Cree à la mode
It's become clear that a conventional approach to teaching Cree grammar has entrenched itself, one that may actually work against the "conversational" method of Blue Quills.
As I once wrote here, there are, as with other languages, two major verb forms, the independent (aka indicative) form and the subunctive (conjunct) form.
So, for example, where you'd say 'I work' in the independent form, you'd say, 'I am working' in the subjunctive.
Well, most if not all of the Cree textbooks developed so far cover both modes, with initial emphasis on the independent mode (I work). Which is not a problem in and of itself. But the thing is, it seems like most everyday speech takes the subjunctive form (I am working). So, when we first try to learn Cree by listening to and recording fluent speakers, they are using a different mode. It only adds to that initial confusion and bewilderment.
To me, the quickest way to learn to speak and hear a language would be to focus primarily on what's spoken and heard most, i.e., the subjunctive. That said, we do need to know the independent mode. But if the aim is to start dialoguing as soon as possible, maybe a new way of starting us off in Cree is in order.
And yes, this grammatical gobbledygook gives me a headache too. And no doubt, there's a good case to keep it the way it is, but I just thought I'd put it out there.
ekosi,
Rick
As I once wrote here, there are, as with other languages, two major verb forms, the independent (aka indicative) form and the subunctive (conjunct) form.
So, for example, where you'd say 'I work' in the independent form, you'd say, 'I am working' in the subjunctive.
Well, most if not all of the Cree textbooks developed so far cover both modes, with initial emphasis on the independent mode (I work). Which is not a problem in and of itself. But the thing is, it seems like most everyday speech takes the subjunctive form (I am working). So, when we first try to learn Cree by listening to and recording fluent speakers, they are using a different mode. It only adds to that initial confusion and bewilderment.
To me, the quickest way to learn to speak and hear a language would be to focus primarily on what's spoken and heard most, i.e., the subjunctive. That said, we do need to know the independent mode. But if the aim is to start dialoguing as soon as possible, maybe a new way of starting us off in Cree is in order.
And yes, this grammatical gobbledygook gives me a headache too. And no doubt, there's a good case to keep it the way it is, but I just thought I'd put it out there.
ekosi,
Rick
posted by Rick Harp at 11:00 AM
2 Comments:
We miss you and love you - you conjunctive jerk, come back to us. Lets go to Foody Goody!
Anyways, there is some good writing here... mostly rants, but none the less, good thoughts. Just sayin hi, and commenting on your thoughts. Im in your head! YEAH! wait, whats this? Its not a brain but, a hampster, running around a wheel. ohhh, so thats whats in your brain...
Rick! Your last entry is December 5. What's going on with you? Surely you must have understood the unwritten contract to which you became party when you erected a blog:
Post or Perish!
So it is written. Amen.
Ed
PS. Nice seeing you again post-New Year!
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