Credits

The Cree-Innu Linguistic Atlas

This project is co-created between Prof. Junker, from Carleton University, Prof. MacKenzie from Memorial University, the Department of Cree Programs of the Cree School Board in Quebec, the Gift of Language and Culture (Saskachewan Cree), the Innu Education Authority in Labrador, and l'Institut culturel et éducatif montagnais in Quebec.

The goal of the project is to co-create an on-line, multimedia linguistic atlas of the Cree and Innu dialects of Canada. The creation of the atlas allows us to offer many training opportunities for sound editing, multimedia programming and linguistic description to aboriginal students and to create contacts between the curriculum developers of the Western Cree dialects and those of the Eastern Cree and Innu dialects.

We investigate user-friendly and culturally appropriate computing interfaces and database structures. We encourage dialogue between Western and Eastern Cree and Innu educators who are developing their websites, sharing our Open Source programs, and providing linguistic and computer training and technical support.

This project is a fertile ground for knowledge transfer and mutual inspiration, with all parties working in a collaborative spirit. Our ultimate goal is to make sure that the beautiful Cree and Innu languages and the cultures they embody will be heard and spoken by many more generations to come.

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Instructions

The Atlas allows you to hear how various phrases are spoken in many different Cree and Innu dialects from across Canada.

To hear a phrase, click on the markers e.g. on the map. Each marker indicates where the speaker is from, and should be representative of the language spoken in that area (see Legend). There are also two buttons in the bottom-right of the map that play the English and French versions of the phrase.

At any time, only one phrase is shown. To change the phrase, use the two boxes in the upper-right of the map. The top one allows you to change what category of phrases you wish you listen to (for a total of 21 conversations topics), while the bottom one allows you to select a particular phrase. Categories and phrases are arranged according to a language learning progression.

You can move around on the map and zoom in to particular regions using the map controls in the upper-left.

You can download soundfiles corresponding to the languages and dialects of your choice for different categories by clicking on the 'Download' button in the bottom menu bar.

This menu bar also allows you to access a French interface, to view the map legend, suggestions for classroom use, and credits, or to find out more about how this atlas was created.

Classroom

Please Note

Recommended browsers: Firefox (Windows or OS X) or Internet Explorer 8.

This web site uses a Cree Syllabics font.
If ᐧᐋᒋᔦ does not look like, then you need to install a Cree Syllabics font.

For Windows, install Cree Keys Pro. For Mac OS X, install McCree3.

If you are using Internet Explorer 7 and the syllabics do not appear, click here for further instructions.

If the sounds do not work, you may need to install QuickTime.

Downloads for Linguistic Atlas

Download the Conversation Manuals containing the Text for the Linguistic Atlas (click on the links below)

	Plains Cree Conversation Manual
	WoodLand Cree Conversation Manual
	Swampy Cree Conversation Manual (forthcoming)
	Naskapi Conversation Manual
	East Cree Conversation Manual
	Atikamekw Conversation Manual (forthcoming)
	Moose Cree Conversation Manual (forthcoming)
	Innu Conversation Manual

Download the sound files of your choice by clicking on this button :