The Dictionary of Native American Terminology is a valuable reference for those interested in Native American studies, and for anyone interested in the fascinating linguisting heritage of North Americans. Ancient Native American culture is fascinating to many modern scholars. This volume is a comprehensive hardcover reference, a composite glossary, dictionary, and encyclopedia. This extraordinary work covers every aspect of Native American Culture. Entries provide brief definitions, information about language usage, relevance in Native American history, alternate spellings, and numerous cross-references to related subjects. This book also features original drawings, a categorical index, and a selective bibliography. How did the Sioux greeting "how" originate? Is it from the word "howdy" or the phrase "how are you"? Actually the Sioux greeting "how" means "satisfactory" or "good," and is more correctly spelled hau. Also, did you know that the peace pipe, properly known as a calumet, was used in preparation for war as well as in peacemaking ceremonies?

A collection of essays about the theory and practice of Native American lexicography, and more specifically the making of dictionaries, by some of the top scholars working in Native American language studies.

A collection of essays about the theory and practice of Native American lexicography, and more specifically the making of dictionaries, by some of the top scholars working in Native American language studies.

Passed down from generation to generation, the myths and rituals of Native Americans form a rich religious and cultural base from which all members of each society can create and maintain a sense of community, physical and emotional health, identity, family, and self. Such traditions, handed down through stories and rites, stand as the lifeblood of every Native American culture. This thoroughly illustrated and carefully researched guide explores the amazing array of mythical beasts, heroic humans, and nurturing spirits that make up the fascinating spectrum of Native American mythology. With over one thousand alphabetically arranged entries, representing over one hundred different Native American cultures, readers can quickly explore the meaning of hundreds of elements of Native lore--from names, phrases, and symbols, to images, motifs, and themes. Accompanying essays take a closer look at other issues related to the origin, development, and perpetuation of Native American mythology, such as the Christian influence on myth, varying mythology between tribes, storytelling, and more. We learn about such mythical creatures as Apotamkin of the Maliseet-Passamaquoddy tribe of the Southeast (a bogey monster with long hair and huge teeth who, through the fear he generates, keeps small children from straying onto thin, newly frozen ice in the winter and unguarded beaches in the summer), ritual healing ceremonials such as the Southwestern Navajo's Uglyway ceremony (a ceremony to remove and protect against the forces of chaos and disorder that give rise to illness), and the Marau ceremony of the Hopi Indians of the Southeast (a complex ceremony concerned with rain, the ripening of corn, and the fertility of women, as well as rites of initiating new members into the society). This compelling volume honors the richness of the beliefs and values of the many peoples of native North America, from northern Mexico to the Artic Circle. In addition, a complete bibliography of primary sources and secondary sources points the way to further research, making this the perfect reference for anyone interested in the mythical history of America's original inhabitants.

"Presented in Ojibwe-English and English-Ojibwe sections, this dictionary spells words to reflect their actual pronunciation with a direct match between the letters used and the speech sounds of Ojibwe. Containing more than 7,000 of the most frequently used Ojibwe words."--P. [4] of cover.

This is a new release of the original 1932 edition.