Customer Reviews

Dictionary of the Alabama Language

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My friend owns this book. It was given to her by her grandfather who is a coushatta. She is learning the language and is teaching it to me because I am interested in her culture. Many times she has let me borrow the book. The book is very helpful because it has guides to help you pronounce the words.

This dictionary is crucial chronicle of the Alabama language. It took the author Sylestine, almost fifty years to complete (Actually completed after her death). The Alabama language is a part of the Muskogeon band of languages that include: Choctaw, Creek, Seminole, Coushatta, and other tribes of the southeast. It is an essential part of my tribe's survival to preserve our culture, and our language is a crucial part in accomplishing this. The dictionary offers translations from Alabama to English( in the first half of the book) and English to Alabama ( in the second half). I recommend this book to all interested in Native languages, and those interested in the Muskogeon languages (for they are not in written form until recently). My recommendation comes from knowing Cora Sylestine (the author) for years, and also my grandmother is one of the contributing speakers credited in the book.

I have this dictionary, and it is very informative. My aunt and uncle made sure that they bought me one when I was on the reservation in Livingston. I may not be able to pronounce the words right, but this is a part of who I am. My family wants to make sure that our language stays alive with someone. i really wish I as a native speaker like my mom and other family members, but at least I have a reference to always keep with me for life. I speak English only since I have never lived on the reservation. I have this book, and it goes everywhere I go. I would never dare to give this up because it defines the Alabama tribe.