Lesson Transcripts and Games
Recorded at her home in Odanak, PQ, between 1992 and 1999, these lessons—created by Cécile in her first language—were taught at both Odanak and Missisquoi throughout the 1990s. Each session includes an audio recording of Cécile reading her lessons aloud, transcripts, and a blend of her authentic speech with interactive learning tools for lessons 1-7, making Abenaki accessible and engaging for learners of all levels. Recorded, remastered, and translated by Jesse Bruchac. To learn more about Madame Cécile, see our post on the Western Abenaki Language Revival.
Photograph of Cécile Wawanolet was taken by Margaret Bruchac at the first annual Abenaki Heritage Celebration in Highgate, Vermont, in 1994.
Lesson 1 MP3
Introduction to the Abenaki language by Cecile Wawanolet. Pronunciation and introductory vocabulary. View Transcript
Lesson 2 MP3
Continuation of basic vocabulary, includes basic numbers for counting. View Transcript
Lesson 3 MP3
Basic conversational Western Abenaki. Focusing on meeting and the winter. View Transcript
Lesson 4 MP3
Western Abenaki vocabulary focusing on the personal and family relationships. View Transcript
Lesson 5 MP3
More basic winter time conversational Western Abenaki and an Action Verbs list. View Transcript
Lesson 6 MP3
Basic conversation including the Subjunctive Mood. Common around the house noun list. View Transcript
Lesson 7 MP3
Basic conversational sentences about early spring. View Transcript
Lesson 8 MP3
Basic conversational sentences for meeting, visiting and travel. View Transcript
Lesson 9 MP3
Intermediate conversation, and plural forms of the Imperative Mood.
Lesson 10 MP3
Basic and Intermediate sentences covering colors and the weather. View Transcript
Lesson 11 MP3
Basic vocabulary and sentences dealing with the division of time and counting. View Transcript
Lesson 12 MP3
Infinitive verb forms and basic conversational questions and commands. View Transcript
Lesson 13 MP3
Conversation for travel, basic Sentence structure review, and animate and inanimate verb forms. View Transcript
Lesson 14 MP3
Sentence Structure. Advanced conversational Western Abenaki dealings with the Holiday season. View Transcript
Lesson 15 MP3
A Review of Counting 1-5, and Basic Conversational Phrases for the Winter season. View Transcript
Lesson 16
Conversation about visiting, inquiring about well-being, and activities. View Transcript
Lesson 17
Conversation about the meal, studying and waiting and searching for ones and things. View Transcript
Lesson 18
SO Events (Verbs). View Lesson
Lesson 19
Conversation. View Lesson
Lesson 20
Event (Verb) Special. Listen
Lesson 21
NO Events (Verbs). View Lesson
Lesson 22-23
Subjects (Personal Pronouns). View Lesson
Lesson 24
Adjectives. View Lesson