GRAMMAR
OF THE
OTTAWA AND CHIPPEWA LANGUAGE.


NOUNS.

Common nouns in the Ottawa and Chippewa language are divided into two
classes, animate and inanimate. Animate nouns are those which signify
living objects or objects supposed to have life, as persons, animals
and plants. Inanimate nouns signify objects without life.

A third form of nouns is derived from these two classes, called
diminutive nouns. These are formed by the termination "ens" or "na"
placed upon other nouns.

The plural of animate nouns is usually formed by adding the syllable
"wog" to the singular; if the word ends in a vowel, only the letter "g"
is added; and sometimes the syllables "yog," "ag," or "og."

All words are pronounced with accent on the last syllable.

Sing. Pl. Eng.

Pe-nay, Pe-nay-wog, Partridge.
Aw-dje-djawk, Aw-dje-djaw-wog, Crane.
Waw-mawsh-kay-she, Waw-mawsh-kay-she-wog, Deer.
Waw-goosh, Waw-goosh-og, Fox.
Pezhe-kee, Pezhe-kee-wog, Cattle.
Pezhe-keens, (dim.) Pezhe-keens-og, Calf.