Dictionary of the Ponca People

The Dictionary of the Ponca People is a comprehensive resource that captures the historical and contemporary usage of the Ponca language. It represents a valuable effort to preserve and promote this important link to Ponca tradition and culture.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 416 pages
\n Publication date: 01 October 2019
\n Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
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The Dictionary of the Ponca People is a comprehensive resource that encompasses a staggering five thousand words and definitions used by Ponca speakers from the late nineteenth century to the present. Until relatively recently, the Ponca language was transmitted solely through an oral tradition, where children learned it at home by listening to their elders. This unique method of language acquisition allowed the Ponca language to thrive among families on the southern Ponca reservation in Oklahoma until the 1940s.

However, the introduction of English in government boarding schools marked a significant shift, leading to the decline of the Ponca language among younger generations. Recognizing the importance of preserving this cultural heritage, Ponca language classes have now been introduced to children and adults, fostering a renewed interest in learning this significant link to tradition and culture.

This dictionary represents the core of the Ponca language as it was heard and spoken by the parents and grandparents of the Ponca Council of Elders. It includes a wide range of words, encompassing not only traditional Ponca terms but also those related to modern devices and technology. The compilation of this dictionary is particularly noteworthy as the southern Poncas are currently engaged in the process of revitalizing their language by introducing new syntactic structures.

While the primary purpose of this dictionary is not to recover a specific cultural period or practice, it serves as a valuable reference for the Poncas spoken language. It provides a comprehensive guide to the vocabulary and grammar of the Ponca language, enabling speakers to enhance their communication skills and maintain their cultural identity.

The Dictionary of the Ponca People is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Ponca people in preserving their heritage and language. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this unique and fascinating culture, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages and cultures for future generations.

\n Weight: 980g\n
Dimension: 186 x 261 x 37 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781496204356\n \n