Datapoint Michif/Definite articles

Demonstratives are from Cree, sometimes in a function similar to definite articles. They have different forms for the two genders (e.g. awa 'animate singular', uuma 'inanimate singular') and also in plural.
Definite articles are from French. They have different forms for the two genders (li 'masculine'; la 'feminine'; plural for both genders lii).
When a Cree demonstrative is used, a French definite article is also used.

On the other hand, it is not really definiteness or specificity that characterizes the use of li and la.

Values

Definite article distinct from demonstratives

Example 75-39:
Li garson kinoshiw.
Li
def.art.m
garson
boy
kino-shi-w.
tall-be-3sg
The boy is tall.

Source: Fleury 2007

Example 75-85:
niya ooma la liivr
niya(C)
1sg
ooma(C)
dem.inan.sg
li(F)
def.m
livr(F)
book
This book is mine.
Confidence:
Very certain