Where, who, what, when, why? All the questions we can ask. As the time comes to learn or seek information, we must know how to ask. It’s just that English is insufficient to express an Ojibwe expression. Yes or no questions just add “ina” in the second place. Also, asking questions sets us on our quest to know more. We must ask to know.
Aaniin = How, in what way, what? (Aahn neen)
Awenen = Who? (Uh way nayn)
Awegonen = What? (Uh way go nayn)
Aanapii = When? (Aahn nup pee)
Aandi = Where? (Aahn dih)
Aaniin dash = Why? (Aahn neen dush)
Aaniin ezhimaagozid? = How does s/he smell? (Aahn neen ay zhih mah go zid)
Awenen menomaagozid? = Who smells good? (Uh way nayn may no mah go zid)
Awegonen menomaagwak? = What smells good? (Uh way go nayn may no mah gwuk)
Aanapii minomaagoziyan? = When do you smell good?
(Aahn nup pee min no mah go zih yun)
Aandi minomaagoziyaan? = Where do I smell good? (Aahn dih min no mah go zih yawn)
Aaniin dash wenji-minomaagoziwaad? = Why do they smell good?
(Aahn neen dush way jih min no mah go zih wahd)
Aaniin enakamagak? = What’s happening? (Aahn neen ay nuk kuh muh guk)
