Osage Language and Lifeways

The Osage language is a vital part of Osage identity. The language suffered rapid decline during the twentieth century, but the Osage people are taking significant steps to revitalize its use. To that end, this volume—the first ever introductory Osage grammar textbook—is a much-needed resource for students, teachers, scholars, and anyone wishing to learn how to speak and write Osage. Written collectively by bilingual Osage speakers and linguists, Osage Language and Lifeways offers both clear grammatical instruction and valuable cultural information.

As the authors explain in their introduction, the Osage language, a Dhegiha language within the Siouan language family, is highly complex. Drawing on their Native language expertise and classroom experience, the authors clarify elements of Osage grammar that are entirely different from English grammar or other European languages. Each chapter begins with a short dialogue or story written by Osage speakers. These passages present commonly used expressions and provide glimpses into Osage life experiences. The lessons are ordered in such a way that students can quickly learn how to pronounce Osage words, understand and make full sentences, and read and write the Osage alphabet.

Where possible, the authors limit the amount of difficult linguistic terminology and include numerous examples to illustrate their points. At the same time, this book is sufficiently descriptive for linguists seeking to study the language on a more technical level.

An important contribution to the study of indigenous languages, Osage Language and Lifeways opens a new pathway for Osages to learn and practice the language of their ancestors and ensure its continuity for future generations.