| Anishnaabemowin Interactive CD-ROM is produced by the community-based organization, Wikwemikong Heritage Organization. This cultural centre seeks to develop appropriate language materials that preserve and maintain the Ojibwe language. Henry Pitawanakwat narrates this introductory Ojibwe language CD-ROM. Designed for young children to adult learners, this interactive CD-ROM introduces basic vocabulary for everyday language use. Using photographs of community buildings, clip art, and video clips, this resource is organized into themes such as action words, animals, insects, birds, body parts, colours, food, corn, kitchen utensils, family relatives, feelings, doodem clan system, numbers, trees, telling time, and Wiky scenery. After each unit, the viewer is tested on the vocabulary learned. Throughout the CD-ROM the narrator directs the learner in Ojibwe to encourage language familiarity. The CD-ROM includes a children's song, twinkle little star, and a brief story about mkwa, the bear. A final testing section challenges students to answer multiple choice questions asked in Ojibwe. From the three illustrations on each screen, the student must select the image that matches the Ojibwe word. Placed throughout the CD-ROM, the developers have included sounds and videos clips to enhance the learning experience. The creators of the CD-ROM stress that this resource is not intended to replace Ojibwe language instructors. It was developed for personal home use to allow the individual to study basic Ojibwe vocabulary at his/her own pace. A 13-page manual accompanies the CD-ROM. The manual provides lists of the Ojibwe and English terms used in the CD-ROM. This community-based language resource was made possible by the work of numerous Wikwemikong organizations, Elders, and language educators. Their work and dedication in promoting the everyday use of the Ojibwe language is commendable. This CD-ROM is PC compatible. |
