ikidowinan
The English phrase 'words' is translated into Ojibwe as ikidowinan.
ikidowinan refers to the individual units of language used in speaking or writing.
Did you know?
- The Ojibwe language is polysynthetic, meaning a single word like ikidowinan can often convey a complex idea that would require an entire sentence in English.
- Ojibwe has an 'animate' and 'inanimate' gender system, which dictates how the word for 'words' is used in a sentence based on whether the thing being discussed is living or non-living.
- In many Ojibwe dialects, the way a word is spoken can change its meaning entirely through the use of vowel length, meaning a 'word' is defined by its rhythm as much as its letters.
Examples in context
- Aandii ikidowinan.Few words.
Example conversation
Two students are studying a language book together.
- MakwaMiskwaa, aaniish aawe ikidowinan?Miskwaa, what are these words?
- MiskwaaIkidowinan gaa-oonan waawe gaa-izhi-oonan.Those words are how it is said.
- MakwaGidinoon ikidowinan gaa-izhi-oonan.You are teaching me these words.
- MiskwaaEn, ikidowinan nindaanishen.Yes, I am teaching the words.
