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 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.

Young Doctor

Doctor

Makadewaa

(Mah-kah-day-waa)

Vitamins and pills

Medicine

Mashkiki

(Mahsh-kee-kee)

Nurse

Nurse

Nokomis Gikinoo'amaadiiwinan Grandmother of Healing

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

Upset Stomach

Pain

Piiashkwaawin

(Pee-yash-kwaa-win)

Emergency

Hospital

Akikodjiwan

House of Medicine

(Ah-kee-koh-jee-wahn)

Leg Injury

Injury

Piiwaawin

(Pee-waa-win)

Headache

Headache

Minwaa'oziwin

(Min-waa-oh-zee-win)

Diabetes Self Management Program

Diabetes

Jimaananoshkong

Sweet sickness

(Jee-mah-nah-nosh-kohng)

Holding Thermometer

Fever

Zhashagiwe

(Zhah-shah-gee-way)

Image by National Cancer Institute

Cancer

Gookomoshomin

The great sickness

(Goo-koh-moh-shoh-min)

Blood Pressure Check

Blood pressure

Zaagijiwanii-giizhigowinan

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

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Heart attack

Miskwaa'ajiwan

Heart pain

(Misk-waa-ah-jee-wahn)

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Stroke

Ziinzibaakwad

(Zeen-zih-bah-kwahd)

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I am dizzy

Niiwin-giizhigad

(Nee-win-ghee-zhee-gaht)

Joint Pain

X-ray

Gikendaasowin

(Gee-ken-dah-soh-win)

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I am nauseous

Anooj-giizhigad

(Ah-nooj-ghee-zhee-gaht)

Surgery

Surgery

Apane'ewin

(Ah-pah-neh-eh-win)

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I have a sore throat

Niizhwaaswi-giizhigad

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

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I am in pain

Pii-giizhigad

(Pee-ghee-zhee-gaht)

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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.

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