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'''Nêhiyaw''', or the Cree [[syllabary]], is the written language of the Cree, used by more than 45,000 people across southern Canada and into Montana. It is split into 2 dialects - Plains/Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree.
'''Nêhiyaw''', or the Cree [[syllabary]], is the written language of the Cree, used by more than 45,000 people across southern Canada and into Montana. It is split into 2 dialects - Plains/Swampy Cree and Woodland Cree.
Nêhiyaw was created by a Wesleyan missionary, James Evans, around 1840. He originally invented a syllabary for the Ojibwe language. This syllabary consisted of nine symbols, which would indicate different vowel sounds though different orientations. Although, this was sufficient to write Ojibwe, Evan was not allowed to use his creation.
Nêhiyaw was created by a Wesleyan missionary, James Evans, around 1840. He originally invented a syllabary for the Ojibwe language. This syllabary consisted of nine symbols, which would indicate different vowel sounds though different orientations. Although, this was sufficient to write Ojibwe, Evans was not allowed to use his creation.
Evans later leant Cree and when he found the Latin alphabet unsuitable for writing it, returned to his Ojibwe syllabary and modified that. The Cree syllabary consists of just 12 basic signs, with each being written in one four directions, to indicated the associated vowel sounds. The simplicity of the language ensured its success and the Cree nation were soon literate in the syllabary.<ref>Burford Mason, Roger; "Travels in the Shining Island : the story of James Evans and the invention of the Cree syllabary alphabet"; Toronto : Natural Heritage Books; 1996; ISBN: 1896219160</ref>
Evans later leant Cree and when he found the Latin alphabet unsuitable for writing it, returned to his Ojibwe syllabary and modified that. The Cree syllabary consists of just 12 basic signs, with each being written in one four directions, to indicated the associated vowel sounds. The simplicity of the language ensured its success and the Cree nation were soon literate in the syllabary.<ref>Burford Mason, Roger; "Travels in the Shining Island : the story of James Evans and the invention of the Cree syllabary alphabet"; Toronto : Natural Heritage Books; 1996; ISBN: 1896219160</ref>