TENAS WAWA--The Chinook Jargon Voice

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"Tenas Wawa" was a semimonthly newsletter about the Chinook Jargon published in Poulsbo, Washington, in the early 1990s. It was produced for the purpose of preserving and teaching the language, and thereby promote appreciation for Northwest native culture and the pioneer era. It encouraged interest with clever original art and stories related to Northwest history and native life written in Jargon, with literal English translation provided. The newsletters are beautifully written and illustrated, delightful to read, and offer a substantial example of Jargon dialog.

Duane Pasco, creator of the "Tenas Wawa," has kindly permitted this presentation of selected articles here. We began with the "Jargon Notes" and "Talk Boxes," in which Duane describes the Jargon's history, vocabulary and grammar, and proceeded to add the colorful serial saga of "Moola John" (Sawmill John), with dialog in Chinook Jargon beside English translation, is its entirety.

Back issues of "Tenas Wawa" remain available. Duane Pasco has also written a contemporary Jargon dictionary and tutorial, "KLAHOWYA, A Handbook for Learning Chinook Jargon," which includes a companion spoken audio cassette. (Please visit the Tenas Wawa Bookstore for ordering information.)

©1991-1995 by Duane Pasco (print), 1997-2001 (Web presentation). Updated 6/2/14.


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