It means "hello," is pronounced "boo-joo" and, no, although it might seem like it, it apparently doesn't stem from the French "bonjour." Part of the language spoken for centuries by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, the term emerged long before Europeans arrived.

With just nine native Potawatomi speakers still alive and living in other parts of the country, Warren, Dowagiac's Majel DeMarsh, 66, and Niles resident Kyle Malott, 21, are among those paying close attention during the broadcasts. Malott said he's been intrigued by the language ever since he heard his cousin, South Bend resident Mike Zimmerman Jr., the tribe's historic preservation officer, speak it.

"Like the term for water is 'mbish.' But if you say the water is running, there's like 400 different ways to say it," Malott said.