Naskapi Lexicon

Introduction

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This lexicon represents a landmark in the advancement and preservation of the Naskapi language. It is expected to become an aid to the education of our children as well as an important documentation of our language at this point in time. As with any new lexicon, we expect that this book will generate much discussion and will encourage further refinements to the spellings and meanings of the words recorded here. It is hoped that this lexicon will help to increase our people's pride in their language and that it may eventually become the standard reference guide for the language of our community of Kawawachikamach. Further, as Naskapi-speakers, especially our children, have a greater exposure to Montagnais and other languages, this book might be a guide to help us to identify and preserve our own language and to encourage its use.

Joseph Guanish, Naskapi Development Corporation