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New Words
Western Abenaki Dictionary and Radio: Western Abenaki Language Resource, lessons, music, traditional stories of the Abenaki Indians.
K'wlipai8! Welcome to WesternAbenaki.com home of the only online dictionary of the Western Abenaki Language and Western Abenaki Radio a radio program produced entirely in the Western Abenaki language. This is a work in progress and one that's only in the very first stages of development. Additional resources are added on a regular basis to help maintain Western Abenaki as a spoken language, which is our primary goal. For those interested in learning to speak, please add our site to your bookmarks and stop back often to learn much more. We thank you for your support and patience in this endeavor!
Online Dictionary
Along with the fully keyword searchable database of words which our site is built around, we have developed basic conjugation charts which will soon be linked to all words in their verb, noun, adjective and adverb forms. In truth, the language has no specific parts of speech, but is instead made up of word roots. We are working to offer a complete catalog of these word roots within our dictionary. They are the fundamental building blocks of the language. We are also uploading established vocabulary from many sources and from our own research in the field.
Learn about the Western Abenaki Language
Online Radio
Western Abenaki Radio offers fully immersive shows which include basic dialog, traditional and contemporary stories and songs, as well as lessons, news and other information all presented within the language. This is an attempt to offer a chance to hear the language being used, refresh or improve your ability to understand it, and in a small way keep the language alive. Follow this link to start listening now!
Online Lessons
Basic conversational Western Abenaki Lessons created and dictated by fluent speaker Cecile Wawanolett, alongside fun games and exercises created by Douglas Julien. This collection was made in an effort to get the language to all who wanted to learn it. We are so grateful for all the work and generosity of our late instructor in her efforts to preserve the Western Abenaki language she loved so much. Follow this link to start learning now!
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L8wadw8gan wji L8dwaw8gan
Significance of Language
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"Language is one of the fundamental aspects of a person's worldview and self identity."
"It is their language that allows them to form a people apart. As long as they preserve their language, they will be impossible to assimilate" - 1895 Annual Report Department of Indian Affairs
"Language shapes thoughts and emotions, determining one’s perception of reality." - Benjamin Whorf
"Language is an item of culture as well as the principal medium for transmitting the other elements of culture, it could be regarded as the most profitable single criterion available." - Gordon Day
"Language is the light of the mind." - John Stuart Mill
"Language is not only a vehicle for the expression of thoughts, perceptions, sentiments, and values characteristic of a community; it also represents a fundamental expression of social identity. A common speech serves as a peculiar potent symbol of the social solidarity of those who speak the language. In short, language retention helps maintain feelings of cultural kinship." - Edward Sapir
"Chacun retient toutefois que la suprême révélation du génie national, la clef magique qui donne accès aux plus hautes richesses de la culture, c’est la langue." - Lionel Groulx
"Language is integrally related to Thought-formation. Some languages are better suited for some thoughts – those thoughts related to the worldview of those who created it."
"Chaga aln8baagw kd'achwi klozibna aln8baiwi." - Ambrose Obomsawin
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With so much material on the language available, it can be confusing and overwhelming. In addition, we need to have a common set of vocabulary in order to most quickly be able to communicate with one another. For these reasons we suggest starting with Joseph Laurent's NEW FAMILIAR ABENAKIS AND ENGLISH DIALOGUES. Within this wonderful little book is everything needed to become conversationally fluent. We are attempting to make it more accessible by adding video clips to aid in pronunciation and interactive flashcards for review. (A full copy of the original book is also available online here).
 NEW FAMILIAR ABENAKIS AND ENGLISH DIALOGUES 
Recommended Links:
YOUTUBE: Western Abenaki Channel
FACEBOOK: Western Abenaki - Abénaquis de l'Ouest
Abenaki Language Preservation
Joseph Alfed Elie Joubert
Wijokadoak
Penobscot Nation
Lenape Talking Dictionary
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Contact Us:
We are very interested in your feedback on our dictionary and radio show.
Corrections: We are far from perfect and appreciate your keen eyes and ears. While nothing will ever sound or look right to everyone, if you notice obvious typos, or misprints within our dictionary or shows, please let us know so we can make the needed corrections.
Suggestions: Our attempt is to offer as much as we can and we greatly appreciate the creative input of those who are utilizing our site. If you have a suggestion to improve on any aspect of the site, whether its topics to be covered or materials to be included, please let us know!
Radio Content: Please don't hesitate from bringing our attention to any songs, stories, poems or other audio based media that you would like included within our shows. We only ask that they be entirely within Abenaki in order to stick with the fully immersive format of the program.
Click Here to contact us now!
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Literature in the Western Abenaki Language
Donations are greatly appreciated and help this site grow!
WesternAbenaki.com Copyright 2012
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