Cree, Northern East

A language of Canada

ISO 639-3

Alternate Names

Eastern James Bay Cree Northern Dialect, James Bay Cree Northern

Population

5,310 (1997 MSSS).

Location

West central Quebec, east coast of lower Hudson Bay and James Bay. Whapmagoostui, Chisasibi, Wemindji, and most in Eastmain communities.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification

Dialects

Palatalized y-dialect within Cree-Montagnais-Naskapi language complex or dialect subgroup. Sometimes classified as Montagnais.

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Also use English [eng].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 20%–25%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%. Taught in primary schools. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1921.

Language Resources

Writing

Latin script. Unified Canadian Aboriginal Syllabics script, uses eastern finals, dot first.