Among the Indigenous languages spoken in Canada, the Cree language family has the highest number of speakers. The Cree language encompasses various dialects, each with distinct characteristics in both speech and writing. When translating English into Cree, it’s crucial to identify the specific dialect required. Wintranslation is proud to offer translation services for both Cree into English and English into Cree.

Cree is the most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada, with 86,475 speakers according to the 2021 census. Translating into Cree requires a unique approach. Here are some key considerations:

• Language continuum: There is a lot of variation in the language across regions. Language variations have unique features, different names, and spelling systems, some are mutually intelligible while others are considered different languages. Be sure to specify where your target audience will be when ordering your translation
  • Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin) also known as the “y” dialect: is the most widely spoken Cree dialect. It is spoken mainly in the regions of Alberta and Saskatchewan, but there are also a number of Plains Cree speakers in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
  • Woods Cree (nīhithawīwin) also known as the “th” is spoken in the northern regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
  • Swampy Cree (nēhinawēwin) is also known as the “n”: Spoken mainly in communities in northern Manitoba, northwest Saskatchewan, and the coast of the Hudson and James Bay in northern Ontario.
  • Moose Cree (ililîmowin) is also known as the “l”: Spoken only in Ontario in an area that ranges from James Bay to Lake Superior.
  • James Bay Cree (Iyiyiu-Ayamiwin or Eeyouch) is also known as Southern and Northern East Cree: It is spoken in Quebec in an area that ranges from the east coast of lower Hudson Bay and James Bay, and inland southeastward.
  • Atikamekw (nehirâmowin): Spoken in southwestern Quebec, Atikamekw is among Canada’s most widely spoken Indigenous languages, spoken by nearly all the Atikamekw.
  • Innu/Montagnais: has various dialects depending on the community Western (Ilnu-Aimûn) – southeastern Quebec. Eastern (Innu-Aimûn) – eastern Quebec and Labrador.
  • Naskapi: Spoken in northeastern Quebec and Labrador, Naskapi (Nascapi, Naskapee, Nascapee) or Naskapi Innu sometimes uses Eastern Cree syllabics and shares many linguistic features of East Cree.
• Writing system: There is no standard writing system used for all Cree dialects. Some dialects are written with the Latin alphabet, while others with syllabics or both.
• Language Experts First: Cree translators are, for the most part, not full-time translators but first and foremost they are masters of the language, and often educators, Elders, or community leaders.