comment on language/style

The author uses words in the Cree language to immerse the reader in the culture and the mindset of the Cree characters that are the core of the story. The use of a difference language does two distinct things for this novel; it immerses the reader in the culture of the Cree and it gives greater significance to certain objects or actions when they are described in the Cree language. Whenever Xavier or Niska uses a Cree word, the reader begins to feel a connection to their culture and they are able to understand the significance behind the world. This is especially seen when they use the word "wemistikoshiw", which means white men. By using this word, Xavier and Niska show readers that this is a foreign people whom they do not understand and who do not understand them. They use it in a derogatory tone and readers are able to see the contempt they have for the world of the white man.