Miskito

[erik nelson]

Moon Handbook mentions that in some parts of Nicaragua it's important to speak at least rudimentary Miskito
How do I learn?  Is there a book you can recommend?  If so, where do I find it?
Are there classes in Miskito?  Where?
Could this information go in the next edition of Moon Handbook?

[thewolff]

Hey Eric,
I would say in the more remote parts of the north Atlantic coast it would be important, sure- but if you're just hanging around the coast- puerto cabezas and north, Spanish will do just fine. There are people who speak just Miskito, but the vast majority speak Spanish.

My producer was able to get his hands on the only Miskito dictionary we could find in Nic. at the university library in Puerto Cabezas.

Hope that helps a little!

Let me know if you need more help.

Josh.

[Randall Wood]

Eric - the Wolf is correct, but Miskito would open a lot of doors for you if you are really going to spend some time north of Puerto Cabezas.  How about this? http://books.google.com/books?id=XNTEQAAACAAJ&dq=miskito+language&cd=6

[erik nelson]

I've found what looks like a very thorough treatment of Miskito language on Wikipedia--just search for "Miskito grammar."  I've been told that the university bookstores here in Puerto Cabezas have good material in Miskito, but they are closed until January.

[Joshua Berman]

Wikipedia appears to have some excellent background grammar/pronunciation charts, looks like from someone who knows what they're talking about: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miskito_grammar

[erik nelson]

Better yet, I've now found  lessons at:
en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Miskito.

[Papatara]

Eric,

I have lived and worked for many years in the miskitia of Nicaragua. A little rudimentary Miskitu will certainly help you in your travels here. However, it is becoming quite rare to visit places even deep in the bush where Spanish - and sometimes creole English as well - is not spoken.

I do heartily recommend that you take the time to study and understand miskitu history and culture. I think that this will make your adventures into this unique area much more rewarding. And, knowledge and respect of indigenous history and culture will go a long way towards building better relations with these people.

There are a number of books which contain useful information. My personal favorite is, Tangweera - Life and Adventures Among Gentle Savages, by Charles Napier Bell, 1885, The University of Texas Press.