"Beginning Creek" provides a basic introduction to the language and culture of the Mvskoke-speaking peoples, Muskogee (Creek) and Seminole Indians. Written by linguistic anthropologist Pamela Innes and native speakers Linda Alexander and Bertha Tilkens, the text is accessible to general readers and students and is accompanied by two compact discs.

The volume begins with an introduction to Creek history and language, and then each chapter introduces readers to a new grammatical feature, vocabulary set, and series of conversational sentences. Translation exercises from English to Mvskoke and Mvskoke to English reinforce new words and concepts. The chapters conclude with brief essays by Linda Alexander and Bertha Tilkens on Creek culture and history and suggestions for further reading.

The two audio CDs present examples of ceremonial speech, songs, and storytelling and include pronunciations of Mvskoke language keyed to exercises and vocabulary lists in the book. The combination of recorded and written material gives students a chance to learn and practice Mvskoke as an oral and written language.

Although Mvskoke speakers include the Muskogee (Creek) and Seminole Nations of Oklahoma, the Poarche Band of Creek Indians in Alabama, and some Florida Seminoles, the number of native speakers of Mvskoke has declined. Because the authors believe that language and culture are inextricably linked, they have combined their years of experience speaking and teaching Mvskoke to design an introductory textbook to help Creek speakers preserve their traditional language and way of life.

For those who have progressed beyond introductory lessons, "Intermediate Creek" offers an expanded understanding of the language and culture of the Muskogee (Creek) and Seminole Indians. The first advanced textbook for the language, this book builds on the grammatical principles set forth in the authors' earlier book, "Beginning Creek: Mvskoke Emponvkv," providing students with knowledge crucial to mastering more-complex linguistic constructions.

Here are clear, comprehensive explanations of linguistic features such as the use of plural subject and object noun phrases; future tense and intentive mood; commands and causatives; postpositions and compound noun phrases; locatives; and sentences with multiple clauses. Linguistic anthropologist Pamela Innes and native speakers Linda Alexander and Bertha Tilkens have organized the book much as they did "Beginning Creek." Each chapter begins with a presentation of the grammatical points to be learned, followed by new vocabulary, exercises, an essay relating the material to Muskogee and Seminole life, and suggested readings. Numerous diagrams and tables aid understanding, while an audio CD contains examples of spoken Mvskoke--conversations, a story, and a lullaby--and demonstrates the cadence and intonations of the language.

Given resurgent interest in the Mvskoke language but a paucity of classroom resources for advanced study, "Intermediate Creek" not only offers a practical means for learning but also marks a significant step in preserving and revitalizing an important Native language.

Whether you are looking for interactive and dynamic workshop materials for principal mentoring, a textbook for students enrolled in educational administration studies, or a personal guide for yourself, Beginning the Principalship is ideal for new and seasoned principals alike committed to student-centered continuous improvement.

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