ABENAKI CONVERSATION - ONE

Prepared by: JOSEPH ALFRED ELIE JOUBERT

Many have asked us to hear the language spoken in conversation. Therefore we will present conversations periodically throughout this web site. However, the grammar lessons will have to continue if you are to understand how I am using my language.

 

A word of caution is advisable to all. Please do not try to write or say anything presented here without knowing whether you are using an animate/inanimate form, what tense you are in, what form of the verb you are using, what form of the locative, and what form of the adjective/adverbs you are using in the sentence you will present.

 

You will see me using forms of words that have never been documented. Such as “Molianik” = Montreal = to Montreal.

You will also see me talking from an English state of mind. Mind this well. There is no rule as to where the parts of speech are placed in the Abenaki sentence.

 

Example: I WILL GO TO MONTREAL TODAY =(1) Nd’alosaji Molianik pamkisgak.

(2) Nd’alosaji pamkisgak Molianik.

(3) Molianik Nd’alosaji pamkisgak.

(4) Molianik pamkisgak Nd’alosaji.

(5) Pamkisgak Nd’alosaji Molianik.

(6) Pamkisgak Molianik Nd’alosoji.

 

 In the Abenaki mind it all means the same. Therefore, this is why speakers may speak differently than others. This is especially true if the speaker is coming from an English or French speaking background.

Watch for the change of the letter “w” to the “o” sound when I speak.

NÔDODAHIJIK  - THE VISITORS

STATEMENT

RESPONSE
 

Kwai! Nijia! N’wigôwzi namiômek kia mina!

 

Greetings! My brother! I am happy to see you again.

 

  

Ôhôô! Ta nd’achi. Odakada wasogweniwi?

 

Yes! And I also. Let us visit for a few days?
 

Ôhôô! Chowi! Kia ni k’lakamigwezo zawinôgwezimek kwani k’pmakannôwôganek.

 

Yes! Certainly. You and your family appear to be tired from your long trip.

 

  

N’zawibena. Pobapaami awôsisak nd’achibena kadawpi nanabewi.

 

We are tired. Especially the children. We also want to eat very soon.
 

Linda kizi olito alipimek oji niona N’kawadzi k’wigi ahamoiia, padatsak, skamonal nspiwi pezagwa Kzôbo. Nikwôbi pidiga, tasabi, ta olidbalzi.

 

Linda has made a meal for us. I hope you like chicken, potatoes, and corn with thick broth (gravy). Now enter, take a seat, and make yourself comfortable.

 

  

Wliwni kd’olikadawa waijiwi.  N’wiagôwzibenaji alipimek ta nd’odakana.

 

 

Thank you, you treat us well always. We will enjoy the meal and our visit.
 

Yanegi alipimek, n’kawikhabenaji phanimok ta awôssisak, ta n’chakwenôdokabenaji.

 

After the meal, we will put to sleep the Women and children, and we will talk all night long.

 

  

k’lidaôzwôgan olôdawa niak.   K’wajônem tabi akwbi kadosmimek chakweniwi?

 

Your idea sounds good to me. Do you have enough whiskey to drink all night?