ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ
nēhiyawēwin
Language Facts:
Speakers: 96,000
Family: Algonquian
Status: Endangered (UNESCO)
Family: Algonquian
Status: Endangered (UNESCO)
Script: Canadian Aboriginal Syllabary , Latin
Cree is a series of dialects, most resources available focus on the “Y” dialect. Luckily, for an endangered language, there are many resources available for people learning Cree.
- Most dialects are written use the Canadian Aboriginal Syllabary, a brief guide can be found here. Dialects in the eastern part of the range are less likely to use it. All of the dialects can also be written using the Latin Alphabet.
Learn Cree:
Books:
Beginning Cree – best introductory book for Cree. Written by Solomon Ratt, perhaps the most important figure in preserving and spreading the Cree language.
Youtube:
This playlist – over 100 short Cree lessons starting with pronunciation and tutorials for the syllabary.
Online:
Cree Literacy Network– many stories and proverbs with audio. Many by the above mentioned Solomon Ratt.
Learn Cree– website with some vocabulary exercises , and traditional songs with audio and lyrics.
Podcasts:
Courses:
Media
Kepin’s Cree Language Blog- has blog posts, religious stories and myths, stories and poems in Cree language.