Forget Cree not

I want to share with you a fun and effective way to remember new words: mnemonics.

(Which makes me wonder -- what memory trick did I ever use to remember how to say/spell that word?)

Now, because I can be downright silly, so can my mnemonics. Take, for example, how I am trying to lock in the word for 'I brush my teeth' — nikisîpekâpitân.

First thing I had to do, was note the elisions (see It's all an elision"). So the way it's actually spoken (I believe) is n'k'sîpekâp'tân.

After some repetitive listening and mimicry, I stumbled on what might work.

The first half of the word — 'n'k'sîpe-' (nn-kee-SEE-pay) — sounds like "Felipé" to me, while the second half — '-kâp'tân' (GAP-tan) — sounds like "captain" said real fast, like in one of those at-sea movies.

So, how do I remember it? That's right — Captain Felipé twisted around!

Silly, silly nâpew. Wait til I tell you one day what "my kangaroo needs your spare change" helps me recall!

ekosi,
Rick