gowakoojiinh
The Ojibwe word for monkey is gowakoojiinh.
gowakoojiinh is a noun used to refer to a primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Did you know?
- In the Anishinaabe worldview, the 'animacy' of gowakoojiinh doesn't just mean it is alive, but that it possesses a spiritual agency and a specific place in the cosmic order.
- The word gowakoojiinh is a modern loanword adapted to fit Ojibwe phonology, rather than an ancient term from Anishinaabe oral traditions.
- In many Anishinaabe traditions, the 'trickster' figure Nanabozho often takes on animal characteristics, though he is not a gowakoojiinh.
Example conversation
Bemizii and Miskwaa are looking at animals at the zoo.
- BemiziiMiskwaa, gowakoojiinh waawe!Miskwaa, look at the monkey!
- MiskwaaEi, gowakoojiinh nindaa-giizhigee.Yes, I see the monkey.
- BemiziiGowakoojiinh ninoonh-gichi-ninong.The monkey is funny.
- MiskwaaEi, gowakoojiinh gichi-mino-giizhigad.Yes, the monkey is very active.
