This course is an introduction to Algonquian Linguistics, and contains a hands-on module of analysis and glossing of a recorded text (already transcribed and translated), in Michif, a mixed language composed roughly by Cree (Algonquian) verbs and French nouns.
First, we will look into the Algonquian languages’ family in general terms, covering the geography, history and the sociolinguistic status of the main Algonquian languages. We will also take a look at the exploratory work of some of the first American linguists dealing with language documentation and description (i.e. Boas, Sapir and Bloomfield), and the linguistic methodology that guided their work.
The practical module will focus on Plains Cree and Michif. In order to get the necessary tools to perform a text analysis, we will first explore some peculiar grammatical features in these languages, such as the complex verb stem structure, obviation, word order, moods, definition of the concept of “word”. Then, we will gloss a short text excerpt from La Pchit Sandrieuz aa’n Michif (story of Cinderella in Michif) in about four lessons.
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired:
• General understanding of the main features of Algonquian languages
• Critical reflection on the sociolinguistic status of Algonquian languages
• Insights into the main linguistic concepts peculiar to the languages of this family
• Insights into the main concepts in glossing / general linguistic analysis
• Practical experience in performing linguistic analysis on an unfamiliar language