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. uinipeku . 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
Kogaluk River, also known as Assiwaban River and Frank's Brook
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Ashuapun-shipu
the Innu name of a settler, Amos Voisey, and the name given by the Innu to Voisey's Bay
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Emish
Coxipi River, near St. Augustin, Quebec
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Kaku-shipu
Michikamau Lake (now part of the Smallwood Reservoir)
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Mishikamau
a large lake at the headwaters of Eagle River
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Nekanakau
important Innu gathering, living place at Indian House Lake on the George River
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Tshinuatipish
literally “the bosses land.” Location of the Hudson's Bay Company trading post on the coast of Labrador. The name was also applied to the settled community of Davis Inlet, located nearby.
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Utshimassit
Vocabulary
mouse (also an Innu name for a person)
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apikushish
command to the dog team – “go straight”
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Eiuk, Eiuk
the name of the traditional Innu feast involving atiku-pimi (fat from the caribou leg bones) and caribou meat.
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makushan
the Innu name for the independent trader, Richard White
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Mishti Uait
caribou meat that has been dried and ground into powder
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niueikanat
a large multi-family dwelling containing 2 or more hearths
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shaputuan
a place where caribou are always found
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ushakatiku
the name given to the person who oversees the crushing of the leg bones in preparation for the feast, makushan
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utshimau-ushkan