TRENT UNIVERSITY
Department of Native Studies
INDIGENOUS STUDIES 280
Introduction to Nishinaabemowin
2007 - 2008
Instructor: Edna Manitowabi
FPHL, rm 315
748-1211, Ext. 7477
Secretary: Barb Rivett
FPHL, rm 325
748-1011, Ext. 7466
Language is recognized as the principal means by which culture is accumulated. Shared and transmitted from one generation to another. Language expresses the uniqueness of a group’s way of life. (Unknown)
This course is designed for students with little or no knowledge of the language. It is a conversational course for those who are interested and willing to improve fluency in Ojibway. There is writing involved, but the course will also focus on the cultural aspects of the language.
Course Format
Students will meet three times every week for one-hour language instructions.
Seminars:
Monday Period 1 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. SC W3
Tuesday Period 3 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. BL 107.1
Thursday Period 4 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. OCA 207
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to conversational Ojibwe. It is designed to introduce the student to everyday vocabulary, syllabic symbols, sounds, rhythms, basic sentence structure and symbolic literacy. Through storytelling, songs, cultural teachings, dance performance and role-playing, aspects of traditional cultural knowledge will be examined. By exploring the use and power of the voice and body movement the students will be encouraged to find within themselves the way in which the language resonates. No prior knowledge of the Ojibwe language is required.
Course Texts (available for Trent University Bookstore)
1) Eshkintam Nishnaabemong Mzinagan, (Introduction to Ojibway Textbook)
Personal copy of Professor Shirley Williams (can be purchased from Indigenous Studies Department.) 1st week of classes.
2) Kidwenan, Tape and book by Isadore Toulouse.
3) Eastern Ojibwa-Chippewa-Ottawa Dictionary (trends in Linguistics, Documentation 3) by Richard A. Rhodes. Trent bookstore, paperback.
Recommended Text:
1) Gdi-nweninaa-Our Sound, Our Voice, by Professor Shirley Williams
Course Evaluation
Test No. 1 - 30%
Test No. 2 - 10%
Test No. 3 - 10%
Test No. 4 - 30%
Attendance & Participation 20%
Total - 100%
There will be four in-class tests on the dates specified above.
Participation – 10%
The participation mark will be based on performance in grammar, memorization of vocabulary, phonetic drills, conversation and oral exercises throughout the year. The observation will be monitored during classes.
Attendance – 10%
Due to the nature of the language, it is essential that students attend class regularly. Attendance and participation will be monitored and records will be kept for classes.
Any classes missed will be noted as absence unless there is a legitimate medical note.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
All assignments will in class test.
CUT OFF POINT:
There will be a cut off point to study for test which will be announced in class.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is an extremely serious academic offence and carries penalties varying from failure in an assignment to debarment from the University. Definitions, procedures, and penalties for dealing with plagiarism are set out in Trent University’s Policy on Plagiarism which is available on request from every department of college office or from the Registrar’s office.
Final assignments at year end will be returned only if the student provides the instructor with a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
The Department of Indigenous Studies will not accept assignments via FAX.
COURSE OUTINE
First Term
Week 1 September 11-13
Lecture: Course Introduction
Lecture: Language Issues-lectures
Lecture: Cont. Lecture The development of writing systems
Week 2 September 18-21
VIDEO, "BEYOND THE ROBIN’S SONG"
Ojibwa Phonetic – Introduction of Ojibwa Orthography
Cont. of Ojibway Orthography-Ojibway Song
Week 3 September 25-28
1. Lesson #1 – Greetings, my name is ….
2. Lesson #2 – Days of the week
3. Lesson #3 – Months of the year
Week 4 September 1-4
1. Lesson #4 - Foods
2. Lesson #5 - Meats
3. Lesson #6 – Vegetables
Week 5 October 8-11 THANKSGIVING MONDAY – NO CLASSES
1. Lesson #7 – Fruits & berries
2. Lesson #8 - Kitchen utensils
Week 6 October
1. Lesson #10 - Occupations
2. Lesson #11 – Family names – Part 1
3. Lesson #9 – Special holidays
October 22 – 26 - READING BREAK –
Week 7 October
1. Lesson #12 – Family names – Part 2
2. Lesson #13 – Bemaadizijig
3. Lesson #14 – Public buildings contents
Week 8 November 5-9
TEST #1 – November, 2007 -TBA
1. Lesson #15 – House furniture
2. Review
3. Test
Week 9 November 12-15
1. Lesson #16 - Time
2. Lesson #17 – Science/Sky Work
3. Lesson #18 – Weather
Week 10 November 19-22
1. Lesson #19 – Time of day
2. Lesson # 20 – Geography
3. Lesson #21 – Animals
Week 11 November 26-29
1. Lesson #22 – Domestic Animals
2. Lesson #23 – Small Insects
3. Lesson #24 – Clothing
Week 12 December 3-6
1. Lesson #25 - Wiiyaw
2. Lesson #26 – Wiiyaw, part 2
TEST #2 – December, 6th 2007
READING BREAK AND CHRISTMAS VACTION-2008
Second Term
Week 13 January 7-10
1. Clothing – Part 2
2. Transportation
3. Body parts – Part 1
Week 14 January 14-17
1. Body parts - 2
Colours – Part 1
Colours – Part 2
Beddings
Week 15 – 18 January – February
(Beginning the 1st week of January, story telling will be every Wednesday for four weeks)
The development of plural, some locative, possessive, diminutive and pejorative words in the language will be studied. Root words will be those studied during the first term. Beginning of sentence formations will be introduced. Practise of sentences in class – feelings, expressions, answering questions in Ojibway will be studied.
Some Nouns and demonstrative pronouns – Sentences & Ojibwa exercise will begin.
a) singular/verb commands
b) animate and inanimate word helpers
c) feelings, present, past and future
February 18- - READING BREAK –
TEST # 3-Feb.28th, 2008
Week 20 March 3-6
Personal pronouns, subjects, prefixes and suffixes in sentence patterns
a) sentence patterns – verbs
b) singular and plural commands
c) present, past and future
Week 21 March 10-13
Sentence structure
a) word order/adjectives
b) phrases
c) questions and answers – pronouns, singular and plural
Week 22 March 17-20
Sentence structure (cont.)
Ojibway Bingo
Week 23 March – 24-27
Continuation of phrases/sentence structure, commands
Review & study
TEST #4 – March, 27th, 2008
Week 24 March - April – 31-3
Review & study language
Course recap – evaluations
IMPORTANT, READ THE FOLLOWING
March 31 Aboriginal Language Celebration Day, for all Aboriginal languages in Canada. In the past, Ojibwa classes have done something to celebrate this day. 1998 students did a radio show. Suggestions accepted.