Néhinawéwin
The English term for the Cree language is Néhinawéwin in Cree.
Néhinawéwin refers to the Algonquian language spoken by the Cree people.
Meaning: Algonquian language spoken by this people (name)
Did you know?
- The Cree language uses a unique syllabary system created in the 19th century. Unlike an alphabet where letters represent sounds, these symbols change orientation to indicate different vowel sounds.
- Cree is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single long word can function as an entire sentence in English. A single word can contain the subject, the action and the object all at once.
- In Cree culture, naming is often a fluid process where a person may receive a new name after a significant life event or a dream. This means the way a person identifies themselves in Néhinawéwin can change over time.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing what language to learn.
- ANéhinawéwin kî-kistêyân?Nehinawewin ki-kisteyan?Do you know Cree?
- BÂwi kî-kistêyân, nēn kî-kīsin.Awi ki-kisteyan, nen ki-kisin.I don't know it, I am learning.
- ANéhinawéwin ôchi-pîsim kî-kīsin.Nehinawewin ochi-pisim ki-kisin.Learn Cree for a while.
- BKî-kīsin nēn.Ki-kisin nen.I will learn it.
