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Vocabulary in Native American Languages: Dene Words

Welcome to our Dene vocabulary page! Dene, also known as Chipewyan, is an Athabaskan language, related to other languages like Carrier and Navajo. We have included twenty basic Dene words here, to compare with related American Indian languages. You can find more Dene words in our online picture glossaries. If you'd like to know a word that is not in these wordlists, you can take part in our Indian translations fundraiser or visit our main Dene language site for more free resources.

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Dene Word Set

English (Français)	Chipewyan/Dene words
One (Un)	Įłághε
Two (Deux)	Náke
Three (Trois)	Taghε
Four (Quatre)	Dįghi
Five (Cinq)	Solághε
Man (Homme)	Dεnεyu
Woman (Femme)	Ts'έkwi
Dog (Chien)	Łį
Sun (Soleil)	Sa
Moon (Lune)	Tεdhεzaέ
Water (Eau)	Tu
White (Blanc)	Dεlgai
Yellow (Jaune)	Dεltthogh
Red (Rouge)	Dεlk'os
Black (Noir)	Dεlzεn
Eat (Manger)	Shέti
See (Voir)	Yε'į
Hear (Entendre)	Yεrítth'į
Sing (Chanter)	Hεjεn
Leave (Partir)	Tįgha

Click here to see Dene vocabulary words compared to words in related Athabaskan languages: Athabaskan Indian Words

Dene Picture Dictionaries

Here are some themed Dene word lists we have put together and illustrated for language learners. Feel free to print them out for classroom purposes!

Dene animal words

Additional Resources

   Dene people
   Manitoba First Nations
   Chipewyan mythology
   Indian dictionary

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Learn more about the Chipewyan tribe

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