Nothing replaces a dictionary, and with languages like Kumeyaay, one dictionary is never enough. Luckily, there are multiple print sources, primarily the two printed dictionaries listed below, that when combined can provide a fairly complete lexicon of 'Iipay Aa. If you are unable to get a hold of one of these physical dictionaries, I list some online resources further down the page.
1. Dictionary of Mesa Grande Diegueño
Published in 1973, this dictionary was compiled by native speakers Ted Couro and Christina Hutcheson with help from linguist Margaret Langdon. Focusing specifically on the Mesa Grande dialect, it is the primary lexical source for this site. It is invaluable for anyone learning any dialect of 'Iipay Aa, and is surprisingly thorough despite its compact size. Available in university libraries, print copies may still be available for purchase.
2. Barona Inter-Tribal Dictionary, 'Iipay Aa Tiipay Aa Uumall
Arranged by linguist Amy Miller, this dictionary published in 2008 encompasses several dialects of 'Iipay and Tiipay. It is ideal for anyone serious about learning Kumeyaay, and is highly effective when used in combination with the Mesa Grande dictionary. This important work contains an unprecedented amount of detail, including thousands of example sentences. Available in university and tribal libraries, any remaining copies can be purchased from the Barona tribal museum. Read more here.
3. 'Iipay Aa Living Dictionary <<Recommended
This is an online audio dictionary based on recordings of native speakers representing the Mesa Grande, Barona, and Campo dialects, including many words from Ted Couro himself. Each entry has audio, making this a powerful tool for learning pronunciation. Words are labeled with part of speech and have additional notes for their usage, dialect, and plural form, if applicable. The dictionary includes words, phrases, and sentences, some of which are not found in any printed dictionary.
4. Sam Brown's Kumeyaay Dictionary
This online dictionary was made by Sam Brown, a Kumeyaay elder from Viejas. In it, he lists words with recordings from himself and others. Words are spelled phonetically, so one must focus on how the word sounds, not how it is spelled. The best way to find words may be to enter one or two letters in the "Kumeyaay" box, and then any Kumeyaay words containing those letters will appear in the search. Browsing this dictionary is a great way to learn how words are pronounced.
5. Glosbe Kumiai-English Dictionary
This dictionary is part of Glosbe, a site which hosts many dictionaries for other rare languages. The full extent of this dictionary is unclear, though it seems to have a good number of basic words, apparently generated from linguistic documents, in the 'Iipay dialect. You may find it useful if you are unable to access a printed dictionary.
6. Memrise Course: 'Iipay Aa Nouns
If you need to quickly reference some basic nouns, my course on Memrise has these words listed by category. Also see my verbs course for basic verbs in context and my Intro to 'Iipay Aa course.
7. Mesa Grande Verb List
Click above to download an Excel spreadsheet I made listing every verb in the Dictionary of Mesa Grande Diegueño. By using the search function in Excel, you can find words almost as easily as from an online dictionary. Since this was hand-typed it may contain errors.