Customer Reviews

A Tohono O'odham Grammar

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

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This book is a great start for anyone wanting a basic understanding of the Tohono O'odham language. It pairs well with the Tohono O'odham to English dictionary.