Hayehwatha

Because the Native People did not have a written language in the same way we do, there are a lot of different spellings for names of Native People and places from long ago.  In the past, we have often spelled this famous man's name as "Hiawatha", but it can also be spelled "Aionwantha", or "Ai:ionwatha" and a few other ways!

Can you think of any other words that have more than one (or more than two, or three!) spellings?  Why do you think this happens?

Do you think it's important to try to get it right?  Why or why not? Who does it effect if we don't?

   So where are you going next?

Back to the Home Page, Please!