A Word on Our Nisidotam Language Project, part 1

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Aaniin,

Our Nisidotam language project emerged out of necessity and the understanding that simply learning to speak and write the language using English grammar rules is inadequate. Nisidotam [nih-sih-doh-TAM] means "understand what is heard," or "recognize by hearing."

The verb nisidotam, deconstructed: /nisidot+am-/: /nisidaw-/ recognize; /-t/ hear it.

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A clear distinction between the Anishinaabe worldview and English can only be preserved by learning the language as our ancestors spoke it. To truly grasp our spiritual, cyclical connection with nature and the world, one must learn the Anishinaabe language free from the influence of linear English grammar rules. I said it before and I'll say it again: Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) is more a language of the heart than of the mind.

There are numerous Ojibwe sounds to learn, roughly around 100, but they can be easily mastered as we progress. It's simply about articulating the sounds throughout the alphabet.

Once learned, these sounds can be applied to any word or sentence. As Jessie mentioned: The Ojibwe alphabet is just a drill to be sounded out! In essence, Ojibwe can be spoken in any way you choose, as the sound—rather than grammatical rules—determines the usage and meaning of a word.

Phonetics (speech sounds) and grammar are inherently connected. Phonetics does not replace grammar; instead, it helps understand how words are constructed and how they sound when combined. We believe that, due to the current system where college instructors are funded to teach the Ojibwe language based on English grammar rules, the focus has shifted too much from sound to grammar.

In learning proper Ojibwe, sounds do not rely on grammar, yet grammar should always rely on sounds. In Ojibwe speech, a sentence that is grammatically correct but doesn't sound right seems awkward (or may even be unintelligible) to an elder fluent in the language. For this reason, Jessie Cree and I have chosen to expand and document the roughly 100 sounds available, including six different Ojibwe dialect variations from the US and Canada. These sounds will be integrated into my future stories in both written and audio formats.

Elders and the younger generation often find it difficult to understand each other when speaking the language. It is crucial to develop teaching methods and lesson plans based on phonology, with an emphasis on speech sounds rather than rigid grammar rules. The time has come to alter the approach. Our Elders are aging, and there is no time to lose.

Join our project and help us find back the ancient trail where our ancestors cherished the tradition of storytelling as a teaching method, and where the sounds of the language held profound spiritual significance within the community.

We have a considerable journey in front of us to chart all existing speech sounds, but the first step has been made. Check out the website:

https://www.zhaawanart.com/learning-ojibwe-through-sounds

Miigwech.

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Illustration © 2022-2025 Zhaawano Giizhik

Nisidotam: A return to the way our ancestors used spoken sounds for communication.

Nisidotam: A revival of the ancestral method of using spoken sounds for communication.