Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈɪwə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "chiwere" can be confusing due to its pronunciation. The correct pronunciation is [tʃɪwəɹi], which includes the voiceless postalveolar affricate "ch" sound followed by the vowel "i" and the "were" sound. This word is actually a Native American language spoken by the Iowa, Otoe-Missouria, and other tribes. It is often spelled "Chiwere" with a capital "C", but the more common spelling is with a lowercase "c".
Chiwere, also known as Iowa-Otoe-Missouria or Chippewa-Ottawa, is a Siouan language belonging to the Mississippi Valley subgroup. The term "Chiwere" commonly refers to both the language and the Native American tribes who speak it. The community of Chiwere speakers comprises three tribes, namely the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, and the Nebraska Indian Community-Santee Sioux Nation.
In terms of linguistic characteristics, Chiwere displays typical features of the Siouan language family. It is characterized by complex agglutinative morphology, employing extensive use of suffixes and prefixes, as well as incorporating tone distinctions. The Chiwere language includes distinct dialects associated with each of the three tribes, with minor variations in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
Culturally, the Chiwere-speaking tribes have a rich history deeply rooted in their ancestral lands within the Midwestern United States. Traditionally, they relied on subsistence farming and hunting, cultivating crops like corn, beans, and squash. Chiwere communities also have a unique cultural heritage, including distinctive art forms, songs, dances, and storytelling traditions.
Due to various historical and socio-cultural factors, the number of fluent Chiwere speakers has declined significantly, with only a few elderly individuals considered fully proficient. Nevertheless, efforts are being made by tribal communities and linguists to preserve and revitalize the Chiwere language, recognizing its immense value as an essential part of the cultural heritage of these Native American tribes.
The word "Chiwere" refers to a Native American language spoken by the Iowa, Otoe, and Missouria tribes. The term "Chiwere" itself is derived from the indigenous name for this language. The word "Chiwere" is a combination of two words: "chiwe" or "ʆʲiwe" meaning "speech" or "talk", and "re" or "ʆe" which denotes the word "real". Therefore, "Chiwere" can be translated as "real speech" or "genuine talk".
