In this favourite kids’ song by Brian MacDonald, every line is repeated as an echo, except the bridge, which is sung entirely in Cree. It’s fun to place somebody outside the door, and have them knock. Have somebody answer the door to begin acting out the greetings.
Thanks to Wayne Jackson for adding an original Brian MacDonald recording to Youtube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPKEjlCQq_U&feature=youtu.be
Another Youtube video follows below: this one may lack some precision in pronunciation, but you can’t beat it for authenticity and enthusiasm. Lots of people like to repeat the verse after the bridge. Thanks to Youtube poster Creecheeze.
| Hello! (Hello!) tânisi ! (tânisi !)
How are you? (How are you?) tānisi kiya ? (tānisi kiya ?) I am fine. (I am fine.) namôya nânitaw . (namôya nânitaw .) Come on in. (Come on in.) pihtikwê . (pihtikwê .) Sit down. (Sit down) api . (api .) Have some tea. (Have some tea.) maskihkiwâpoy minihkwê . (maskihkiwâpoy minihkwê .) |
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[bridge:] tâpwê miywâsin ê-pê-kiyokawiyan . tânitê ê-kî-itohtêyan ? mahti âcimo kîkway ê-osihtâyan . mahti âcimostawin . [Translation of the bridge (not echoed): |
| Hello (Hello) tânisi ! (tânisi !)
How are you? (How are you?) tânisi kiya ? (tânisi kiya ?) I am fine. (I am fine.) namôya nânitaw . (namôya nânitaw .) Come on in. (Come on in.) pihtikwê . (pihtikwê .) Sit down. (Sit down) api . (api .) Have some tea. (Have some tea.) maskihkiwâpoy minihkwê . (maskihkiwāpoy minihkwê .) |
Thank you for your teachings!
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Thank you for sharing
We sing this song with our children every day. Thank you for sharing our language forward!