Il Nonno Compra dei Cavalli, Granpa Buys Some Horses

     C’è  la mia storia questa settimana per il tavalo italiano.  Quando ero ragazzo, molti anni fa, mi ha raccontato questa storia mia zia Grace.

     This is my story this week for the Italian table.  Many years ago when I was a young boy, my aunt Grace told me this story.

     Circa 1890, quando mio nonno era giovane, ha deciso di trasferirsi dal Wisconsin a Minnesota colla famiglia da suo zio.  Avevano bisogno di più cavalli per il viaggio, ed i migliori cavalli erano in una fattoria in Canada.  Così mio nonno conosceva bene i cavalli, lo hanno mandato in Canada per comprare i cavalli.  È certo che ha fatto un buon acquisto, perchè non solo è tornato con buoni cavalli, ma anche con una bella sposa.  Quella sposa è diventata in mia nonna.  È vera la storia?  Credo di sì.  C’è come lo mi ha detto Zia Grace, lo giuro.

     Around 1890, when my grandpa was a young man, he decided to move from Wisconsin to Minnesota with his uncle's family.  They needed more horses for the trip, and the best horses were on a farm in Canada.  Because my grandpa was a good judge of horseflesh, they sent him to Canada to buy the horses.  He must have gotten a good deal, because he not only came back with good horses, but he also had a pretty bride.  That bride became my grandma.  Is the story true?  I think so.  That's how Aunt Grace told it, I swear.

Index of recordings for "Living Our Language" edited by Anton Treuer

     A while back I purchased the book "Living Our Language" edited by Anton Treuer.  It's a bi-lingual, English/Ojibwe, collection of Ojibwe stories as told by many different elders.  I discovered later that recordings of many of the stories are available on-line.  The recordings are in the Ojibwe language, and many of them are narrated by the elders who originally told them.  I am finding this to be an extremely valuable resource, helping me to increase my understanding of both the language and the culture.
     The recordings are available at the Oshkaabewis Native Journal back issues page.  By clicking on the "play audio files" tab on the issue designated, and then on the track of the story to which you would like to listen, the stories of the elders will come to you.
     Miigwech nibowaa to the dedication of the elders and the many others whose efforts have made this possible.

The Stories of Archie Mosay of Balsam Lake                    page 16

Nine of the eleven stories of Archie Mosay are recorded in ONJ VOL 3 NUM 2.

The Stories of Jim Clark of Mille Lacs                               page 48

The twelve stories of Jim Clark are recorded in ONJ VOL 5 NUM 2

The Stories of Joe Auginaush of White Earth                     page 152

Two of the three stories of Joe Auginaush are recorded in ONJ VOL 4 NUM 1 at tracks 01-1 and 07-7.

The Stories of Collins Oakgrove of Red Lake                    page 166

The four stories of Collins Oakgrove are recorded in ONJ VOL 4 NUM 2 at tracks 02-2, 04-4, 06-6 and 01-9.

The Stories of Emma Fisher of Leech Lake                        page 180

Three of the five stories of Emma Fisher are recorded in ONJ VOL 3 NUM 1 at tracks 09-9 and 09-22; and ONJ VOL 4 NUM 2, track 5-13.

The Stories of Susan Jackson of Leech Lake                       page 202

The two stories of Susan Jackson are recorded in ONJ VOL 4 NUM 1 at tracks 02-2 and 08-8.

The Stories of Harley White of Leech Lake                          page 212

One of the two stories of Harley White is recorded in ONJ VOL 4 NUM 2 at track 01-1.

The Stories of Porky White of Leech Lake                            page 230

Two of the six stories of Porky White are recorded in ONJ VOL 3 NUM 1 at tracks 04-17 and 08-8.

     As a beginning student of Ojibwe, I follow the story in the book while listening to the recording.  It's very difficult to understand at first, but it becomes clearer for me with each repetition, and the second story comes a little easier than the first.
     I realize that we all learn in different ways.  If you have suggestions for other ways to use this resource, please share it with us in the comments below.  Of course all relative comments are welcome.

Aajaagobiimawaaboo -- Boxelder Sap

     In the spring of the year that I was 5 years old, I discovered that the sap of the box elder tree tasted sweet.  My wise friend Billy, who was also 5 years old, said it would be even sweeter if we cooked it.  So then we cut into a low branch and let the sap drip into a coffee can.
     The next day we took the sap we had gathered and started a fire to cook it.  When Billy's dad saw the smoke, he came and beat it out with his new cap.  He then took me home and told my dad what we had done.
     I found out later that Billy got a spanking from his dad.  My dad told me that if I wanted to build a fire, I should do it with him.  I had to stay in my room for a while, but later in the day my dad and I went out in the yard, built a fire, and cooked some hot dogs.
     I've enjoyed building many safe fires since then, and finally, 60 years later, I cooked my first batch of box elder syrup.  Billy was right, it is sweeter.

Ojibwe Vocabulary for This Week.  Words for Liquids

Onjigaa                       It drips, it leaks, it runs
Mashkwawadin          It freezes                             Ningikode         It melts, it thaws

Wiishkobaagamin      It tastes sweet                      Minwaagamin  It tastes good

Dakaagamig                When the liquid is cool    Abaagamideg     When the liquid is warm
Gizhaagamideg           When the liquid is hot

Aajaagobiimawaaboo

Mii sa go ziigwang.
Mashkwawadin dibikak minawaa ningikode gigizhebaawagak.  Onjigaa sa.
Wiishkobaagamin minawaa minwaagamin.
Dakaagamig gemaa abaagamideg gemaa gizhaagamideg, aapiji sa go niminwendaan.

Box Elder Sap

It is so that it is spring.
It freezes at night and it thaws in the morning.  The sap runs.
The sap is sweet and delicious.
Whether it is cold or warm or hot, I like it a lot.

(This poem is for you, Billy)

Indoojibwem....bangii eta go. I speak Ojibwe....just a little

     Last spring, with the help of a few books and some patient Ojibwe speakers, I spent about 5 weeks starting to learn some Ojibwe.  Other things came up when summer came, and Ojibwe slipped to the back of my mind.  This fall I've started a beginning Ojibwe course at Bemidji State University, thanks to the State of Minnesota which allows us seniors (over the age of 66) to audit courses at our universities without cost.  After a few months, I hope to be at the point where I can have a pleasant conversation with a fluent speaker, without too many long pauses to try his patience.

     After 3 weeks in class, I made the video you can see below.  As you can see from this video, I'm technologically challenged.  I don't know how to edit yet, and I finally learned how to shut the thing off.  Maybe my grandson Alex will teach me some more about cameras, but it's not easy to get old "nishoomis" (my grandfather) into the 21st century.

     The translation is printed below the video.

     Hello, my name is David.  I live north of Bemidji and I speak Ojibwe, just a little.  Often I go over there in Bemidji.  I go to the university there.  If you see me there in Bemidji, let's talk the language of the Anishinaabe.  Well then, take care and thanks for listening.

International Day Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji, MInnesota

     Concordia Language Villages offers a language immersion experience in 14 different languages.  Twice each summer we all come together to celebrate International Day.  Come join us here in Northern Minnesota on Friday afternoon, August 9,to help us celebrate.  Admission is free, but you may wish to bring some money to purchase food or souvenirs.   Click here for more information and schedules. 
     I'll be at the International Café serving Jarape soda from Mexico, Ramone soda from Japan, and Coca Cola from around the world.  Stop by and say "hi" in the language of your choice.

No Meeting for French and Norwegian tables on March 30

     Ce samedi, le 30 mars, les tables de francais et norvegien ne se rencontrerent pas.  C.est qu'ils se retournerent le 6 avril.  Bonnes vacances!

     Lordag, 30de mars, frankenbordet og norskebordet skal ikke mote.  Igjen de skal mote 6 april.  God ferie!

     Saturday, March 30, the French and Norwegian tables will not be meeting.  They will both return on April 6.  Have a good vacation!

Oggi, il 18 marzo, non ci riuniemo. We do not meet today, March 18

C'e la prima volta che uso questa macchina. questa camara.  Oggi non ci riunemo al tavalo italiano perche fa molto neve.  Che avete una buona giornata, e vediamo la prossima settimana.  Gracie, ciao.

This is the first time I"ve used this machine, camera.  Today we will not be meeting at the Italian table because of the big snowfall.  Have a great day, and we'll see you next week.  Thanks and bye.

Mi scuse per la qualite.  Facio migliore la prossima volta.

Excuse the quality.  I do better the next time.

Chinese new time and place. 中文 新 时间，处所。Zhong1wen2 xin1 shi2jian1, chu4suo3

     中文 桌子 改变 时间，处所。 我们 星期二 5点钟，在 Hobsen 上 学生会， 第 二 系上聚会。 看 学生会 的 地图 在 "Table Locations" 右边的。 点击 “Terrace Lounge, Hobsen Union" 看 地图。  来吧！说 汉语 跟 朋友。  星期二 见！

     Zhong1wen2 zhuo1zi gai3bian4 shi2jian1, chu4suo3.  Wo3men xing1qi1er4 wu3 dian3zhong, zai4 Hobsen shang4 xue2sheng hui4, di4 er4 ji2shang4 ju4 hui4.  Kan4 xue2shenghui4 de di4tu2 zai4  "Table Locations" you4bian1 de.  Dian3ji1 "Terrace Lounge, Hobsen Union" kan4 di4 tu2.  Lai2 ba!  Shuo1 han4yu3 gen peng2you3.  Xing1qi1er4 jian4!

     The Chinese table is changing time and location.  We will be meeting Tuesdays at five o'clock on the second level of Hobsen upper union.  Look to the right under "Table locations" to see a map of the student union.  Click on "Terrace Lounge, Hobsen Union" for map.  Come speak Mandarin with friends.  See you Tuesday!

Rick's Ojibwe Blogsite

     Rick gikinawaabi Ojibwemowin.  Gaye odayaan blogsite.  Baatayiinadoon mino-ozhibii'iganan iwidi o-blog-ong.  Indagindaas, izhi-ninanda-gikendaan.  Rick, Migwech niibowaa.

     Rick is learning Ojibwe and also has a blogsite.  They are many the good writings there on his blogsite.  By reading them I am learning.  Many thanks to you Rick.

     For anyone learning or interested in the Ojibwe language, take a look at Rick's site here at indoojibwem.blogspot.com.  You will find excellent notes and commentary on the Pimsleur CD's and many other topics.  Just click on the link above and brouse about his site.  You're sure to find it worthwhile.

Anishanabemowin bejibidemagad - Ojibwe language, it goes slowly.

     Anishinaabemowin gichi-bakaanad, gichi-zanagad.  Mii-zhigwa bangi etago ingikendan, aanawi nin-ga-gikinawaabam.

     Ojibwe language is very different, very difficult.  Right now I know very little, but I will learn.

     In the 18 days since I started, I've completed 6 lessons on the Pimsleur CD's.  Last week I bought the books "Daga Anishinaabemodaa" and the "Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe" I mentioned in the last post.  Because I've been working with the CD's, the first section in the text on pronunciation went very quickly, as did the first  vocabulary and phrases section.  By the end of February I will have finished the 4 remaining lessons on the CD's, and 5 or 6 lessons in the textbook.  I should then be ready then to speak halting Ojibwe with my neighbors here in the Bemidji area.  A little slower than I had planned but, as with other languages, I hope to soon hit an "Aha!" moment.

     As always, comments, criticisms or questions are welcome.  Click on "comments" below, or send me an email at bemidjidavid@gmail.com. 
    

Giidojibwem na? Do you speak Ojibwe?

     Boozhoo!  Giidojibwem na?  Indojibwem, bangii etaago.
     Hello! Do you speak Ojibwe?  I speak Ojibwe, just a little.

     It took two weeks for my book, "Everything You Wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask" and the Pimsleur CD's to arrive from Amazon, but they got here last Wednesday, and I am completing one lesson a day, plus reading a little of the book each day.  Before the end of January I should complete the first 10 lessons. I then plan to get more study resources and begin to attend an Ojibwe conversation table,
     Some of the books I am considering are, Nichols, "A Concise Dictionary of Minnesota Ojibwe"; Jones, "Daga Anishinnbemodaa" (Please, Speak Ojibwe), a language instruction book: and Treuer, "Awesiinyensag" (I think it means baby animals, but I'm not sure), a book of short children's stories.  If you have any other suggestions or recommendations, Please e-mail me, or write in the "comments" below.
     My wish is that by the time of ishigamizige giizis, the maple sap boiling moon, I will have a better acquaintance with Ojibwe culture, and be able to truthfully say, "Indojibwem, bangii etaago."

Jeg er så glad, I am so glad

Norsk

     Jeg er så glad hver lørdag når jeg kommer til det norskebordet.  Der kan jeg, med ikke så bra norsk, prate med venner mine.  Der kan vi snakke over siste ukes aktiviteter, og vi kan lese og lære litt norsk.  Idag leser vi en artikkel, „Jeg er så glad hver julekveld„  fra „Barnas Søndagsblad„.  Det er en avis publisert for søndagsskoler på søndagsskolerforbund av den Evangelisk Luterske Frikirke i Oslo, Norge.  Det er ikke så vanskelig å lese.
     Samtale og kaffe med venner, det gjøre meg så glad.

English

     I'm so happy every Saturday when I come to the Norwegian table.  There I can, in not so good Norwegian, chat with my friends.  There we can talk about last week's activities, and we can read and learn a little Norwegian. Today we read an article, "I am so happy at Christmas time." from "The Children's Sunday Paper".  This is a paper published for Sunday schools by the Sunday School Association of the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church in Oslo, Norway.  It's not so difficult to read.
     Conversation and coffee with friends makes me happy.

Konger, Skytingen og Barneboker

Norsk Amerikas Konger   Norse America's Kings

   I dag på norskebordet snakket vi om norske konger i Amerika.  Klokka 14, sondag, 25. januar, Bemidji Sønner av Norge skal møte på Calvary Luthern Church, 2508 Washington Av SE, Bemidji.  Robert Johnson og Janey Westin, forfatterne av boken "The Last Norse Kings of America", kommer og snakker om sin bok på møtet.   Boken er over pre-Colombiansk norske skrivningen i Amerika  Alle er velkommen til å komme.  For informasjon om boken, klikk på denne nettsiden . 

     Today at the Norwegian table we talked about Norwegian kings in America.  At 2 pm on Sunday, January 25th, the Bemidji Sons of Norway will meet at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Av SE, Bemidji.  Robert Johnson and Janey Westin, authors of the book, "The Last Norse Kings of America." will speak at the meeting about their book.  The book discusses pre-Columbian Norse writings in America.  All are welcome.  For information about the book, click on "denne nettsiden" above.

Skole Skytingen   School Shootings

     Også snakket vi om en artikkel siste søndag i Minneapolis avisen skrevet av våre venn, John Egelhof. Han skrev om sine erfaringer med skytingen på Red Lake School i 2005, og hans meninger om gevaers rettigheter i Amerika. Det er en utmerket artikkel. De forbinder seg våre amerikanske arv sammen med sunn fornuft. Man kan lese denne artikkelen på denne nettsiden.

     We also talked about an article in last Sunday's Minneapolis Star-Tribune written by our friend, John Egelhof.  He wrote of his experience with the Red Lake School shooting in 2005, and his feelings about gun rights in America.  It was an outstanding article.  It connects our American heritage together with common sense.  You can read this article by clicking "denne nettsiden" in the preceding paragraph.

Vangsgutane  The Boys from Vangen

     Endelig, begynte vi å lese en bok, "Vangsgutane", av Lief Halse. Det er en barnebok, ikke så vanskelig for oss gamle folk som prøver å lære seg norsk. Igjen, vil dette amazon lenken fortelle mer om denne boken.

     Finally, we began to read a book, "The Boys From Vangen" by Lief Halse.  It's a children's book, not so difficult for of us old folks who are trying to learn Norwegian.  Again, clicking on "dette amazon lenken" above will tell more about this book.

Starting Ojibwe

     For the past 14 years I've lived in Northern Minnesota, not 20 miles from 2 different bands of Ojibwe, and yet I know so little of the Ojibwe language, culture and history.  I wasted too many opportunities to learn about this culture.  That will change.
     For the last week I've been reviewing the site, ojibwelanguage.blogspot.com,  a site I mentioned previously when I wrote about the Ojibwe language tables in Bemidji.  I've also reviewed a grammar site at "short notes on ojibwe grammar."  I don't understand much of it yet, but it will make more sense after I've learned more words and phrases.
     Today I ordered the book pictured above, "Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask" by Anton Treuer.  I know the title sounds a little hoaky, but I read the excerpts on amazon.com, and I  have a great respect for Dr. Treuer.  He is a professor of Ojibwe language and culture here at our local college, and a leader in the Ojibwe community.
     I've also ordered the Pimsleur CD's for the first 10 Ojibwe lessons.  I used Pimsleur's Turkish CD's when I was learning Turkish, and it gave me some basic vocabulary, basic phrases, and help with pronunciation.
     While I'm waiting for these to arrive, I'll be continuing to review the Ojibwe language blogspot, and scouring the internet for other resources.
     After I've completed the first 10 Pimsleur lessons, and whatever else I find on the internet, I plan to start attending one of the Ojibwe conversation tables here in Bemidji, and use whatever other resources I encounter along the way.  Hopefully, within 2 or 3 months I'll have an initial acquaintance with the language and culture, and a richer relationship with the Ojibwe community here in Northern Minnesota.
     If you have any comments or suggestions for me, please write in the "comments below, or send me an email.