Medical Terms in the Anishinaabemowin Language

Anishinaabemowin, also known as Ojibwe, is an indigenous language spoken by the Anishinaabe people in Canada and the United States. It has a complex grammar system and is a part of the Algonquian language family. Although there are efforts to revitalize the language, it is still endangered, with only a small number of fluent speakers remaining.

For English-speaking medical professionals in Canada, understanding Anishinaabemowin is crucial for providing culturally safe and effective healthcare to Anishinaabe patients. Many Anishinaabe people may only speak their indigenous language, which can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Knowing medical terminology in Anishinaabemowin can help bridge this communication gap and improve healthcare outcomes for Anishinaabe patients.

Doctor

Makadewaa

(Mah-kah-day-waa)

Medicine

Mashkiki

(Mahsh-kee-kee)

Nurse

Nokomis Gikinoo'amaadiiwinan Grandmother of Healing

(No-koh-mis Gee-kee-noh-ah-mah-dee-win-an)

Pain

Piiashkwaawin

(Pee-yash-kwaa-win)

Hospital

Akikodjiwan

House of Medicine

(Ah-kee-koh-jee-wahn)

Injury

Piiwaawin

(Pee-waa-win)

Headache

Minwaa'oziwin

(Min-waa-oh-zee-win)

Diabetes

Jimaananoshkong

Sweet sickness

(Jee-mah-nah-nosh-kohng)

Fever

Zhashagiwe

(Zhah-shah-gee-way)

Cancer

Gookomoshomin

The great sickness

(Goo-koh-moh-shoh-min)

Blood pressure

Zaagijiwanii-giizhigowinan

(Zah-gee-jee-wahn-ee-gee-zhee-goh-win-an)

Heart attack

Miskwaa'ajiwan

Heart pain

(Misk-waa-ah-jee-wahn)

Stroke

Ziinzibaakwad

(Zeen-zih-bah-kwahd)

I am dizzy

Niiwin-giizhigad

(Nee-win-ghee-zhee-gaht)

X-ray

Gikendaasowin

(Gee-ken-dah-soh-win)

I am nauseous

Anooj-giizhigad

(Ah-nooj-ghee-zhee-gaht)

Surgery

Apane'ewin

(Ah-pah-neh-eh-win)

I have a sore throat

Niizhwaaswi-giizhigad

(Neezh-waa-swee-ghee-zhee-gaht)

I am in pain

Pii-giizhigad

(Pee-ghee-zhee-gaht)

I have a cough

Gabaakwa'ige-giizhigad

(Gah-bah-kwah-ee-geh-ghee-zhee-gaht)

Selected bibliography:

"Ojibwe People's Dictionary" by John Nichols: an online dictionary of Ojibwe words and phrases, including audio recordings and example sentences.
"Anishinaabemowin: Language of the Ojibwe People" by Jeffrey Tibbetts: a comprehensive introduction to the Anishinaabemowin language, including grammar, syntax, and pronunciation.
"Indigenous Languages in Canada" by the Canadian Encyclopedia: an overview of the indigenous languages spoken in Canada, including information about their history, current status, and revitalization efforts.
"Indigenous Language Revitalization" by the First Peoples' Cultural Council: a guide to language revitalization programs and initiatives in British Columbia, including tips for individuals and communities interested in preserving and promoting their indigenous language.