Lakota Language Forum

The very first thing to do if you want to learn the Lakota language is to study the pronunciation and spelling.

What are the sounds of the language?
How are the sounds represented in the writing system (orthography)?
How are individual characters of the writing system pronounced?

This part of the forum will provide lots of instruction, information and practice on these issues. It is advisable that you follow the activities in the given order.

Additional information can be found here:

1) Visit the interactive Lakota alphabet with audio:
http://www.lakhota.org/ALPHABET/alphabet.htm

2) Study the Level 2 textbook – the most comprehensive and easy to follow introduction to pronunciation and spelling in Lakota with lots of practical activities (listening, and filling in the characters in question). Level 2 textbook: http://stores.languagepress.com/level-2-textbook/

3) Study pages 693 – 699 of the New Lakota Dictionary (1st edn), 747 - 753 (2nd edn). (New Lakota Dictionary: http://stores.languagepress.com/new-lak ... d-edition/)

The description of Lakota sounds and instructions on how to master their pronunciation are written primarily for students whose first language is English.
Your perspective of Lakota sound system will very much depend on the phonology of your first language. For English speakers, the distinction between plain and aspirated k, p, t is probably the most difficult part of Lakota sound system but it may not be difficult for people with different language background.