Reviewed by Edward J. Vajda, Western Washington University

This dictionary is the first truly authoritative reference of Lakota and Dakota vocabulary. Underpinned by extensive new fieldwork with a range of the most proficient native speakers, it contains not only modern and innovative forms but also reports on the results of a thorough rechecking of textual and dictionary materials recorded during the past century. Written in a fully phonemic script and filled with examples that explicate the semantic nuances of each word, it largely supersedes the three most extensive lexicographic works previously available: A dictionary of the Teton Dakota Sioux language: Lakota-English, English-Lakota (Eugene Buechel, 1970, Pine Ridge, SD: Red Cloud Indian School); A Dakota-English dictionary (Steven R. Riggs, 1992, ed. by James Owen Dorsey, St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society); and the unpublished Lakota dictionary (Ella Deloria, 1966, Chamberlain, SD: Dakota Indian Foundation).

One feature that immediately sets this book apart is its inclusive and accurate treatment of the various dialectal forms recorded across the full geographic spread of the closely related Lakota and Dakota languages. Each entry clearly identifies the dialect represented, and the extensive introductory section provides a superb overview of the interrelation between the dialects themselves (3–8). Other dictionaries tend to focus on only a single dialect or mixed vocabulary from more than one dialect without clearly indicating the source.

Also welcome is the unexpectedly detailed and lucid grammar section (689–778), which makes this dictionary easy to use, although it is not intended as a substitute for a genuine reference grammar. Another useful feature is the editor’s thoughtful account of the history of Lakota lexicography (8–20), which clarifies problems the dictionary was compiled to rectify. This discussion is invaluable to anyone wishing to consult the earlier sources because it identifies the strengths and weaknesses of these works.

The tremendous attention to accurate detail in this work shines through on every page. The densely packed information is arranged in a visually pleasing way, with easily followed abbreviations and other conventions, all of which are explicated inside the front and back covers. In the Lakota to English portion, entry headwords appear in blue, additional Lakota or Dakota forms in bold black print, and English translations in lighter black print, making it easy to scan the page for information. Verb entries include conjugated forms that would not be obvious from the citation form. The English-to-Lakota is likewise authoritative, with numerous cross-references to the Lakota-to-English section, where more information on semantics is provided.

This book is invaluable both as a means of learning modern Lakota and Dakota vocabulary and as an authoritative guide to the many obsolete terms recorded in earlier texts. Beginning students as well as the most serious scholars of the Lakota and Dakota languages will find it an essential reference.