This paper presents aspects of a computational model of the morphology of Plains Cree based on the technology of finite state transducers (FST). The paper focuses in particular on the modeling of nominal morphology. Plains Cree is a polysynthetic language whose nominal morphology relies on prefixes, suffixes and circumfixes. The model of Plains Cree morphology is capable of handling these complex affixation patterns and the morphophonological alternations that they engender. Plains Cree is an endangered Algonquian language spoken in numerous communities across Canada. The language has no agreed upon standard orthography, and exhibits widespread variation. We describe problems encountered and solutions found, while contextualizing the endeavor in the description, documentation and revitalization of First Nations Languages in Canada.

Language communities and linguists conducting fieldwork often confront a lack of linguistic resources. This dearth can be substantially mitigated with the production of simple technologies. We illustrate the utility and design of a finite state parser, a widespread technology, for the Odawa dialect of Ojibwe (Algonquian, United States and Canada). CreditsWe would like to thank Rand Valentine, Mary Ann Corbiere, Alan Corbiere, Lena Antonsen, Miikka Silfverberg, Ryan Johnson, Katie Schmirler, Sarah Giesbrecht, and Atticus Harrigan for fruitful discussions during the development of this tool. We would also like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments.

Intelligent computer assisted language learning (ICALL) applications for Indigenous languages are a relatively new avenue for computer assisted language learning (CALL). CALL allows language learners to practise a wide range of grammatical exercises and receive feedback on their answers outside of class time. ICALL is essential for dynamically producing these exercises for polysynthetic Indigenous languages with complex morphology. To better understand user perceptions and behaviours within an ICALL setting, an in-depth user evaluation of nêhiyawêtân (a university-level ICALL application for Plains Cree) was initiated. Five second language learners of Plains Cree were recorded using nêhiyawêtân as they completed various grammatical exercises. They were encouraged to report their opinions, thoughts, and observations aloud. Subsequently, observed user reactions and strategies were recorded. This supplied us with potential user errors, strategies, and preferences that allowed us to improve answer feedback and the design and interface of the exercise templates. Moreover, the results of surveys and observations highlighted sociocultural issues that are not seen in mainstream CALL for majority languages. We hope that this evaluation will serve as a guideline for evaluating future ICALL programs for Indigenous and other minority languages.

This article reports on the progress of a project to produce a dictionary of the Jicarilla Apache language. Jicarilla, an Eastern Apachean language, is spoken on the Jicarilla Apache reservation in northern New Mexico. Approximately 21 percent of the population is fluent in the language. This is a collaborative project involving linguists and a small circle of speakers in the Jicarilla Apache community in Dulce, New Mexico. Through this project we have learned much about the role of literacy in language standardization and in speaker empowerment, and we believe that many parallels exist between writing a dictionary of an endangered Native American language and writing a dictionary of a sign language.

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