mashkode-wiingashk
The English adjective "sage" is translated to Ojibwe as mashkode-wiingashk.
This word is used to describe someone who is wise.
Meaning: wise (adj)
Did you know?
- In many Anishinaabe traditions, wisdom is not just a mental trait but is believed to be felt and stored in the heart rather than the head.
- Ojibwe uses a system of 'animate' and 'inanimate' gender for nouns, and the way one describes a 'wise' person differs grammatically from describing a 'wise' object.
- Ojibwe is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single complex word like mashkode-wiingashk can contain as much information as an entire English sentence.
Example conversation
Migizi and Winona are discussing an elder in their community.
- MigiziMashkode-wiingashk gichi-ayaa.He is very wise.
- WinonaEndamang, nindawug mashkode-wiingashk.I agree, our elders are wise.
- MigiziAani wii-gikidamin?How shall we learn from him?
- WinonaGidoodemang nishaa.We will listen to the grandfather.
