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How to pronounce Innu words

Innu words may look hard to pronounce to non-Innu speakers. However, with a little help, you'll get the hang of it soon enough. Here are a few tips.

When you see these three letters together, “tsh,” you are to pronounce them “ch” or “j” as in “cheese” or “jeep” in English. For example, take “tshishin” (chi-shin) – it is cold.

The “u” at the end of words like “Pokue” is to be pronounced “w” (Po-kway). On other occasions, the “u” will be pronounced “oo” as in “moo.” For example, take “shipu” (she-poo), “river”.

One letter you will be unfamiliar with is the superscript “u” at the end of some words, e.g. uinipek^u . The sound made by this letter is called “labialization” and is like a whispered “wwwa.”

You can find detailed information on how to pronounce Innu words by clicking here http://www.innu-aimun.ca/modules/LessonBook/Lessons/Lesson1.pdf

Glossary of Innu place names and terms that appear in the two stories

Place names

Vocabulary