Algonquin language

For the larger language family of which Algonquin is but one member, see Algonquian.

Algonquin (or Algonkin) is an Algonquian language closely related to Ojibwe, although many consider it to be instead a particularly divergent dialect of Ojibwe. It is spoken, alongside French and to some extent English, by the Algonquin First Nations of Quebec and Ontario.

Classification

Algonquin is an Algonquian language, of the Algic family of languages, and is descended from Proto-Algonquian. It is considered a particularly divergent dialect of Ojibwe by many. However, though the speakers call themselves "Anicinâbe" like the Ojibwe, the speakers of this language are not identified as Ojibwe and are called Odishkwaagamii (those at the end of the lake) by the Ojibwe. Other languages considered a particularly divergent dialect of Ojibwe includes Mississauga (often called "Eastern Ojiwe") and Odawa. In addition, the Algonquin and the Mississauga were not part of the Ojibwe-Odawa-Potawatomi alliance known as the Council of Three Fires. Among her sister languages are Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Cree, Fox, Menominee, Potawatomi, and Shawnee. The Algic family contains the Algonquian languages and the so-called "Ritwan" languages, Wiyot and Yurok. Ojibwe is frequently referred to as a "Central Algonquian" language; however, Central Algonquian is an areal grouping rather than a genetic one. Among Algonquian languages, only the Eastern Algonquian languages constitute a true genetic subgroup.

Algonquian names for animals

• Adik - Caribou/Reindeer
• Adjidamô - Squirrel
• Amikwa - Beaver
• Cângwêci - Mink
• Cigosi - Weasel
• Mahîgan - Wolf
• Makwa - Bear
• Môz - Moose
• Nigig - Otter
• Pijiw - Lynx
• Akokodjîc - Groundhog
• Wâwâckêci - Deer
• Wajack - Muskrat
• Wâbicêsê - Marten