Audio Files for the Correct Pronunciation of Inuktituk Place Names in Nunavik

As the toponymic landscape is enriched with more and more new place names of Aboriginal origin, the Commission de toponymie now adds sound files to the Place name bank of Québec. hear the pronunciation of indigenous place names and appreciate the richness of this cultural heritage.

The International Year of Indigenous Languages, which has just ended, was the perfect time to start this establishment. In a first step, audio pronunciation files for 125 new names in the Inuktitute language were put online. This addition was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Avataq Cultural Institute. Ultimately, the Commission wishes to offer the possibility of listening to the pronunciation of all the names of places of Aboriginal origin disseminated in its bank.

Highlights

  • The Commission de toponymie added sound files to the file of 125 place names of Aboriginal origin from the Place Names Bank of Quebec. Ultimately, the Commission wishes each toponym of Aboriginal origin to be accompanied by its pronunciation.
  • Created in 1912, the Commission proceeds to the inventory and the conservation of place names. It formalizes them, distributes them and gives its opinion to the government on any question concerning toponymy.
  • In 2018-2019, the Commission formalized 1,505 place names, including 217 Aboriginal names.

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