Lexical Roots of Old Cree: An Etymological Dictionary
$59.95
Lexical Roots of Old Cree: An Etymological Dictionary
By Kevin Brousseau
Lexical Roots of Old Cree: An Etymological Dictionary is the result of more than two decades of research on historical and contemporary Cree dialects. Built from extensive linguistic fieldwork with nearly one hundred fluent speakers and supported by lexical databases and textual corpora, it offers a detailed reconstruction of Old Cree roots and their evolution across dialects such as Moose Cree, Southern East Cree, Atikamekw, and Western Innu.
ISBN: 9780776645490
Number of pages: 464
Size: 6″ x 9″
Type: Paperback
Lexical roots — the smallest meaningful units of words — are central to Cree’s polysynthetic structure, where words can function as entire sentences. By meticulously tracing these roots, Lexical Roots of Old Cree: An Etymological Dictionary provides critical insights into how words were formed in Old Cree and how they continue to be structured in modern dialects. Beyond linguistic reconstruction, this dictionary addresses practical challenges in Cree lexicography, particularly those arising from orthographic variations and dialectal differences. It serves as a valuable resource for lexicographers, linguists, and community members engaged in language preservation and revitalization. The research draws from historical manuscripts, early dictionaries, and oral traditions, ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to linguistic analysis.
