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Vocabulary Words in Native American Languages: Innu

There are two languages spoken by the Innu, Montagnais and Naskapi. These are related Algonquian languages, but they are different enough that Montagnais and Naskapi speakers cannot easily understand each other. Here is a comparative chart of some basic vocabulary words in the two languages.

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Innu Word Sets

English (Français)	Montagnais	Naskapi
One (Un)	Peiku	Paaikw
Two (Deux)	Nishu	Niisu
Three (Trois)	Nishtu	Nistu
Four (Quatre)	Neu	Naaw
Five (Cinq)	Patetat	Pitaataahch
Man (Homme)	Napeu	Naapaaw
Woman (Femme)	Ishkueu	Iskwaaw
Dog (Chien)	Atemu	Atim
Sun (Soleil)	Pishum	Piisim
Moon (Lune)	Tipishkau-pishum	Tipiskaaw-piisim
Water (Eau)	Nipi	Nipiiy
White (Blanc)	Uapau	Waapaaw
Yellow (Jaune)	Uishauau	Wiisaawaaw
Red (Rouge)	Mihkuau	Miihkwaaw
Black (Noir)	Kashteuau or Pinitik	Wiipaaw
Eat (Manger)	Mitshu	Miichisuw
See (Voir)	Uapatam	Waapaahtim
Hear (Entendre)	Pehtam	Paahtim
Sing (Chanter)	Nikamu	Nikimuw

Click here to see Innu vocabulary words compared to words in other Algonquian languages: Algonquian Indian Words

Innu Picture Dictionaries

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

Montagnais Innu animal words

Naskapi Innu animal words

Additional Resources

   Quebec Native languages
   Native American dictionaries
   Indian names
   Indian counting
   Algonquian Indian tribes
   Innu stories

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