New Lakota Dictionary 3rd Edition

The New Lakota Dictionary (NLD) is the largest, most comprehensive, and most reliable dictionary of the Lakota Language currently available. Also very user-friendly – it is designed specifically with the learner in mind; providing numerous innovative features that help learners find words and use them correctly. Features Include:

• Over 41,000 entries (21,000 more than the first edition).
• More than 50,000 example sentences, references, usage notes and collections.
• 25,000 entries that have not been previously documented in any other Lakota dictionary.
• A consistent orthography that reliably reflects pronunciation.
• Descriptions of word-stems with stem nests.
• 5,000 entries with new or enhanced content.
• Upgraded system of abbreviations for verb categories, valency numbers and their derivational features.
• Example sentences now include a refined use of commas, hyphens, and ages to reflect compounding, subordination and intonation.
• A new grammar section that covers new discovers in Lakota morphology and syntax.
• Over 400 native speakers involved in its development and review
• Fun to use and explore
• An excellent self-study investment

“The New Lakota Dictionary is a great, great improvement over all the other dictionaries. It has words that are in common usage today and it lays out all the different ways a word can be used. I write Lakota the way it is written in the Dictionary, and find that it’s very easy to read”

– Ben Black Bear, Jr., Leading Lakota language scholar from the Sičháŋǧu Oyáŋke (Rosebud Nation)

Lakota Grammar Handbook 2nd Edition

This self study guide paired with the New Lakota Dictionary offers the most comprehensive documentation of the Lakota Language to date. This handbook is intended to increase grammar proficiency by linguistic researchers, Lakota language teachers and native speakers involved in educational activities. Sentences illustrate various areas of grammar from authentic narratives and dialogs recorded from of Lakota speakers providing a grammar and culturally rich guide.

• 2 books in 1: a self-study reference grammar and a grammar practice workbook
• Nearly 19,000 sentences (7,309 example sentences and 11,663 practice sentences)
• All sentences come from narratives and dialogs recorded from native speakers.
• Descriptions of numerous grammatical constructions.
• Offers revision of many previous grammatical descriptions
• Packed with cultural content (e.g. how possessive verbs are used in prayers to evoke the relationship to the Creator)
• Detailed index and additional discussions in the appendix
• Includes an answer key for the exercises

Lakhótiya Wóglaka Po! – Speak Lakota! Textbooks

Lakhótiya Wóglaka Po! – Speak Lakota! Level 1 – 5 Textbooks feature lessons designed to increase in comfort and helps learners achieve Lakota language proficiency as they work through these lessons. While these textbooks are designed for the classroom they are also beneficial for language learners at any age.

Classroom Resources

These alphabet flashcards can be used to teach the sounds and spelling of the language. Flashcard activities are lively and retain children’s attention for a much longer time than working with a textbook alone.

Lakota alphabet flashcards (PDF, 0.04 MB)

You can also download a list of basic instructions teachers can use with children in the classroom. It is important to use as little English in the classroom as possible. Classroom instructions will be easily picked up by children if they hear them regularly.

Classroom instructions (PDF, 0.06 MB)

Useful Articles

The following articles provide a good introduction to TPR (total physical response), a teaching technique that involves the student in movement and real-life interaction as they learn.

Cantoni, G. P, Using TPR-Storytelling to Develop Fluency and Literacy in Native American Languages

Asher, J. J., Language By Command: The Total Physical Response approach to learning language