigech

I am cold

You are cold

We (and you) are cold

We (but not you) are cold

Ya all are cold

They are cold

He/she isn’t cold

Get cold!

Get cold (ya all).

Don’t get cold

Don’t get cold (ya all)

He/she will/wants to get cold

He/she was cold

Let’s get cold

Is he/she cold?

Are you cold?

Aren’t you cold?

Will you/do you want to get cold?

Were you cold?

Are they going to be cold?

We (but not you) will/want to get cold

We (but not you) were cold

Maybe he/she was cold.lHe/she must have been

I used to get cold

Ngi-tkech

Ggi-tkech ne?

I caught a cold

Did you catch a cold?

* the suffix -wik occurs after stems that end in consonants.

Binagjege

he/she is cleaning

Mbinagjege

Gbinagjege

Gbinagjegemen

Mbinagjegemen

Gbinagjegem

Binagjegek

Jo binagjegesi

Binagjegen

Binagjegek

Gego binagjegen

Gego binagjegek

Wi-binagjege

Gi-binagjege

Gge-binagjegemen

Binagjege ne

Gbinagjege ne

Jo ne gbinagjegesi

Gwi-binagjege ne

Ggi-binagjege ne

Binagejegek ne

Nwi-binagjegemen

N gi -binagj egemen

Gnebech gi-binagjege

Neko ngi-binagjege

I am cleaning

you are cleaning

we (and you) are cleaning

we (but not you) are cleaning

ya all are cleaning

they are cleaning

he/she isn’t cleaning

clean!

ya all clean!

don’t clean!

ya all don’t clean!

he/she will/wants to clean

he/she cleaned

lets clean

is he/she cleaning?

are you cleaning?

aren’t you cleaning?

will you/do you want to clean?

did you clean

are they going to clean?

we (but not you) will/want to clean

we (but not you) cleaned

maybe his cleanedlhe/she must have cleaned

I used to clean

Binjege

he/she is cleaning

Mbinjege

Gbinjege

Gbinjegemen

Mbinjegemen

Gbinjegem

Binjegek

Jo binjegesi

Binjegen

Binjegek

Gego binjegeken

Gego binjegekek

Wi-binjege

Gi-binjege

Gge-binjegemen

Binjege ne

Gbinjege ne

Jo ne gbinjegesi

Gwi-binjege ne

Ggi-binjege ne

Binjegek ne

Nwi-binjegemen

Ngi-binjegemen

Gnebech gi-binjege

cleaned.

Neko ngi-binjege

I am cleaning

you are cleaning

we (and you) are cleaning

we (but not you) are cleaning

ya all are cleaning

they are cleaning

he/she isn’t cleaning

clean!

ya all clean!

don’t clean!

ya all don’t clean!

he/she will/wants to clean

he/she cleaned

lets clean

is he/she cleaning?

are you cleaning?

aren’t you cleaning?

will you/do you want to clean?

did you clean?

are they going to clean?

we (but not you) will/want to clean

we (but hot you) cleaned

maybe he/she cleaned. the/she must have

I used to clean

Bkede

he/she is hungry

Mbekde*

Gbekde

Gbekdemen

Mbekdemen

Gbekdem

Bkedek

Jo bkedesi

Gi-bkede

Bkedene

Gbekde ne

Jo ne gbekdesi

Gwi-bkede ne

Ggi-bkede ne

Bkedekne

Nwi-bkedemen

Ngi-bkedemen

Gnebech gi-bkede

hungry

Neko ngi-bkede

I am hungry

you are hungry

we (and you) are hungry

we (but not you) are hungry

ya all are hungry

they are hungry

he/she isn’t hungry

he/she was hungry

Is he/she hungry?

are you hungry?

aren’t you hungry?

will you/do you want to be hungry

were you hungry?

are they hungry?

we (but not you) will be hungry

we ( but not you) were hungry

maybe he/she was hungry/he/she must have been

I used to be hungry

*before a -b, the n- of “I” usually becomes m-.

Giwse

he/she is hunting

Ngiwse

Ggiwse

Ggiwsemen

Ngiwsemen

Ggiwsem

Giwsek

Jo giwsesi

Giwsen

Giwsek

Gego giwseken

Gego Giwsekek

Wi giwse

Gi giwse

Gge giwsemen

Giwse ne

Ggiwse ne

Jo ne ggiwsesi

Gwi giwse ne

Ggi giwse ne

Giwsekne

Nwi giwsemen

Ngi giwsemen

Gnebech gi giwse

I am hunting

you are hunting

we (and you) are hunting

we (but not you) are hunting

you (all) are hunting

they are hunting

he/she isn’t hunting

hunt! (sing.)

hunt! (plural)

don’t hunt! (sing.)

don’t hunt! (plural)

he/she will/wants to hunt

he/she hunted

let’s hunt!

is he/she hunting?

are you hunting?

aren’t you hunting?

will you! do you want to hunt?

did you hunt?

are they going to hunt?

we (but not you) will/want to hunt

we (but not you) hunted

maybe he/she huntedlhe/she must have

hunted

I used to hunt

Neko ngi giwse

Gzhadawso

he/she is babysitting

Ngezhadawso

Ggezhadawso

Ggezhadawsomen

Ngezhadawsomen

Ggezhadawsom

Gzhadawsok

J 0 gzhadawsosi

Gzhadawson

Gzhadawsok

Gego gzhadawsoken

Gego gzhadawsokek

Wi gzhadawso

Gi gzhadawso

Gge gzhadawsomen

Gzhadawso ne

Ggezhadawso ne

Ggezhadawsosi ne

Gwi gzhadawso ne

Ggi gzhadawso ne

Gzhadawsok ne

Nwi gzhadawsomen

Ngi gzhadawsomen

Gnebech gi gzhadawso

I am babysitting

you are babysitting

we (and you) are babysitting

we (but not you) are babysitting

you (all) are babysitting

they are babysitting

he/she isn’t babysitting

babysit! (sing.)

babysit! (plural)

don’t babysit! (sing.)

don’t babysit! (plural)

he/she will/wants to babysit

he/she babysat

let’s babysit

is he/she babysitting?

are you babysitting?

aren’t you babysitting?

will you! do you want to babysit?

did you babysit?

are they going to babysit?

we (but not you) will/want to babysit

we (but not you) babysat

maybe he/she babysatlhe/she must have

babysat

I used to babysit

Neko ngi gzhadawso

He/she is leaving

1. Nmaji.

2. Gmaji.

3. Gmajimen.

4. Nmajimen.

5. Gmajim.

6. Majik.

7. Jo majisi.

8 M·· ,

. aJlll.

9. Majik!

10. Ge’go majiken!

11. Ge’go majike’k!

12. Wi maji.

13. Gi maji.

14. Gge majimen.

15. Maji ne?

16. Gmaji ne?

17. Jo ne gmajisi?

18. Gwi maji ne?

19. Ggi maji ne?

20. Majiwek ne?

21. Nwi majimen.

22. Ngi majimen.

23. Gnebech gi maji.

24. Neko ngi maji.

I am leaving.

You are leaving.

We (and you) are leaving.

We (but not you) are leaving.

You (all) are leaving.

They are leaving.

He/she isn’t leaving.

Leave!

Leave! (you all)

Don’t leave!

Don’t leave! (you all)

He/she will/want to leave.

He/she left.

Let’s leave.

Is he/she leaving?

Are you leaving?

Aren’t you leaving?

Will youIDo you want to leave?

Did you leave?

Are they going to leave?

We (but not you) will/want to leave.

We (but not you) left.

Maybe he/she left.lHe/she must have left.

I used to leave.

Mikche’wi

He/she is working.

Nmikche’wi.

Gmikche’wi.

Gmikche ‘wimen.

Nmikche’wimen.

Gmikche’mim.

Mikche’wik.

Jo mikche’wisi.

Mikche’win!

Mikche’wik!

Ge’go mikche’wiken!

Ge’go mikche’wike’k!

Wi mikche ‘wi.

Gi mikche’wi.

Gge mikche’wimen.

Mikche’wi ne?

Gmikche’wi ne?

Jo ne gmikche’wi si?

Gwi mikche’wi ne?

Ggi mikche’wi ne?

Mikche’wik ne?

Nwi mikche’wimen.

Ngi mikche’wimen.

Gnebech gi mikche’wi.

I am working.

You are working.

We (and you) are working.

We (but not you) are working.

You (all) are working.

They are working.

He isn’t working.

Work!

Work! (you all)

Don’t work!

Don’t work! (you all)

He/she will/wants to work.

He/she worked.

Let’s work.

Is he working?

Are you working?

Aren’t you working?

Will youIDo you want to work?

Did you work?

Are they going to work?

We (but not you) will/want to work.

We (but not you) worked.

Maybe he/she worked.lHe/she must have

worked.

I used to work.

Neko ngi mikche’wi.

Minke

He/she is picking berries.

Nminke’.

Gminke’.

Gminke’men.

Nminke’men.

Gminke’m.

Minke’k.

Jo minke’si.

Minke’n!

Minke’k!

Ge’go minke’ken!

Ge’go minke’ke’k!

Wi minke’.

Gi minke’.

Gge minke’men.

Minke’ne?

Gminke’ ne?

Jo ne gminke’si?

Gwi minke’ ne?

Ggi minke’ ne?

Minke’kne?

Nwi minke’men.

Ngi minke’men.

Gnebech gi minke’.

I am picking berries.

You are picking berries.

We (and you) are picking berries.

We (but not you) are picking berries.

You (all) are picking berries.

They are picking berries.

He/she isn’t picking berries.

Pick berries!

Pick berries! (you all)

Don’t pick berries!

Don’t pick berries! (you all)

He/she will/wants to pick berries.

He/she picked berries.

Let’s pick berries.

Is he/she picking berries?

Are you picking berries?

Aren’t you picking berries?

Will you/Do you want to pick berries?

Did you pick berries?

Are they going to pick berries?

We (but not you) will/want to pick berries.

We (but not you) picked berries.

Maybe he/she picked berries.lHe/she must

have picked berries.

I used to pick berries.

Neko ngi minke’.

Bmepto

he/she is running

Mbembeto

Gbembeto

Gbembetomen

Mbembetomen

Gbembetom

Bmebtok

Jo bmebtosi

Bmebton

bmebtok

Gego bmebtoken

Gego bmebtokek

Wi-bmebto

Gi-bmebto

Gge-bmebtomen

Bmebto ne

Gbmebtone

Jo ne gbmebtosi

Gwi-bmebto ne

Ggi-bmebto ne

Bmebtokne

Nwi-bmebtomen

Ngi-bmebtomen

Gnebech gi-bmebto

Neko ngi-bmebto

I am running

you are runnmg

we (and you) are running

we (but not you) are running

ya all are running

they are running

he/she isn’t running

run!

ya all run!

don’t run!

ya all don’t run!

he/she will/wants to run

he/she ran

lets run

is he/she running?

are you running?

aren’t you running?

will you/do you want to run?

did you run?

are they going to run?

we (but not you) will/we want to run

we (but not you) ran

maybe he/she ran/he/she must have ran

I used to run

Bmose

he/she is walking

Nbemse

Gbemse

Gbemsemen

Nbemsemen

Gbemsem

Bemsek

Jo bmose si

Bmosen

Bmosek

Gego bmoseken

Gego bmosekek

Wi bmose

Gi bmose

Gge bmosemen

Bmose ne

Gbemse ne

Jo ne gbemse si

Gwi bmose ne

Ggi bmose ne

Bemsekne

Nwi bmosemen

Ngi bmosemen

Gnebech gi bmose

walked

Neko ngi bmose

I am walking

you are walking

we (and you) are walking

we (but not you) are walking

you (all) are walking

they are walking

he/she isn’t walking

walk! (sing.)

walk! (plural)

don’t walk! (sing.)

don’t walk! (plural)

he/she will/wants to walk

he/she walked

let’s walk

is he/she walking?

are you walking?

aren’t you walking?

will you! do you want to walk?

did you walk?

are they going to walk?

we (but not you) will/want to walk

we (bit not you) walked

maybe he/she walkedlhe/she must have

I used to walk

Chikazo

he/she is playing

Nchikaz

Gchikaz

Gchikazmen

Nchikazmen

Gchikazem

Chikazwik

Jo chikazsi

Chikazen

Chikazek

Gego chikazeken

Gego chikazekek

Wi chikazo

Gi chikazo

Gge chikazmen

Chikazo ne

Gchikaz ne

Gchikazesi ne

Gwi chikaz ne

Ggi chikaz ne

Chikazwik ne

Nwi chikazmen

Ngi chikazmen

Gnebech gi chikazo

played

Neko ngi chikaz

I am playing

you are playing

we (and you) are playing

we (but not you) are playing

you (all) are playing

they are playing

—he/-she isn’t playing

play! (sing.)

play! (plural)

don’t play! (sing.)

don’t play! (plural)

he/she will/wants to play

he/she played

let’s play

is he/she playing?

are you playing?

aren’t you playing?

will you/do you want to play?

did you play?

are they going to play?

we (but not you) will/want to play

we (but not you) played

maybe he/she played/he/she must have

I used to play

Dnekmegze

Ndenkemges

Gdenkemges

Gdenkemgezmen

Ndenkemgezmen

Gdenkemgezem

Dnekmegzik

J 0 dnekmegzesi

Dnekmegzin

Dnekmegzik

Gego dnekmegzeken

Gego dnekmegzekek

Wi dnekmeges

Gi dnekmeges

Gge dnekmegzemen

Dnekmegze ne

Gdenkemges ne

Gdenkemgezsi ne

Gwi dnekmeges ne

Ggi dnekmeges ne

Dnekmegzik ne

Nwi dnekmegzemen

Ngi dnekmegzemen

Gnebech gi dnekmegze

played

Neko ngi dnekmeges

he/she is playing

I am playing

you are playing

we (and you) are playing

we (but not you) are playing

you (all) are playing

they are playing

he/she isn’t playing

play! (sing.)

play! (plural)

don’t play! (sing.)

don’t play! (plural)

he/she will/wants to play

he/she played

let’s play

is he/she playing?

are you playing?

aren’t you playing?

will you/do you want to play?

did you play?

are they going to play?

we (but not you) will/want to play

we (but not you) played

maybe he/she played/he/she must have

I used to play

Atsokanen in Neshnabemwen and Bodewadmimwen

[1] Ngom zneget wigwaskek. Gi zhoshkwamget wigwas bnewi. Neshnabek bnewi gi-wenpenzek gi-wigwaskewat. Gi-mnozhoshkwamgek ga-wzhitowat gégo. Cho wgi-pitendansinawa.

[2] Abdek Nanabozho wgi-wabman jésh wigwasmtegon, dagnat nechis zhi mtegon.

[3] “Wenet apje. zaam gishgen,” kedo Nanabozho. “Da-wenpenze neshnabe je-wigwasket. nge-nena’ibdon. nwi-zneg’a nwech neshnabe je bnegwakwat. wi-kche-mikchewi. da-kche-nendan.”

[4] Nanabozho ga-je-kenonat gagjeganayan. Gi boni pnéshi. Nanabozho ga-je-debnat wkaden abje’at, ga-je-wawépodwat wigwas-mtegon gkebyégenet wnengwigenen o pnéshi zhi zhoshkwanek wigwas.

[5] Ga-je-majit mine Nanabozho megwémtekwakik gi-o-bokbnat gagindebé mtegosen, ga-je-wépodwat wiigwas-mtegon nekmek. Iw je gi-negapzet. Nekshe! Netem gi-mishkwya wigwaas. Mi sa gi-ne-wépodwegwat. Gi-nenagwet gé bij igwan wigwas zhi mtegon.

[6] Ekedot Nanabozho, “Neshnabe nomek da-dzhita je-ndowabdek zhoshkwanek wigwas. Nwech ogajiikendan mkek wigwas. Mii iwe wje-zhenagwek wigwas ngom ojiishigid wigwasi-mtek; Nanabozho gi-abjetot gwiigwanensan mine gii-pabashanzhe’waad gi-abjetot gagindebé mtegosen.

HOW THE BIRCH TREE GOT ITS MARKS

[1] Today it is difficult to harvest birchbark. Long ago the birchbark was smooth. The Indians long ago had an easy time when they harvested birchbark. It was perfectly smooth when they made things. They didn’t appreciate it.

[2] One time Nenabozho saw a grove of birch trees, and touched the trees with his bare finger.

[3] “It’s so very nice. It grows so plentiful,” said Nenabozho. “The Indian will have such an easy time when he picks the bark. I’ll fix it. I will make it harder for the Indian to to peel off the trunk. He’ll work hard. He’ll appreciate it.”

[4] Nenabozho spoke to the chickadee. The bird landed. Nenabozho grasped its legs, using [the bird] as he struck it against the birch trees repeatedly, leaving numerous small indentations with the bird’s wings on the smooth bark.

[5] And then Nenabozho went into the woods again, breaking balsam branches, whipping the birch trees all over. So it became brittle. See! The birchbark had been tough. And so he whipped them. And the marks even showed on the inside of the trees’ bark there.

[6] Nenabozho said, “Now the Indian will have to spend a long time searching for smooth birchbark. He’ll appreciate it more when he finds [good] birchbark. That’s why the birchbark looks the way it does now, as the birch tree bears the marks of the bird wings used by Nenabozho and the balsam boughs he used to whip them.

GAA-ONDINANG OJIISHIGID WIIGWAASI-MITIG

[1] Noongom zanagad wiigwaasiwikeng. Giizhooshkwaamagad wiigwaas mewinzha. Anishinaabeg mewinzha gii-wenipaniziwag gii-wiigwaasiwikewaad. Gii-minozhooshkwaamagak gaa-ozhitoowaad gegoo. Gaawiin ogiiapiitendanziinaawaa. [2] Aabiding Nenabozho ogii-waabamaan niibowa wiigwaasimitigoon, daanginaad binaakwaaninj imaa mitigoon. [3] “Onizhishin aapiji. Onzaam ginibigin,” ikido Nenabozho. “Da-wenipanizi anishinaabe izhi-wiigwaasiwiked. Nigananaa’ibidoon. Niwii-sanagi’aa nawaj anishinaabe izhibikwaakobinaad. Da-gichi-anokii. Odaa-gichi-inendaan.” [4] Nenabozho gaa-izhi-ganoonaad gijigaaneshiinyan. Giipagamised bineshiinh. Nenabozho gaa-izhi-debinaad okaading aabaji’aad, gaa-izhi-babakite’waad wiigwaasi-mitigoon nameshininid ogwiigwaniman awe bineshiinh imaa zhooshkwaanig wiigwaas. [5] Gaa-izhi-maajaad miinawaa Nenabozho megwaayaakwaang gii-o-bookobinaad zhingobiin mitigoonsan, gaa-izhi-bashanzhe’waad wiigwaasi-mitigoon gabe-ayi’ii.

Ko Ko Ko

Page 2

Kokoko égi shenkanawat o gi Neshnabék ngodek anaké énodagzet.  Égi mendokaset o égi wdebwétagsewat ma shna égi mya schegét o kokoko. 

Page 4

Ngodet o shkenwé épamsét i mtegwakik.  Kokoko éjibdebet i owimtego.  Gi mig zhechké o égi shedé’at o shkenwé.

Page 6

Wégwén weji’igwan gwékabitot i wdebé o Kokoko. Béba gwékabitot o!  Haw, mig zhechké ode égi pij wabdet o shkenwé.

Page 8

Hau, égi wabdet i wégwéndek ézhechkéyan i éshedé’at.  I yé i ga shketot i.  Abte she égi shketot …. cho mamda égi shketoset égishikadét.

Page 10

Ahau, égi bmeptot ibe édat gi widmot o w’osen ga je wabmat o Kokoko ézhechkét.  Ni je ézhechkét o Kokoko égi najdot o w’osen?  Mendokaze ne o?

Page 12

Égi jibdebet o w’os ga je denat ode atsokan. 

Page 14

O Nenebush gi kche yawe ngodek i ma éndashit éyéyak égi wdenat.  Wawika gi mya schegét, égi yayéngét gi bemadsejek mine gi méjbyéyek.  Ma shna gi shewenma’at jayék gi bemadsejek gé wi.

Page 16

Ngodek gi pamset i mtegwakik o Nenebush. Wawika gi zhechké i.  Gi medagwéndet i, gi mno gishget…ma shna gi nensé mine gi msegekwé i mtegwak.

Page 18

Mégwa she épamset ibe, weye éwepodwat shkwaj ji’gwan.  Pené gi wepodwat weye i, i yé o Kokoko gi yawe…gi pij shiwendezot, ma shna gi manenit o Nenebush émigadit.

Page 20

Nwésh gi migadwat nizhok.  Édaso gi shketowat épkenagéwat, ma she kew gi dasgenénat o kokoko égi bimiskonat i wdebénen jak gizhinat.

Page 22

A pené iw pi, o Kokoko ma shna anwe gwékabitat i wdebé.  Éwabdet i gwe’at éshyat.  Iw pi shkwéyak éwabdet ga je wdojbyat.

Page 24

Gode Bodéwadmi penojék ga je widmowat gi wgetsimek cho wika ézhechkéwat ézhechkét o Kokoko, ma shna nasap ézhewébsewat gé wi…anasap se ode gishek!

Ewebyajmoyek

Shkwémget

It is smoky, in a room

Jibam

Soul

Mojgét

Sneaky

Meno zé kwé

Good cook

Yapjeyen

Hurry up

Wak kadé

Bow legged

Wi shkan met

Real windy

Wéwébyéwimen

Let’s get started

Gi gish yéwimen

We are finished/done

Ngodek

One time

Nishek

Two times

Nosek

Three times

Nyéwek

Four times

Nyanoek

Five times

Ngotwatsek

Six times

Noek

Seven times

Shwatsek

Eight times

Zhaksek

Nine times

Mdatsek

Ten times

Nish menek

Two chunks

Dodosh

Breast

Dodoshké

Nursing/breast feeding

Dodém

Clan

Ndodémnan

Our clan    (excl.)

Gdo démnan

Our clan     (incl.)

Dodémwa

Ya all’s clan

Wdo démwan

Their clan

Mnedowak

H/s is a spirit     (anim.)

Giswéndagwes

I was blessed

Gi kchiwén motwa

Feeling pity or sorry for h/h

Gi chi wénmoyan

I was blessed/I was pitied

Chi wénmo gwiyen

Felt sorry for you

Medagwéndan

I like it     (inan.)

Medagwénma

I like h/h    (anim.)

Medagwéndem

I might enjoy it/I enjoy it

Medagwéndewen

A good feeling

Wégni je wa ge kéndemyen

What do you want to know?

Gekéndan ne

Do you know?

Gi kéndan ne

Did you know?

I zhi mine gi

They are at it again!

I zhi mine o

H/s is at it again!

Zagech nwi pamsé

I’m going to walk outside

Jibdeben pedyébwenek

Sit in the chair

Nwi odanké

I’m going to town

Nagech nwi odanké

I’m going to town later

Wawnon nwi naden

I’m going to get eggs

Shote gda jib dep

Sit here.

Ibe gda o jib depmen

Let’s sit over there.

Gdemnozé kwé

You’re a good cook

Zigwébnen

Dump it out

Tatbegon

Green leaf

Nibishés

Leaf?

Nbwakat

H/s knows s.t. smart

Gigionem

I was wrong in what I said?

Mno widok kwadwek

They get along good together “usually of children”

Gan nab den

Stare at it-study it

Gin mab den

Peek at it-glance at it

Gin ma bem

Peek at h/h

Gimo geton mikjéwiwen

H/s lost his/her job

Gimoj gesmen

We sneak away

Gwi dok wak ne gi

Are you with or for them?

Ni pi je wéj gab o yen

Where do you stand-“which side?”

Ngzhigénmak

I hate them

Ngzhigénmen

I hate you?

Neshgénmen

I hate you?

Gzhigéndagwze

H/s is a hateful person

Ognekmegzen

Go play

Skwi an

Flood

Skwi wagemé

Flooding water

Moshken

Flood “over filled”

Yagwades

You’re crazy

Yagwatze

H/s is crazy

Ndagwades

I am crazy

Gdagwades

You’re crazy

Nkiwades

I am lonesome

Kiwadze

H/s is lonesome

Ozhitan

Get ready-for anything.

Gzhitamen

Let’s get ready to go

Biskwedo

Mushroom

Shéshkwedo

Mushroom

Washkbek

Candy

Wishkben

S.t. sweet

Béjis je gen

Baking powder (béjis—to rise)

Béjisgedisnen

Baking powder biscuits

Wabeno

A special Dawn Man ceremony-fire handling shaman

Zhawnogé

South wind dance-connected with adoption ceremony

Béba matsejek

Travelers-people who go here and there

Bamatsik

They are traveling-going from place to place

Tedako dadéyagen

Shorts-the thing with short legs

Shkwé dagen

Last born-youngest child

Mezodanek

Parents

Ne agesh

Son in law

Ndosh mesh

My son in law

Boj kwan shi

Dragon fly

Mish amo

Bumble bee

Ngzhibi jané

My nose itches

Ké ogdazo

H/s is quick tempered

Ngtem gné

My joints are stiff

Gtem shké

H/s is lazy

Kega zhé or i zhi géga

Pretty soon

Wizhgben

Sit tight!

Gégo énemkan

I found s.t.

Gdodek shna

Sometime-some day

Nkikibgosh

I am sleepy

Gikibgosh ne

Are you sleepy?

Gikib goshé

H/s is sleepy

Ndezh dé a

The way I think or feel—also, a heartfelt feeling or hope

Majiton

Take it with you

Zhabwagnek-Sheboygen

The sound of noise coming from a cave

Chiw nag wze o

H/s is ugly-having to do with the way one looks or appears

Shiw o nagwze

H/s is ugly-rugged looking

Bgéji ne gda gikdomen

Can we talk a little?

Beshk gbig wdebéjek

The bald ones!

Énebgeshmok

When the sun goes down-evening

Wawyasto

Whirl wind

Kche wawyasto

Big whirl wind

Ni je ga zhe wébek

What happened?

Ni je ga zhi kas yen

How did you do at it or s.t.?

Ni je ga zhi kas yék

How did you guys do at it?

Gin ne i gi zhech ké

Did you do that?

Ngi mkan

I found it or s.t.

Gégo énéndmoken

Don’t think about it!

Mémiwé

Butterfly?

Mémégwé

Butterfly.

Tecumseh nden nes

I live in Tecumseh

Tecumseh n’neze

H/s lives in Tecumseh

Ni pi je éje dat

Where does h/s live?

Tulsa n’nezo ek

They live in Tulsa

Ni pi je éje dawat

Where do they live?

Ni pi je éje dayen

Where do you live?

Ni pi je éje dayék

Where do you all live?

Ibe éje dayen ne

Do you live over there?

Ibe éje da yan

I live over there

Giz gat demget

It is bright-the moon

Éji wéwébzok pedyébwen

Rocking chair

Ojandakek

Cooking pail or bucket-kettle

Jajibdep

Sitting around

Éji ja jibdebek

Where they sit around

Jajibdebek atskwnegak

Living room or place you can sit around

Bodwéjek

People who build a fire

Kabogetmbish

Cold water

Biskonyén

Get dressed

Giskonyén

Get undressed

Manék gi zgemék

There are a lot of mosquitoes

Matmowat

They are praying

Matmo

H/s is praying

Madmowen

Prayer

Néyap zhi tasonek ton gi gish yo yen

Put it back in the cupboard when you’re done

Néyap ton

Put it back

Néyap ton it

Put that back

Bama nagech néyap wi byék

Later they will be back

Gégo wépo dwaken

Don’t hit him/her

Wawyéze

It’s round    (anim.)

Gnebyégén

You write

Bekdék

They’re hungry

Bekdék ne

Are they hungry?

Mnowankwé

Pretty hair

Wenanekwé

S/h with the pretty hair

Wenet

Good

Wenet i

It is good

Myanet i

It is bad

Génozo o mtek

The tree is tall

Gachi bé oze

H/s is skinny, small       (anim.)

Gach nowamget

It is small

Mbito i

It’s between s.t.

Wég ni je ode ézhenkadék

What is this called?

Zég se wak

H/s is scared

Gmnomenwab ne

Can you see good?

Kokjish

Wood chuck

Mdwé janémgwam

Snoring-the sound of nose when sleeping

Wé ni je o

Who is that?

Ni je wa zhech ké yen

What are you going to do?

Wég ni je gin gdotém

What is your clan?

So gwim get i Neshnabé zhech ké wen

The Indian Ways are coming back

Bonik kwa dadék

Leave each other alone

Gda yaj momen

We should talk

Ni je ode da kadmen

What’s this called?

Ni je énéndemen

What are you feeling/thinking?

Dansés jémshen

Little daughter, give me a kiss

Mskwobenéshi

Red bird (cardinal)

Gégo zég seken

Don’t be scared

Wabem gi Neshnabék

Look at those Indians

Nekshi gi Neshnabék

Look at those Indians

Mnom ngot

Good one

No wéwé ngot

Good one

Nwi sakem

I am going to the bathroom   (women’s words)

Nwi zhi shi

I am going to pee/leak

Nwi mizi

I am going to poop

Gi gish majiwat

They all left/they left already

Wémtegozhi

French man

Tegozi

To claim

Jo ngi mbaskwa si o seksi

I didn’t shoot the deer

Winze o kwézi

That old man is dirty/dirty old man

Wenzewak

She’s pretty/s.o.is pretty or good

Nwi kenomo’a o dansés éwi neshnabémot

I am going to teach my little girl so she can speak Indian

Gneshnabémen

Let’s talk Indian

Gégo shkatzeken

Don’t be mad

Wgi maji

H/s left

Pegnen i

Put that down

Pegdon i

Throw that

Boston i

Load it

Moston i

Set it down

Mno gishget nimediygo

Good day to dance   (pl.)

Ngwes wenet i ga zhech ké yen

My son what you did is good

Ga gitot mo gi wédasénanek/shemagneshinanek

Spoke on behalf of our warriors/braves/soldiers

Gno dan ne i

Do you hear that?

Kényamget i koman

The knife is sharp

Gi gish shen

Cut s.t., paper, cloth, etc.

Stories can help to understand

[1] Ngom zneget wigwaskek. Gi zhoshkwamget wigwas bnewi. Neshnabek bnewi gi-wenpenzek gi-wigwaskewat. Gi-mnozhoshkwamgek ga-wzhitowat gégo. Cho wgi-pitendansinawa.

[2] Abdek Nanabozho wgi-wabman jésh wigwasmtegon, dagnat nechis zhi mtegon.

[3] “Wenet apje. zaam gishgen,” kedo Nanabozho. “Da-wenpenze neshnabe je-wigwasket. nge-nena’ibdon. nwi-zneg’a nwech neshnabe je bnegwakwat. wi-kche-mikchewi. da-kche-nendan.”

[4] Nanabozho ga-je-kenonat gagjeganayan. Gi boni pnéshi. Nanabozho ga-je-debnat wkaden abje’at, ga-je-wawépodwat wigwas-mtegon gkebyégenet wnengwigenen o pnéshi zhi zhoshkwanek wigwas.

[5] Ga-je-majit mine Nanabozho megwémtekwakik gi-o-bokbnat gagindebé mtegosen, ga-je-wépodwat wiigwas-mtegon nekmek. Iw je gi-negapzet. Nekshe! Netem gi-mishkwya wigwaas. Mi sa gi-ne-wépodwegwat. Gi-nenagwet gé bij igwan wigwas zhi mtegon.

[6] Ekedot Nanabozho, “Neshnabe nomek da-dzhita je-ndowabdek zhoshkwanek wigwas. Nwech ogajiikendan mkek wigwas. Mii iwe wje-zhenagwek wigwas ngom ojiishigid wigwasi-mtek; Nanabozho gi-abjetot gwiigwanensan mine gii-pabashanzhe’waad gi-abjetot gagindebé mtegosen.

HOW THE BIRCH TREE GOT ITS MARKS

[1] Today it is difficult to harvest birchbark. Long ago the birchbark was smooth. The Indians long ago had an easy time when they harvested birchbark. It was perfectly smooth when they made things. They didn’t appreciate it.

[2] One time Nenabozho saw a grove of birch trees, and touched the trees with his bare finger.

[3] “It’s so very nice. It grows so plentiful,” said Nenabozho. “The Indian will have such an easy time when he picks the bark. I’ll fix it. I will make it harder for the Indian to to peel off the trunk. He’ll work hard. He’ll appreciate it.”

[4] Nenabozho spoke to the chickadee. The bird landed. Nenabozho grasped its legs, using [the bird] as he struck it against the birch trees repeatedly, leaving numerous small indentations with the bird’s wings on the smooth bark.

[5] And then Nenabozho went into the woods again, breaking balsam branches, whipping the birch trees all over. So it became brittle. See! The birchbark had been tough. And so he whipped them. And the marks even showed on the inside of the trees’ bark there.

[6] Nenabozho said, “Now the Indian will have to spend a long time searching for smooth birchbark. He’ll appreciate it more when he finds [good] birchbark. That’s why the birchbark looks the way it does now, as the birch tree bears the marks of the bird wings used by Nenabozho and the balsam boughs he used to whip them.

GAA-ONDINANG OJIISHIGID WIIGWAASI-MITIG

[1] Noongom zanagad wiigwaasiwikeng. Giizhooshkwaamagad wiigwaas mewinzha. Anishinaabeg mewinzha gii-wenipaniziwag gii-wiigwaasiwikewaad. Gii-minozhooshkwaamagak gaa-ozhitoowaad gegoo. Gaawiin ogiiapiitendanziinaawaa. [2] Aabiding Nenabozho ogii-waabamaan niibowa wiigwaasimitigoon, daanginaad binaakwaaninj imaa mitigoon. [3] “Onizhishin aapiji. Onzaam ginibigin,” ikido Nenabozho. “Da-wenipanizi anishinaabe izhi-wiigwaasiwiked. Nigananaa’ibidoon. Niwii-sanagi’aa nawaj anishinaabe izhibikwaakobinaad. Da-gichi-anokii. Odaa-gichi-inendaan.” [4] Nenabozho gaa-izhi-ganoonaad gijigaaneshiinyan. Giipagamised bineshiinh. Nenabozho gaa-izhi-debinaad okaading aabaji’aad, gaa-izhi-babakite’waad wiigwaasi-mitigoon nameshininid ogwiigwaniman awe bineshiinh imaa zhooshkwaanig wiigwaas. [5] Gaa-izhi-maajaad miinawaa Nenabozho megwaayaakwaang gii-o-bookobinaad zhingobiin mitigoonsan, gaa-izhi-bashanzhe’waad wiigwaasi-mitigoon gabe-ayi’ii.

Ko Ko Ko

Page 2

Kokoko égi shenkanawat o gi Neshnabék ngodek anaké énodagzet.  Égi mendokaset o égi wdebwétagsewat ma shna égi mya schegét o kokoko. 

Page 4

Ngodet o shkenwé épamsét i mtegwakik.  Kokoko éjibdebet i owimtego.  Gi mig zhechké o égi shedé’at o shkenwé.

Page 6

Wégwén weji’igwan gwékabitot i wdebé o Kokoko. Béba gwékabitot o!  Haw, mig zhechké ode égi pij wabdet o shkenwé.

Page 8

Hau, égi wabdet i wégwéndek ézhechkéyan i éshedé’at.  I yé i ga shketot i.  Abte she égi shketot …. cho mamda égi shketoset égishikadét.

Page 10

Ahau, égi bmeptot ibe édat gi widmot o w’osen ga je wabmat o Kokoko ézhechkét.  Ni je ézhechkét o Kokoko égi najdot o w’osen?  Mendokaze ne o?

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Égi jibdebet o w’os ga je denat ode atsokan. 

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O Nenebush gi kche yawe ngodek i ma éndashit éyéyak égi wdenat.  Wawika gi mya schegét, égi yayéngét gi bemadsejek mine gi méjbyéyek.  Ma shna gi shewenma’at jayék gi bemadsejek gé wi.

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Ngodek gi pamset i mtegwakik o Nenebush. Wawika gi zhechké i.  Gi medagwéndet i, gi mno gishget…ma shna gi nensé mine gi msegekwé i mtegwak.

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Mégwa she épamset ibe, weye éwepodwat shkwaj ji’gwan.  Pené gi wepodwat weye i, i yé o Kokoko gi yawe…gi pij shiwendezot, ma shna gi manenit o Nenebush émigadit.

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Nwésh gi migadwat nizhok.  Édaso gi shketowat épkenagéwat, ma she kew gi dasgenénat o kokoko égi bimiskonat i wdebénen jak gizhinat.

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A pené iw pi, o Kokoko ma shna anwe gwékabitat i wdebé.  Éwabdet i gwe’at éshyat.  Iw pi shkwéyak éwabdet ga je wdojbyat.

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Gode Bodéwadmi penojék ga je widmowat gi wgetsimek cho wika ézhechkéwat ézhechkét o Kokoko, ma shna nasap ézhewébsewat gé wi…anasap se ode gishek!

An exercise to keep one sharp

Do you understand?

Gnestoto ne                            do you understand me?

Gnestetan ne                          do you understand it?

Gnestotwa ne                         do you understand him/her?

Gnestotwak ne                        do you understand them?

Gnestota gwnan ne                 does he/she understand us?

Gnestota gwnanek ne             do they understand us?

Wnestetan                                he/she understands it (what is being said)

Wnestotwan                            he/she understands him/her

Cho, gneste tosnon                 I don’t understand you.

Cho, gneste totwa                   I don’t understand him/her.

Cho, gneste totwak gi             I don’t understand them.

Jo, gne ste to wso nem.          I don’t understand you guys.

Gne sto tan ne i?                     Do you understand that?

Gne sto tam ne i?                    Do you people understand that?

Ahau, nse tem ok ode             Ok, understand this!

Ne sto tan                               I understand!

Ne sto tamen                          We understand! (excl.)

Gne sto tamen                        We understand! (incl.)

Gne sto tamen ne?                  Do we understand? (incl.)

Gne sto twen                           I understand you.

Nse ta gwse                             He/she is understandable!

Gne ste townem                      I understand you people.

Gne sto twam ne ga wje kedyan        Do you all understand what I said?

Gne sto tam ne i nga ket?       Do you people understand what I said?

Ahau, gse tem ok jayék éktot ode kewézi

            Ok, understand everything this old man says!

Gi gne ste tam ne ga wje yajmoawat gi kékyajek wnago

            Did you understand what those elders told the people yesterday?

Cho wi she, gneste tosnon gode weshkjek ngom.

            I don’t really understand these young people of today.

Exclamations!

Mno nes                                              goodness!

Nmno nes                                            my goodness!

Watiya                                                 gosh, my god, geez, holy wa!

Mamkatkemek                                    same as above, used by women folk.

Mamkaz                                              amazed at s.t., surprised at s.t.

Mamkadenma                                    surprised at h/h

Mamkadendat                                    surprised at s.t.

Kwansekemek                                     registering surprise at s.t.

Kyetnam                                              expression of surprise

Nshkwenwe’aye                                  surprised

Gshkonwenmat                                   surprised at s.o.

Gshkonwendek                                    surprised at s.t.

Gshkonwezet                                       to be surprised

Mbe                                                     a satisfied expression usually with a sigh.

Iw                                                        that’s it, I’m done, it’s over, that’s all.

Ahau                                                    ok, all right, oh,

I ye I                                                     that’s it, that’s ok, that’s correct/right.

Wi ye I                                                 same as above

Wi ye o                                                that’s the one, that’s h/h

Iw yedek                                              must be

Iwk she ye I                                         that’s the way it is

Iwk she anwek                                    well it’s better

Iw she anwe                                        so so, better I guess

Nemetsena                                          IDK

Nemetsena yedek                               I really don’t know

Putting it all together

Construct Verbs using Body Parts and other things…

Noun FormConstruct 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

A word on blending particles

Emphatic Pronouns –  Used to blend

Nin – nin

Gin – you

Win – he/she

Examples: but using particles of the emphatic pronouns

N + maji = nmaji  – I am going

G + maji = gmaji – You are going

W +maji = (w)maji – He/she is going        * “W” is silent

N + bmosé = nbmosé  – I am walking

G + bmosé = gbmosé – You are walking

W+ bmosé = wbmosé – He/she is walking

Blends – Tense Markers

De  – present tense – am doing it now

Da – future intent  – can/could/should/would

Gi – past –  did

Ga – past tense also, but subordinate **

Wi – future – will

Wa – future also, but subordinate  **

Ge – immediate future – about to do something

É – factive, providing immediacy of the tense, used with other tense markers and words

Blending Emphatic Pronoun (Nin) with Tense Markers

Nde – I am doing s.t.

Nda – I should

Ngi – I did

Nwi – I will

Nge – I am about to do something

Blending Emphatic Pronoun (Gin) with Tense Markers

Gde – You are

Gda – You could/should

Ggi – You did

Gwi – You will

Gge – You are about to do something

Blending Emphatic Pronoun (Win) with Tense Markers

Wde – He/she is

Wda – H/s could/would

Wgi – H/s did

Wwi – H/s will

Wge – H/s is about to do something

Blending Emphatic Pronouns with Tense Markers and Verbs

Emphatic (Nin – I) w/ tense markers + verb – Maji : meaning “to leave”

N + de + maji = Nde maji

N + da + maji = Nda maji

N + gi + maji = Ngi maji

N + wi + maji = Nwi maji

N + ge + maji = Nge maji

G + de + maji = Gde maji

G + da + maji = Gda maji

G + gi + maji = (G)gi maji  (silent g)

G + wi + maji = Gwi maji

G + ge + maji = (G)ge maji   (silent g)

W + de + maji = (W)de maji   (silent w)

W + da + maji = (W)da maji

W + gi + maji = (W)gi maji

W + wi + maji = (W)wi maji

W + ge + maji = (W)ge maji

Emphatic pronoun (Gin – You) w/ tense markers + verb – Bmose: meaning “to walk”

N + de + bmosé = Nde bmosé

N + da + bmosé = Nda bmosé

N + gi + bmosé = Ngi bmosé

N + wi + bmosé = Nwi bmosé

N + ge + bmosé = Nge bmosé

G + de + bmosé = Gde bmosé

G + da + bmosé = Gda bmosé

G + gi + bmosé = (G)gi bmosé

G + wi + bmosé + Gwi bmosé

G + ge + bmosé = (G)ge bmosé

The (g) and the (w) are usually silent in these types of phrases

W + de + bmosé = (W)de bmosé

W + da + bmosé = (W)da bmosé

W + gi + bmosé = (W)gi bmosé

W + wi + bmosé = (W)wi bmosé

W + ge + bmosé = (W)ge bmosé

** Wa and Ga

Ni jew pi ne ga maji yen                                 When did you leave?

Hau wnago geshep ga maji yan                      Oh yesterday morning I left

Ni je wa zhechke yen                                      What will you do?

Hau ode she pi wa zhechke yan i                    Oh right now is when I will do it

Hopefully you can see from the above examples the difference between Potawatomi and English.  English verb conjugation is very focused on the order of events and the timing of everything.  There are many, many tenses in English, which are used to reflect the timing and the continuity, while the pronouns are separate words that are attached to the verbs with minimal modification.  In Potawatomi, WHO did the action is more prominent than when the action occurred.  Notice above, the differences in conjugation based on WHO did the action, as opposed to the ease with which tense markers are inserted and removed.  There are further conjugations you will learn, becoming more and more complex as multiple persons complete complex actions, but you will find that the timing of those actions are easily viewed through tense markers. 

Learn your pronouns!  There are multiple sets of conjugation prefixes and suffixes, depending on WHO is doing the action and who they are interacting with, instead of when the action occurred.