Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/na·pe·θkwa

This Proto-Algonquian entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Algonquian

Alternative forms

• *na·pe·ɬkwa (alternative orthography)

Etymology

A compound, possibly formed at a pre-Proto-Algonquian date, of elements corresponding to *na·pe·wa (“man, male”) (or a related word) + *maθkwa (“bear”).

Noun

*na·pe·θkwa

1. male bear

Descendants

• Central Algonquian:
  • Ojibwe: naabekwa (“male bear”)
  • Algonquin: nâbek (“male bear”)
  • Atikamekw: napeskw (“male bear”)
  • Naskapi: ᓇᐸᔅᒄ (napaskw, “male bear”)
  • Montagnais: napeshkᵘ (“male bear”)
• Eastern Algonquian:
  • Malecite-Passamaquoddy: napsq (“male bear”)
  • Penobscot: nὰpeskʷ (“male bear”)

Compare Cree nâpemaskwa/ᓈᐯᒪᐢᑲᐧ (naapemaskay, “male bear”), which was formed within Cree (i.e. post-PA) and so preserves the full second element (maskwa).

References

• Guillaume Jacques, A Siouan-Algonquian Wanderwort: the name of the bear (2012; Amerindia, 36), which cites Siebert