Overview

This picture book is a small glimpse, from A to Z, of some of the sights and sounds of the Michif language and its speakers. The language of the Metis, Michif is a combination of French and Cree with a trace of other regional languages. Once spoken by thousands of people across the prairies of Canada and the northern United States, Michif is now so little spoken that it might disappear within a generation. This alphabet book is part of a resurgence to celebrate and preserve the traditions of the Metis people. Here Michif and English words combine with images from Metis culture to introduce all generations to the unique Michif language. The book even includes a brief introduction to the language's history, a pronunciation guide, and a list of references for those interested in learning more about Michif.

Full Product Details

9781772290592

Table of Contents

Reviews

""To illustrations composed of dark silhouettes and color highlights in mostly pale tones placed within large empty spaces, Flett matches 24 (there's no ""q"" or ""x"") alphabetically arranged single words in an endangered Métis tongue paired to English equivalents. Spoken by only about 1,000 people today, Michif mixes French with Cree and other Native American languages, and its roots are often more evident from the words' pronunciations than their spelling: Diloo (water), La Niizh (snow), Lii Zyeu (eyes). Though the art has a somber air that isn't always appropriate--the two girls dancing la jig look like they're about to break into tears--it does convey images and feeling evocative of the northern climes in which the Métis live. A bear peers from behind a tree at la galet (bannock) as it cools on a stump; a wolf gazes at a bucket collecting sap for li siiroo (syrup). A thorough pronunciation guide and lists of further resources cap what will be, for nearly all children, a horizon-broadening introduction to a distinctive American culture. (introduction) (Picture book. 7-9)""--Kirkus Reviews

"""To illustrations composed of dark silhouettes and color highlights in mostly pale tones placed within large empty spaces, Flett matches 24 (there's no ""q"" or ""x"") alphabetically arranged single words in an endangered Métis tongue paired to English equivalents. Spoken by only about 1,000 people today, Michif mixes French with Cree and other Native American languages, and its roots are often more evident from the words' pronunciations than their spelling: Diloo (water), La Niizh (snow), Lii Zyeu (eyes). Though the art has a somber air that isn't always appropriate--the two girls dancing la jig look like they're about to break into tears--it does convey images and feeling evocative of the northern climes in which the Métis live. A bear peers from behind a tree at la galet (bannock) as it cools on a stump; a wolf gazes at a bucket collecting sap for li siiroo (syrup). A thorough pronunciation guide and lists of further resources cap what will be, for nearly all children, a horizon-broadening introduction to a distinctive American culture. (introduction) (Picture book. 7-9)""--Kirkus Reviews"

"""To illustrations composed of dark silhouettes and color highlights in mostly pale tones placed within large empty spaces, Flett matches 24 (there's no ""q"" or ""x"") alphabetically arranged single words in an endangered M�tis tongue paired to English equivalents. Spoken by only about 1,000 people today, Michif mixes French with Cree and other Native American languages, and its roots are often more evident from the words' pronunciations than their spelling: Diloo (water), La Niizh (snow), Lii Zyeu (eyes). Though the art has a somber air that isn't always appropriate--the two girls dancing la jig look like they're about to break into tears--it does convey images and feeling evocative of the northern climes in which the M�tis live. A bear peers from behind a tree at la galet (bannock) as it cools on a stump; a wolf gazes at a bucket collecting sap for li siiroo (syrup). A thorough pronunciation guide and lists of further resources cap what will be, for nearly all children, a horizon-broadening introduction to a distinctive American culture. (introduction) (Picture book. 7-9)""--Kirkus Reviews"

Author Information

Julie Flett studied Fine Arts at Concordia University and Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design. She is the recipient of the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize and nominee for the Governor General's Award for Children's Literature for her book for Owls See Clearly at Night (Lii Yiiboo Nayaapiwak lii Swer): A Michif Alphabet (L'alfabet di Michif ). Julie is Cree-Me´tis, and currently lives in Vancouver, BC.

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