Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) language speakers will soon have a new dictionary to help support language learning. The Dictionary of Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) with Connections to the Past is being developed by linguist Karin Michelson and native speaker Glenda Deer, using previous research done by Michelson’s late father Gunther Michelson. Deer and Karin Michelson have been working for seven years to fill in gaps in Gunther Michelson’s work to create a comprehensive dictionary. Translator and former language teacher Kahnawa’kehró:non Akwiratékha Martin, who is reviewing and editing the dictionary, told CTV News that learners have been waiting for a resource like this. “The language is just made of parts, but the beauty of it is there is just so much play and art to it,” said Martin. “Then you can just play with it, like the elders do.” The dictionary will be published in March by the University of Toronto Press.
