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Reconstruction:Proto-Algonquian/na·pe·θkwa

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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

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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*na·pe·θkwa

  1. male bear

Descendants

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  • 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

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