How to find Navajo language dictionaries

The Lexical Quest: Navigating the Search for Navajo Language Dictionaries

For those embarking on the journey to learn Diné Bizaad, the Navajo language, the quest for comprehensive and accessible dictionaries can be a formidable one. Unlike widely spoken languages with an abundance of readily available lexical resources, finding a robust Navajo dictionary requires persistence, an understanding of the linguistic landscape, and knowledge of where to look beyond conventional bookshelves. This article serves as a direct, no-nonsense guide for navigating this unique linguistic terrain, offering practical advice, historical context, and insights into the invaluable tools that unlock the beauty and complexity of one of North America’s most fascinating indigenous tongues.

The Significance of Diné Bizaad and Its Lexicons

Before delving into the "how-to," it’s crucial to grasp the profound significance of the Navajo language itself. Diné Bizaad is not merely a communication tool; it is a repository of culture, history, and worldview. It is a language whose unique grammatical structure – polysynthetic, verb-centric, and tonal – famously defied enemy code-breakers during World War II, when the Navajo Code Talkers utilized it to create an unbreakable code.

Today, while still the most widely spoken Native American language north of the U.S.-Mexico border, Diné Bizaad faces the universal pressures of language endangerment. Estimates suggest that fewer than 170,000 fluent speakers remain, with the majority being older generations. Dictionaries, therefore, are not just reference books; they are vital instruments in the broader effort of language revitalization, serving as crucial bridges between generations and cultures. They preserve words, concepts, and the intricate grammatical structures that define Diné identity.

The Foundation: Pioneering Works and Academic Pillars

The search for Navajo dictionaries invariably begins with the monumental efforts of pioneering linguists and their collaborators. Unlike the myriad of dictionary options for European languages, the field of Navajo lexicography is dominated by a few seminal works, which remain the gold standard.

1. The Titans of Navajo Lexicography: Robert W. Young and William Morgan

Any serious exploration of Navajo dictionaries must start with the works of Robert W. Young and William Morgan. Their collaboration, spanning decades, produced the most comprehensive and authoritative Navajo-English and English-Navajo dictionaries to date.

Robert W. Young’s Contributions: Young, a non-Navajo linguist who dedicated his life to the study of Diné Bizaad while working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, was instrumental in developing a practical orthography for the language. His meticulous documentation and analysis laid the groundwork for all subsequent lexical work.
William Morgan’s Indispensable Role: William Morgan Sr., a native Navajo speaker, was Young’s primary collaborator and informant. His intimate knowledge of the language, its nuances, and its cultural context was absolutely critical. Their partnership exemplifies the best of collaborative linguistic scholarship.

Their magnum opus, The Navajo Language: A Grammar and Pictorial Dictionary (originally published in 1980, with a revised and expanded edition in 1987 by the University of New Mexico Press), is the undisputed cornerstone. This colossal volume, often referred to simply as "Young and Morgan," is far more than a dictionary; it includes an extensive grammar, making it an invaluable resource for learners and scholars alike. The dictionary section itself is exhaustive, detailing verb conjugations, noun forms, and contextual usage with remarkable precision.

Where to Find Young & Morgan:

Academic Libraries: This is your primary hunting ground. Major university libraries, especially those with strong Native American Studies, Linguistics, or Southwest collections, will almost certainly have copies. Utilize interlibrary loan services if your local library doesn’t.
Special Collections: Some institutions may house earlier editions or related linguistic notes in their special collections, offering a deeper dive for researchers.
University Presses: The University of New Mexico Press has been the primary publisher. While often out of print, new print runs occasionally occur, or digital versions may become available. Check their catalog directly.
Used Book Market: Websites like AbeBooks, Alibris, and eBay are worth monitoring for used copies, though prices can fluctuate wildly depending on availability and condition. Be prepared for a significant investment.

2. Academic Institutions: Hubs of Lexical Knowledge

Universities and colleges with a focus on Native American languages and cultures are crucial repositories and, sometimes, creators of Navajo lexical resources.

Diné College (Tsaile, Arizona): As the first tribally controlled college, situated within the Navajo Nation, Diné College is the intellectual heart of Diné Bizaad preservation and revitalization. Its library and academic departments are invaluable resources. They may also have their own published glossaries or specialized dictionaries developed for their language programs.
University of New Mexico (UNM), Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU): These universities, located in states bordering or encompassing the Navajo Nation, have long-standing programs in Native American Studies, Anthropology, and Linguistics. Their libraries are excellent places to find Young and Morgan, as well as other linguistic analyses, specialized glossaries, and scholarly articles that might contain word lists or lexical entries.
The Navajo Language Academy (NLA): While not a dictionary publisher in the traditional sense, the NLA is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching, research, and documentation of the Navajo language. Their annual summer institutes and workshops often generate materials that can include word lists, grammatical explanations, and specialized vocabularies that complement formal dictionaries. Their website (navajolanguageacademy.org) is a critical resource for understanding current linguistic research and pedagogical approaches.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Online Resources and Apps

The digital age has brought new avenues for language learning, but for Navajo, comprehensive digital dictionaries are still evolving.

1. Online Dictionaries and Databases:

Limited Comprehensive Options: Unlike European languages, there isn’t a single, universally accepted, comprehensive online Navajo dictionary equivalent to Young and Morgan. This is partly due to the language’s complexity and the specialized nature of its documentation.
Specialized Websites: Some websites dedicated to Navajo culture or language learning may offer smaller glossaries or thematic word lists. These are excellent for building foundational vocabulary but won’t replace a full dictionary.
Community-Driven Efforts: Keep an eye out for community-driven initiatives or projects from academic institutions that aim to digitize or create new online lexical resources. These are often works in progress and may require direct engagement with the project organizers.
University Digital Collections: Some universities might host digitized versions of older, smaller glossaries or linguistic fieldwork notes that contain valuable lexical information. These are often found within specific library digital archives.

2. Mobile Applications:

Varying Quality: A handful of mobile apps claim to be Navajo dictionaries or language learning tools. The quality and comprehensiveness of these apps vary widely. Some might offer basic word lists and phrases, while others attempt more robust dictionary functionality.
User Reviews are Key: Always check user reviews and descriptions carefully before investing time or money. Look for apps developed in consultation with native speakers or academic institutions.
Examples (search terms): "Navajo Dictionary," "Diné Bizaad." Be aware that some may be English-Navajo only, or vice-versa, and may not include pronunciation guides or grammatical information.

3. Online Scholarly Databases:

For advanced learners and researchers, databases like JSTOR, Project MUSE, and linguistic journals (e.g., International Journal of American Linguistics) can contain articles with detailed lexical analyses, specific vocabulary lists for particular domains (e.g., plants, animals, kinship terms), or discussions of specific word meanings that might not be in general dictionaries. Access often requires university affiliation.

Beyond the Comprehensive: Specialized and Pedagogical Resources

While Young and Morgan stand supreme, other resources offer specialized vocabulary or are designed with pedagogical goals in mind.

1. Bilingual Educational Materials:

Rough Rock Press: This press, associated with Rough Rock Community School on the Navajo Nation, has been a pioneer in creating bilingual educational materials for children. Their publications often include smaller glossaries, picture dictionaries, and culturally relevant vocabulary designed for K-12 learners. These are excellent for visual learners and those starting with basic concepts.
Salina Bookshelf: Another key publisher focused on Navajo language and culture, Salina Bookshelf offers a range of books, including some that incorporate glossaries or word lists suitable for learners.

2. Thematic Glossaries:

Some linguistic studies or cultural texts may include specialized glossaries focusing on particular domains, such as traditional medicine, astronomy, or ceremonies. These are not general dictionaries but are invaluable for specific areas of study. Finding these often involves deeper academic research or direct contact with cultural centers.

3. Textbooks and Language Courses:

Many Navajo language textbooks will include an accompanying glossary or dictionary section. While these are usually not exhaustive, they are tailored to the vocabulary taught in the course and are often practical for learners. Check the appendices of popular textbooks for these resources.

The Marketplace: Where to Buy (and Borrow)

Once you’ve identified the type of dictionary you need, the next step is locating it for purchase or loan.

Online Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble (for new editions if available), and specialized used book sites like AbeBooks, Alibris, and Better World Books are primary online sources. Always check multiple sites for availability and price.
University Bookstores: Bookstores at UNM, ASU, NAU, and especially Diné College, may carry relevant titles, particularly if they are in print or used for current courses.
Independent Bookstores in the Southwest: Bookstores in towns bordering or near the Navajo Nation, such as Gallup (NM), Flagstaff (AZ), Farmington (NM), or Window Rock (AZ), occasionally stock Navajo language materials, including dictionaries. Supporting these local businesses is also a way to contribute to the community.
Library Systems: Don’t underestimate the power of your local public library. Even if they don’t have a Navajo dictionary in their immediate collection, their interlibrary loan service can often procure even specialized academic texts from other institutions. This is often the most cost-effective way to access expensive or rare volumes.

The Evolving Lexicon: Challenges and Future Directions

The journey to find a Navajo dictionary is an ongoing one, reflecting the dynamic nature of language itself. Diné Bizaad, like all living languages, continues to evolve, incorporating new terms for modern concepts while striving to retain traditional vocabulary.

One of the significant challenges in Navajo lexicography is the sheer complexity of the verb system. Navajo verbs are highly inflected, incorporating information about the subject, object, aspect, mood, and movement, often within a single word. This makes a traditional dictionary entry (like "run, v.") far less straightforward than in English. Comprehensive dictionaries must account for these complex conjugations, which adds to their bulk and linguistic intricacy.

The future of Navajo lexicography likely involves a blend of traditional scholarship and innovative digital solutions. Efforts to create more user-friendly digital dictionaries, perhaps with audio pronunciation guides and interactive grammatical explanations, are crucial for engaging younger generations. Community involvement in documenting new vocabulary and ensuring cultural relevance will also be paramount.

Conclusion: A Tool for Connection

Finding a Navajo language dictionary is more than just acquiring a book; it’s gaining a key to understanding a profound culture and contributing to the vitality of a precious language. Whether it’s the towering scholarship of Young and Morgan, the practical tools from educational presses, or the emerging digital resources, each dictionary serves as a testament to the resilience of the Diné people and their language.

The path may not be as direct as for other languages, but the reward – connecting with Diné Bizaad – is immeasurable. Persevere in your search, utilize the resources outlined here, and you will unlock a world of linguistic beauty and cultural depth. These dictionaries are not merely collections of words; they are living testaments to identity, history, and the enduring spirit of the Navajo Nation.