NEHI 111 - Nehiyawewin and Syllabics

NEHI 111: CREE MORPHOLOGY: INTRODUCTION II
3 CREDITS

The general word 'morphology' means studying the form and structure of things, how things are put together (morph - means 'form/structure'; ology- is 'the study of'). With this introductory class we will be looking at morphology with regards to the study of languages, specifically nehiyawewin (Cree language). A fluent Cree speaker is able to "paint pictures in our minds and hearts" by drawing from the many smallest organic pieces of meaning (called 'morphemes') contained in/on Mother Earth, Water, Sky and everything that Creator has made. We will study a variety of Cree words, including Intransitive and Transitive Verbs, and in so doing we will explore how nehiyaw-itwewina (Cree words) are made by looking at the many parts contained inside the words, how they are connected to other words and where these small organic pieces of meaning are found. Examining the structure of Cree words by taking them apart and tying them back together will expose many morphemes including Roots, Terminations, prefixes, affixes, suffixes etc. Some grammatical categories will also be introduced in our analysis such as tense, person and so forth. In this class, there will be opportunities for students to also grow in practicing to speak Cree, learning new Cree words from Elders/ Language Keepers/Language Helpers and of course enjoying themselves by participating in Cree language games! In conclusion, the hope is that students begin to get a glimpse into the genius of Creator who gave this powerful gift of nehiyawewin to nehiyawak (Cree Nation) here on Turtle Island and that we begin to recognize the Life and Spirit in nehiyawewin and how it connects us with "All our Relations" here on Mother Earth and those who have gone ahead of us.