The goal of this glossary is to provide Indigenous language learners of Hul’q’umi’num’, Skwxwú7mesh, and Secwepemctsín, in the Indigenous Languages Program (INLP) at SFU, with a space to access and reference linguistic terms in the context of learning their languages. Linguistics has not traditionally been approached from a perspective that focuses on Indigenous languages. This glossary serves as a step in bridging the gap by prioritizing Indigenous knowledges and languages.
Learners may choose from a variety of topics within the field of linguistics and will be able to narrow their desired terms from a selection of provided sub-disciplines, including phonology, phonetics, syntax, semantics, and morphology. Glossary terms may also include links to relevant research articles, images, and videos as they are available.
This glossary has been created in collaboration with members of the INLP and a team Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. Below, you can find bios about the creators of the glossary.
We would like to thank the 2020 SFU Library Indigenous Digital Media Grant for generously providing us with the funds to pursue this project.
A big thank you to Ashley Edwards, Donna Gerdts, Marianne Ignace, Peter Jacobs, Elise McClay, and Alix Shield for insightful ideas and feedback for this project.
About Us
Rebekah Stevens
Rebekah is in her last year of her undergraduate degree at SFU, completing a joint major in Linguistics and Indigenous studies with a minor in Psychology. Rebekah is Métis and Nêhiyawêwin from treaty 1 territory. She hopes to pursue a Masters in Speech Language Pathology and then work alongside Indigenous communities to integrate traditional languages and knowledges through decolonized speech therapy practices. Rebekah is very thankful to be able to be a part of this project. hiyhiy and maarsii!
Kathleen Anderson
taanishi kiyawaw. Kathleen Anderson is from Treaty 1 Territory in Southern Manitoba. Kathleen is a Michif undergraduate research assistant at Simon Fraser University. Currently, Kathleen is completing a Joint Major in Linguistics and Indigenous Studies in hopes to return to her traditional territory and work on language revitalization efforts in her communities.
Dr. Heather Bliss
Dr. Heather Bliss is a non-Indigenous linguist and lecturer with the Department of Linguistics and the Indigenous Languages Program at SFU. Her interest in Indigenous language revitalization stems from long-standing collaborative relationships with members of the Blackfoot-speaking Siksika and Kainai Nations in Southern Alberta. She is the editor of the Blackfoot Oral Stories Archive and the Mioohpokoiiksi Blackfoot Learning Resource. Heather is proud to be supporting Indigenous students at SFU with this glossary and other projects.
Trevor Block
Trevor graduated with an MA in 2019 and currently enjoys teaching and assisting students with various aspects of linguistics. Trevor is excited to work on this project which promotes accessible learning to communities that can benefit from it.
INLP Linguistic Glossary 