A Tohono O'odham Grammar [Paperback]

Ofelia Zepeda (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0816507929 | ISBN-13: 978-0816507924 | Publication Date: June 1, 1983

This first pedagogical grammar of the Papago language features twenty chapters on grammatical constructions and five sample dialogs—plus abbreviations, symbols, summary of grammatical elements, and two glossaries. Classroom-tested for teaching both native and non-native speakers, the text also offers linguists an overview of the Papago language not available elsewhere.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A praiseworthy pedagogical grammar, one that leads the reader gradually from the simpler to the more complex grammatical structures. The reader who learns the contents of the 25 lessons will acquire a fairly broad knowledge of Papago grammar." —American Anthropologist

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (June 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816507929
• ISBN-13: 978-0816507924
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #449,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Native American
  • #39 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Native American

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars User Friendly Delight, April 28, 2002

By 

Theodore Keer (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Tohono O'odham Grammar (Paperback)

Intended as a first year primer, Zepeda's grammar is a rigorous, concise, and complete resource in itself.

Presentation is similar to the user-friendly Wheelock Latin classic. Natural, contemporary examples are given in abundance, using a well-designed orthography. A full bilingual glossary of all vocabulary is given. A companion casette is available.

This work is engaging and suitable for linguists or first-year students with no prior second-language experience. Unconditionally recommended!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review of "A Papago Grammar", September 21, 2005

By 

M. Gizinski - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Tohono O'odham Grammar (Paperback)

I am an RN at a hospital in Tucson, AZ. I purchased the book to help me communicate with patients that only speak Tohono O'odham. The book is helpful, but the pronunciation guide is confusing. The examples given for pronunciation do not give a clear sense of how to say a particular sound or word. Perhaps the tape that is available would help. The book would be more appropriate in a classroom setting rather than as a self teaching book. There is a need for a medical phrase guide/book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A note, September 8, 2006

By 

bukhtan (Chicago, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Tohono O'odham Grammar (Paperback)

I've given this five stars because it is clear, well-organized, seems to cover the necessary elements of Papago grammar (I'm not in a position to judge, really), and is supplied with examples adequate to illustrate this grammar. What is does not have, and this may lead to deduction of a star for a given reader's purpose (along with limited data on pronunciation from the standpoint of someone not totally into linguistics, as one reviewer pointed out)is the lack of the extended texts that firm up the user's newly-acquired knowledge and afford, from my point of view, so much of the pleasure of learning a new language. Tohono O'odham texts are few and far between - one that is somewhat available is:
Pima and Papago Ritual Oratory : a study of three texts (1975) by Donald M. Bahr.
The author wrote a number of works on these tribes; perhaps some of them include texts.
I have been through the rez SW of Tucson, but didn't investigate the availability of printed stuff there - you certainly see the language written up, on signs, school buses etc. Maybe there is some publishing in the language going on now. I hope so.