The Potawatomi language, also called Bodwewadmimwen or Bodewadmimwen, is an Algonquian language closely related to Ojibwe and Odawa. There are 7 distinct tribes of Potawatomi in the United states. Today we are at a critical time with less than 5 first language speakers left. There is a southern and northern dialect of Potawatomi. Today, do to increased interactions and the limited numbers of speakers, the differences are mainly the occasional different word, and in the south the k, p , d, s & sh are favored, while in the north the g,b,t,z & zh are favored. Here in Oklahoma we use the WNALP writing system while there are a couple of different systems used in other communities including the learners system.

This course:

We seem to be developing a lot of folks who are able to read and write the language. That being said, this course is designed to help people with the important skills of listening and speaking. The course focuses on everyday phrases and statements which can be used each day. It starts with the household and then starts to work its way into the community. Our goal is to bring the language back into our homes and to make the language easier to use in every day situations.