Hanni Woodbury facts for kids

Hanni Woodbury is a German-American expert who studies languages and cultures. She is known for her important work on the Onondaga language, which is spoken by the Onondaga Nation, a Native American group. She also studies other Iroquoian languages, which are related to Onondaga.

About Hanni Woodbury

Early Life and Moving to America

Hanni Woodbury was born in Hamburg, a city in Germany. After World War II ended, her family moved to the United States. This was a big change for her.

A Passion for Languages

Hanni Woodbury became a linguist. This means she is a scientist who studies human language. She also became an anthropologist, which means she studies human societies and cultures.

For more than 30 years, Hanni Woodbury has spent time with the Onondaga people. She does fieldwork, which means she goes to where the language is spoken to learn directly from people. She listens, records, and studies how the Onondaga language is used every day.

Her Important Dictionary

One of her most famous works is the first-ever dictionary of the Onondaga language. This dictionary helps people learn Onondaga and understand its words. It is a very important book for anyone studying the language. People have called her dictionary "monumental," meaning it is a huge and very impressive achievement.

Awards and Recognition

In 1994, Hanni Woodbury received a special award. It was one of the Mary Haas Awards from the Society for the Study of the Indigenous Languages of the Americas. She earned this award for her work on understanding Onondaga ceremonies. These ceremonies are important cultural events for the Onondaga people.

Works

Hanni Woodbury's work helps keep the Onondaga language and culture alive. Her dictionary and studies are valuable tools for future generations.