The Northern dialect is known for maintaining traditional Cree pronunciation patterns and a distinct syllabic writing system. It uses long vowel forms and different characters compared to the Southern dialects. For example, Northern speakers often write:

• ᐋ (aa) instead of ᐁ (e)
• ᐹ (paa) instead of ᐯ (pe)
• ᒑ (chaa) instead of ᒉ (che)
• ᒫ (maa) instead of ᒣ (me)
• ᓈ (naa) instead of ᓀ (ne)

The Southern Coastal dialect is used in Cree communities along the James Bay coast. It follows the Southern Cree syllabic system, which uses shorter vowel symbols and slightly different characters compared to the Northern writing system. It features:

ᐁ, ᐯ, ᒉ, ᒣ, ᓀ, ᓭ, and ᔐ

This dialect also includes pronunciation differences—certain consonant sounds like “l” or “sh” may be used more often, and final sounds like ᒡ are sometimes pronounced as ᑦ , especially among Southern Coastal speakers. While ᒡ should still be used in writing (e.g., ᐄᔨᔫᒡ), this variation in pronunciation is common and accepted.

The Southern Inland dialect also uses the Southern Cree writing system, but with some distinct pronunciation patterns and word forms compared to the coastal dialect. For example, it tends to simplify consonant clusters, merge certain consonant sounds (such as “s” and “sh”), and use different word endings.

Inland speech reflects cultural practices rooted in forested environments, freshwater systems, and seasonal hunting, fishing, and gathering cycles.