inwemowin: Pronunciation key

The following Ojibwe language pronunciation key is an introduction to Ojibwe language speech patterns.  The key is best learned with an Ojibwe language speaker who speaks in your dialect.

The double vowel system will be used to enunciate the Ojibwe language.  The English language will be used to compare like sounds between the Ojibwe language and English language.  This is merely a guide.  The sounds the student is learning will be in bold text in both languages.

The English alphabet will be used to enable the use of either a typewriter or computer.

The following English alphabets are not found in the Ojibwe language: f,l,q,r,u,v,x.

The glottal sound (stop) is not found in the English alphabet or language.  The symbol apostrophe,, will be used to indicate a glottal sound.

The Ojibwe language has a nasalized vowel which is not found in the English language.  To indicate this sound a double vowel plus capital N will be used:  aaN, iiN, ooN, eN.

The alternative designated nasalized vowel will also be introduced since it is used in some texts.  To indicate this sound a double vowel with an underline underneath the double vowel will be used, aa, ii oo e.

 

LONG VOWELS

Ojibwe vowel English Ojibwe Word (s)
aa father waabooz, waabang
e say, weigh, ate esiban, bine
ii see, we, me  jiimaan, niin
oo loon, spoon biboon, boozhoo


SHORT VOWELS

Ojibwe vowel English Ojibwe Word (s)
a but, apply makwa, amik
i bit, sit opichi, aki
o propose, to bimose, ozow


Nasalized Vowels
capitalized V + N

Ojibwe vowel Ojibwe Word (s)
aaN aaNziyaan, maaNzina’igan
eN meNmeNgwaa, manidomineNs
iiN niiNzh, bizhikiiNs
ooN ooN, ginooNzheN


Vowel
with underline

aa aaziyann, maang
ii niizh, bizhikiis
oo oo, ginoozhe
e meme gwaa, maang

 Glottal  

'  i'iw, a'aw

Ojibwe alphabet adapted from the English alphabet
The alternate designated nasalized vowel can be substituted.

a short vowel
aa Long vowel
aaN Nasalized vowel
b Consonant
c Consonant
ch Consonant
d Consonant
e Long vowel
eN Nasalized vowel
g Consonant
h Consonant
i Short vowel
ii Long vowel
iiN nasalized vowel
j Consonant
m Consonant
n Consonant
o short vowel
oo long vowel
ooN nasalized vowel
p Consonant
s Consonant
sh Consonant
t Consonant
w Consonant
y Consonant
z Consonant
zh Consonant
' Glottal
k Consonant

To Table of Contents