GITXSAN LANGUAGE RESOURCES
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Alphabet

 It's important to remember that before you can pick up these written resources you have to be able understand the orthography (alphabet or written language), otherwise it's a challenge to see the letters and know what sounds they represent. We are using English Letters to represent Non-English Sounds. 
Below is a YouTube video that will help you to better understand how to pronunciation the letters and sounds.
Below are printable alphabets. The Gigeenix (Eastern) Alphabet will be added shortly.
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Dictionaries​

The following are a collection of dictionaries developed for the Gitxsan language by various language speakers and linguists. 
Click the photo to download the Alphabet. Only the Gigeets/Western Alphabet is available at the moment. 

"A Short Practical Dictionary of the Gitksan Language" 

This dictionary was made over 40 years ago and continues to serve as an excellent resource. Created by Lonnie Hindle (of Ansbayaxw) and Bruce Rigsby (UBC). This dictionary introduced a solid writing system to the Gitxsan language that is still used today. 
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Download
Hindle & Rigsby
​Dictionary

"Gitxsanimx Speller: Text for Adult Gitxsanimx Class"

This dictionary was created by Dr. Jane Smith (Xsiwis), and is very well done. There's a strong focus on culturally important words used in feasting, fishing, and more. 
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Download Jane's Dictionary

Online Gitksan Dictionary

This was put together by the UBC Linguistics department. See the link below the picture. There's also an app if you go to your App Store and type in "Gitksan". I believe there's still more words and sentences to be uploaded, but is a great resource.
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http://waldayu.org/gitksan/#/home

"Ha'niimagooansxwhum Algax hl Gitksen - Gitksan"

This dictionary was created throughout the 90's by GWES with assistance and guidance from many Gitxsan language speakers. This is one of the few dictionaries that holds both Geenix and Gyeets dialects.
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Download East-West Dictionary

First Voices Online Dictionary

Nearly 10 years ago First Voices undertook a major digital dictionary project for First Nation's languages across BC. The Gitxsan language was done with a focus on the Gyeets dialect (upriver/western dialect). Art Mathews was the Language Coordinator for this dictionary project with First Voices.

I find the "List by Category" and "List by Phrase" tools easiest to use.
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http://www.firstvoices.com/en/Gitsenimx

Robin Thistle-Walker Dictionary

This dictionary contains over 1,600 entries and was hand-writen by Robin Thistle-Walker with the assistance of Russell Stephens. This dictionary is organized alphabetically by the Gitxsan words. There's a well-drawn map of the territory (including place-names), although there may be corrections needed.

This dictionary could be updated by a typed version. I believe has been started by Michael Schwann, a linguistic student at UBC. If anybody wants to contribute to typing it up and digitizing it please contact me and we'll get the incomplete typed document sent your way. 
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Download Robin Thistle-Walker Dictionary
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  • About
  • Gitxsan Language Resources
    • Books & Resources
    • Dictionaries
    • Stories & Books
    • Curriculum
    • Other Resources
  • Contact