This is part of the ANKN Logo
This is part of the ANKN Banner
This is part of the ANKN Logo This
is part of the ANKN Banner Home Page About ANKN Publications Academic Programs Curriculum Resources Calendar of
Events Announcements Site Index This is part of the ANKN Banner
This is part of the ANKN Logo This is part of the ANKN Banner This is part of the ANKN Banner
This is part of the ANKN Logo This is part of the ANKN Banner This is part of the ANKN Banner
Native Pathways
to Education
Alaska Native
Cultural Resources
Indigenous
Knowledge Systems
Indigenous
Education Worldwide
 

"Ugiuvaŋmiuraaqtuaksrat"
Future King Island Speakers

Chapter 5

"UGIUVAŊMIURAAQTUAKSRAT" LESSONS

These lessons are intended to provide basic useful expressions and conversation in King Island Inupiaq for those learning to communicate in the language. Inupiaq grammar is very different from that of English; the words are based on stems or roots, which are usually followed by one or more suffixes (postbases) and then by an ending. For example, Ini is a noun stem meaning 'house'. Iniqaatut adds the suffix –qaq- 'have' and the ending –tut 'they plural,' so the entire word means, "They have a house". Therefore, this word corresponds to an entire sentence in English.

This guidebook and cassette tape (or CD) is modeled after Inupiaq Phrases and Conversations by Lawrence Kaplan and Lorena Williams in the Kotzebue dialect.
Below are the lessons that begin with what I call "baby language" since we use these types of words for our infants to begin learning the sounds to our language. They are shorter words of longer words or quick expressions. The adults surrounding the child often sing to an infant. We call this "nuniaq". It cannot be translated to English. The baby's name is sung along with relational names or a significant characteristic of a namesake.

SECTION 1: Inupiaq Sounds and Alphabet

The language uses many of the same letters as English but some are pronounced differently. Inupiaq also has different sounds than English that are shown below.

Consonants:

1) p t   k q
2) (b)        
3) (f) s sr ł kh qh h
4) v z zr l r g ġ
5) m n   ŋ  
6) w r y    

Vowels:
Short: a, i. u
Long: aa, ii, uu
Diphthongs: ai, ia, iu, ui, au, ua

1. ai- has an English long a sound
2. ia- as in English "media"
3. iu- as in English "cute"
4. ui- as in gooey
5. au- has an English long "o" sound
6. ua- as in English "quarter"

The alphabet:
Aa Bb Gg Ġġ Hh Ii Kk Ll Łł Mm Nn Ŋŋ
Pp Qq Rr Ss Srsr Tt Uu Vv Ww Yy Zz ZRzr

SECTION 2: Phrases and baby language

  1. Itaa
    something new, hair barrette
  2. Siq-siiq
    Playful expression (Say this while moving your head on one side)
  3. Pau
    Trying to make baby smile
  4. Samma samma (#4-#6 are one song).
    This is a hand game/song to get baby's attention.
  5. Samma samma,'aa samma samma. (2x)
    Oh there is something. (2x)
  6. Qaupuani izripak!
    There are big eyes on his/her forehead!
  7. Aapii
    sit down
  8. Mam mam
    food to eat
  9. Kizimii… (All alone)
    say this to encourage a baby to stand alone to start walking.
    Below is a song to tickle the baby with hand motioning as flying. (#10-#14)
  10. Tiŋmiaġruaq pagzrumaa!
    Hey Raven up there!
  11. Sumik kiŋmiaqpin?
    What is in your mouth?
  12. Kanayuasaamik!
    A little rockfish!
  13. Paviġuuraumaikma!
    Save me a tail!
  14. Qaq, qaq, qaq…
    Tickle the baby on his/her tummy.
  15. Ikii
    (Something) not good or dirty.
  16. Anaakaŋaa!
    So cute!
  17. Aituu.
    Hand it to me.
  18. Aituuŋ.
    Hand it her/him.

SECTION 3. Introductions and Questions

  1. Kiuvin? / Kina iblin?
    Who are you?
  2. Uaŋa Yaayuk. / Yaayuuruŋa.
    I am Yaayuk.
  3. Kiuva una?
    Who is that?
  4. Taamna Kiminaq.
    That is Kiminaq.
  5. Sumiuguin?
    Where are you from?
  6. Ugiuvaŋmiuguruŋa.
    I am from King Island.
  7. Kitkuuvak aŋayuġaakin?
    Who are your parents?
  8. Suksralu, Suluglu aŋayuġaaġiika.
    Suksraq and Suluk are my parents.
  9. Siqnasuamiuguruŋa.
    I am from Nome.
  10. Kiuva aanan?
    Who is your grandma?
  11. Kiuva avan?
    Who is your grandpa?
  12. Ilagiikpinuk?
    Are we2 related? (friends)?
  13. Ilagiiktuuk.
    We2 are related. (friends).
  14. Qanuġuuq ilagiikpinuk?
    How are we2 related?
  15. Iluuraiktuuk.
    We2 are cross-cousins [meaning our parents are brother and sister].

SECTION 4: Common Expressions

  1. Ii'ii / Ii'yaq
    Yes
  2. Naumi
    No
  3. Suli
    More, again
  4. Tavra
    Enough. That's all!
  5. Suna?
    What?
  6. Kiuvin?
    Who are you? What is your name?
  7. Pizuktuŋa.
    I want to.
  8. Pizuġnituŋa.
    I don't want to.
  9. Itiqalaŋa.
    Let me in.
  10. Pissaġaluaqnak, puq.
    Excuse me. I didn't mean to, I'm sorry.
  11. Kannaa!
    Here! Take it!
  12. Nauŋ'aa? // Nani?
    Where? //Where is it?
  13. Iliġanamiik.// Quyaanna.
    So thankful.// Thank you.
  14. Ki.
    Go.

SECTION 5: Exclamations

  1. Suguminau!
    Don't take it. Leave it alone. Leave her/him alone. [to one person}. (Stop pestering).
  2. Akkaa!
    So many! Too much! It's a lot!
  3. Na'aa!
    Ouch!
  4. Azitnaa! // Azit'navauruq saviġnamiik!
    Oh no! Shucks! // Oh my gosh! [Annoyed].
  5. Qilamik!
    Hurry up!
  6. Aa'aa
    Almost
  7. Annaa!
    Scary! [Almost falling or expression of fear].
  8. Ata!
    Stop! {Expression of annoyance].
  9. Maat'na tavra.
    That's it, good job.
  10. Ikkikii.
    So pretty. [something beautifully made]
  11. Iiyaitqaa!
    So poor. [feel bad for the person or situation].
  12. Ikkii!
    Gross! Yuk!
  13. Alapaa.
    Brrr. Cold.
  14. Iqsinaqtut!
    So scary! [Afraid of an angry person or a monster].
  15. Uunatut!
    Too hot! [As in a building or clothes].
  16. Naumaviuraq!
    Nope! No way!
  17. Ittiyaa!
    Huh? [Disbelief].
  18. Anaakaŋaa!
    So cute! [Usually for babies or small children]
  19. Unalu.
    This one too.
  20. Piksrauŋilaq.
    It's no good! Good for nothing!
  21. Suwa una?
    What in the world is he/she doing?
  22. Atta.
    I don't know.
  23. Qaaŋ?
    Really?
  24. Suna? / Ay?
    What? [When someone calls your name].
  25. Atugu!
    Look!
  26. Summa!
    Listen! [To a noise unseen].
  27. Naanaan.
    Wait.
  28. Ii'ii tani.
    Thanks again.
  29. Innuqunaqtut!
    So beautiful! So pretty! So cute!
  30. Suwikkiaq?
    What am I doing?
  31. Aa!
    Oh well!
  32. Tavra qaaŋ?!
    Is that okay? Is that it?
  33. Iblin 'aa?!
    How about you?
  34. Suzukpin?
    What do want?
  35. Nuulutin! // Nuulusi!
    Move over! [to one person]. //Move over! [to many people]
  36. Iiyaa!
    No way! [Something believed to be untrue]
  37. Qiviqtanaa!
    So annoying!
  38. Aasin!
    That's enough!
  39. Ataq'ugvakpak!
    Serves you right!
  40. Qaattuu!
    So lucky! / I want that too.

SECTION 6: Greetings and Leave-Taking

  1. Pulaaqtuat
    Visitors
  2. Itiġin!
    Come in!
  3. Nauŋ?
    The host, as a greeting, says this.
  4. Nauŋ, nauŋ?
    A surprised expression, after not seeing someone for a long time.
  5. Naguuvin?
    Are you fine?
  6. Qanuġuuq itpin? // Qanuġuuq itpisi?
    How are you? [to one person]. // How are you all doing?
  7. Naguuruŋa. // Naguuruut.
    I am fine. // We are fine.
  8. Suwin?
    What are you doing?
  9. Sawittuŋa.
    I'm working.
  10. Qanuġuuq itpa nulian?/ uin? / Naguuruq.
    How is your wife?/husband. He/she is fine.
  11. Qituġnatin 'aa? // Siktut. / Atnanaqtut.
    And your children? // They are sick. / They are in pain.
  12. Qanuġuuq itpat ilatin? // Naguurut.
    How is your family? // They are fine.
  13. Suyaqtavin? // Suŋilafa.
    What did you come to do? // Nothing. [I'm doing nothing].
  14. Navraq maaniitpa? // Inŋilaq.
    Is Navraq here? // She is not here.
  15. Ublaakun qaaŋ? // Naanaakun.
    Tomorrow huh? [I'll see you]. // Later.

SECTION 7: Common Requests

  1. Anniin. // Annitisi.
    Go out [to one person]. //Go out [to many people]
  2. Maligluŋa. // Maliglusi.
    Follow me. Come with me [to one person]. // Follow me. Come with me [to many people].
  3. Igayaluŋa. // Igayalusi.
    Help me [to one person]. // Help me [to many people].
  4. Aniruŋ. //Anisiuŋ.
    Take it out [to one person]. // Take it out [to many people].
  5. Tiuruŋ. // Tiusiuŋ.
    Touch it. Take it [to one people]. // Touch it. Take it [to many people].
  6. Qairuŋ. // Qaitkit.
    Give it here [to one people]. // Give them here.
  7. Niġġiin. Niġġitisi.
    Eat [to one people]. // Eat [to many people].
  8. Niġġiuŋ. // Niġġisiuŋ.
    Eat it [to one person]. // Eat it [to many people].
  9. Niġi'nak. // Niġit'nazi.
    Don't eat [to one people]. // Don't eat [to many people].
  10. Imiġuŋ. // Imiqsiuŋ.
    Drink it [to one people]. // Drink it [to many people].
  11. Iirruŋ.// Iitkit.
    Throw it out [to one people]. // Throw them out.
  12. Savaiġuŋ.
    Open the door [to one people].
  13. Savaguŋ. // Savagluu.
    Close the door [to one people].// Shut the door [to one people].
  14. Igiruŋ [naniq]. // Igiluit [nanit].
    Turn on the light [to one people]. // Turn the lights on.
  15. Qamiruŋ. // Qamitkit.
    Turn out the light[to one people]. // Turn the lights off.
  16. Piiġuŋ. // Piiqsiuŋ.
    Remove it [to one person]. // Remove it [to many people].
  17. Piiġin. // Piiqsi.
    Move out of the way [to one person]. // Move out of the way [to many people].
  18. Mattain. // Mattaġisi.
    Take off your parka, coat [to one people]. // Take off your parka, coat [to many people].
  19. Kamilain. //Kamilaġisi.
    Take off your boots [to one people]. // Take off your boots [to many people].
  20. Aġuvitin. // Aġuvitisi.
    Sit down [to one people]. // Sit down [to many people].
  21. Utaqiġaŋa. // Utaqiġaqsiŋa.
    Wait for me [to one people]. // Wait for me [to many people].
  22. Qaġġiin. // Qaġġitisi.
    Come here [to one people]. // Come here [to many people].
  23. Magitin. // Magitizi.
    Wake up [to one people]. // Wake up [to many people].
  24. Innatiġin. // Innatiqizi.
    Go to bed [to one people]. // Go to bed [to many people].
  25. Auŋain. // Auŋaġisi.
    Go away [to one people]. // Go away [to many people].
  26. Aksuġitnau. // Aksuġinaziuŋ.
    Don't touch it [to one people]. // Don't touch it [to many people].
  27. Qaiyumautin suli. // Qaiyumausi suli
    Come again [to one people]. // Come again [to many people].
  28. Puuyanak. Puuyanasi
    Don't forget [to one people]. // Don't forget [to many people].
  29. Pinnagu.
    Don't do it. Don't take it [to one people].
  30. Tuvagin. // Tuvakkisi.
    Wake up [to one people]. Wake up [to many people].
  31. Nuutin. // Nuutizi
    Move [to one people]. Move [to many people].
  32. Taisiġaġuŋsuli. // Taisiġaqsiuŋsuli.
    Please say it again [to one person]. Say it again [to many people].
  33. Sukaaqtauralutin qaniġin.
    Speak a little more slowly [to one person].
  34. Qaġu'minak. // Qaġu'minasi.
    Don't dig around. Don't get into things [to one people]. // Don't dig around. Don't get into things [to many people].

SECTION 8: Common Questions and Sample Answers

  1. Susukpita? / Basketball-iaqta. / Manaġiaqta
    What shall we do? / Let's go to the basketball game./ Let's go fishing.
  2. Susukpin? / Basketball-iaġuktuŋa / Manaġiaġuktuŋa.
    What are you going to do? /I want to go to the basketball game./ I want to go fishing.
  3. Suwin? / Agusiruŋa. / Riiqtuŋa. / Killiaqtuŋa. / Iġġuiruŋa.
    What are you doing? / I'm whipping berries. / I am reading. / I'm sewing. / I'm washing dishes.
  4. Sumik niġisugvita? / Maktaŋmik. / Piniqtumik. / Iġaŋmik. / Iġaluŋmik.
    What shall we eat? / Muktuk./ Dried meat / Frozen meat or fish. /Fish.
  5. Sumik niġisugvin? / Qaqqiamik. / Alunik. / Agutamik. / Qaqquluktamik.
    What do you want to eat? / Bread./ Berries. / Whipped dried fish. /A pilot bread.
  6. Sumik pisukpin? / Sawiŋmik. / Atigimik. / Ulumik. / Aglautimik.
    What do you want? / A knife. A parka. / An ulu. / A pencil.
  7. Naqmuŋaġataqpin? / Niuvaniaġviŋmun. / Iskuuġviŋmun. / Katikviŋmun.
    Where are you going? / To the store. / To the school./ To the meeting hall.
  8. Nani itpin? / Siniktawiŋmi. / Iskuuġviŋmi. / Aakagutni.
    Where are you staying? / At the hotel. / At the school. / At our grandmother's.
  9. Sumiuguin?/ Siqnasuamiuguruŋa./ Ugiuvaŋmiuguruŋa./ Kiŋikmiuguruŋa. / Talamiuguruŋa.
    Where are you from? / I am from Nome. / I am from King Island. / I am from Wales. / I am from Teller.
  10. Nagin puwin?/ Iskuuġviŋmin / Uaptiŋnin./ Mizrviŋmin. /
    Where did you come from? / From the school. / From my home. / From the airport.
  11. Qaŋa qaivin?/ Unnuaq qairuŋa./ Ublaaq.
    When did you arrive? / I arrived last night. / This morning.
  12. Qanuqtun maani iłłiuqpin?/ Wiiktiġaaġluu./ Ugiułiuqtuŋa./ Taqqiliuqtuŋa
    How long will you be here?/ I'll stay a week./ I'll spend the winter./ I'll stay a month.
  13. Suliuqpin maani?/ Sawiłiuqtuŋa./ Ilisazaqłiuqtuŋa.
    What are you going to do here? / I'm going to work. / I'm going to study. (also means I'm going to catechism).
  14. Qagun aiłiuqpin? / Ublaakun. / Uŋaliakun. / Ikparaaġun.
    When will you go home? / Tomorrow. / Day after tomorrow. / In a few days.
  15. Kitkuuvak aŋayuġaakin? / Anianalu, Taaġluglu
    Who are your parents? / Aniana and Taabluk
  16. Qituġnaġaqpin? / Ii'yaq, maġluuŋnik./ Piŋasunik. / Sitamanik. / Tallimanik.
    Do you have children? / Yes, two./ Three./ Four./ Five.
  17. Kia una pia? / Uaŋa pigiiga. / Aluuram pigiyaa. / Iblin pigiin.
    Whose is this? / It is mine. / It is Aluuraq's. / It is yours.
  18. Kia uguak piik? / Uguak pigiika. / Aluuram pigiyaik. / Iblin pigiitin.
    Whose are these2? / They2 are mine. / They2 are Aluuraq's. / They are yours.
  19. Kiuva aakin? / Taaġluk aakaigia. / Aakaigia Taaġluk
    Who is your mother? / Taaġluk is my mother. My mother is Taaġluk.
  20. Kiuva aapan? (Aaŋan)? / Alvana aapaigia. / Aaŋaigia Alvana.
    Who is your father? / Alvana is my father. / My father is Alvana.
  21. Aanan (Avan) inuuva suli?/ Ii'yaq, inuuruq aglaan utuqauqtuq.
    Is your grandmother (grandfather) still alive? / Yes, she/he is alive, but she/he has gotten old.
  22. Nani sawitpin?/ Sawituŋa iskuuġviŋmi./ Naŋnizrviŋmi.
    Where do you work? / I work at the school. / At the hospital.
  23. Qagun aulaġiliuqpin?/ Ublaakun. aulaġiłiuqtuŋa./ Wednesday-mi.
    When will you leave? / I will leave tomorrow./ On Wednesday.
  24. Utiqłiuqpin ilaatni?/ Ii'ii uvaġnaagun utiqłiuqtuŋa./ Ugiaġun.
    Will you come back sometime?/ Yes, in the summer, I will return. / Next fall.
  25. Niġipiaqtaviin./ Ii'yaq, niqsatuġatuŋa./ Aglaan miziġautailaŋa.
    Do you eat Native food?/ Yes, I eat seal meat./ But I don't have sealoil.
  26. Qanuqtava taamna? / Tamałkuuruq. / Quvisuŋauruq.
    How much does that cost? / It's a dollar. / It's a quarter.
  27. Kaŋiqsuiŋaa? / Ii'ii sukaaqtauralutin. / Naumi, kaŋiqsiŋilain.
    Do you understand me? / Yes, when you speak slowly. / No, I don't understand you.
  28. Naguaġayuŋ una? / Iiyaq, naguaġiiga. / Naumi naguaġiŋilaġa.
    Do you like this? / Yes, I like it. / No, I don't like it.
  29. Maliglain qaaŋ? / Kii ata.
    May I go with you? / Go ahead.
  30. Qanuġuuq 'aa? / Imatnaa./ Taimana.
    How should I do it then? / Like this. / Like that.
  31. Kiuva una? / Suluk, aaŋaigia.
    Who is this? / Suluk, he is my father.
  32. Sumik yuuqaukpin?/ Kuupiamik. / Saayumik.
    What kind of hot drink do you want? / Coffee. / Tea.
  33. Suuva una Inupiaqtun? / Aġupiutaq.
    What is this in Inupiaq? / A chair.
  34. Suuva una Naluaġmiuttun?
    What is this in English?
  35. Qanuġuuq tainava "wolverine" Inupiaqtun? / Tainatuq, "qappik"
    How do we say "wolverine" in Inupiaq? / It's called, "qappik."

SECTION 9: Personal Conditions and Feelings?

  1. Kaaŋniuqpin? // Kaaŋniuqtuŋa. // Kaaŋniuŋilaŋa.
    Are you hungry? // I'm hungry. // I'm not hungry.
  2. Niġisuliqpin? // Niġisuliqtuŋa. // Niġisuliŋilaŋa.
    Are you ready to eat? // I'm ready to eat. // I'm not ready to eat.
  3. Uiġnaliqpin? // Uiġnaliqtuŋa. // Uiġnaliŋilaŋa.
    Are you sleepy? // I'm sleepy. // I'm not sleepy.
  4. Muġnatuqpin? // Muġnatuqtuŋa. //Muġnatuŋilaŋa.
    Are you tired? // I'm tired. // I'm not tired.
  5. Sikpin? // Siktuŋa. // Siŋilaŋa.
    Are you sick? // I'm sick. // I'm not sick.
  6. Niaquŋuvin? // Niaquŋuruŋa. // Niaquŋuŋilaŋa.
    Do you have a headache? // I have a headache. // I don't have a headache
  7. Yuuqaukpin? // Yuuqauktuŋa. //Yuuqauŋilaŋa.
    Do you want a hot drink? // I want a hot drink. // I don't want a hot drink.
  8. Qiutpatin? // Qiutkaaŋa. // Qiunŋilaaŋa
    Are you cold? // I'm cold. // I'm not cold.
  9. Itigaayaavatin? // Itigaayaaŋa. Itigaayaaŋilaŋa.
    Are your feet cold? // My feet are cold. // My feet are not cold.
  10. Uunaavin? // Uunavaktuŋa. // Uunaŋilaŋa.
    Are you hot? // I'm very hot. // I'm not hot.
  11. Aġianŋuwin? // Aġianŋuruŋa. // Aġianŋuŋilaŋa.
    Do you have a stomachache? // I have a stomachache. // I don't have a stomachache.
  12. Alianiuqpin? // Alianiuqtuŋa. // Alianiuŋilaŋa.
    Are you lonely? // I'm lonely. // I'm not lonely.
  13. Quyasugvin? // Quyasuktuŋa. // Quyasuŋilaŋa.
    Are you happy? // I'm happy. // I'm not happy.
  14. Utiġuliqpin? // Utiġuliqtuŋa. // Utiġuŋilaŋa.
    Are you homesick? // I'm homesick. // I'm not homesick.

SECTION 10: Names and General Conversation (dialogue)

  1. Kiuvin Naluaġmiutun?
    What is your English name?
  2. Atiġa David.
    My name is David.
  3. Kiuvin Inupiaqtun.
    What is your Inupiaq name?
  4. Inupiaqtun atiġa Kamigaasiaq. [Kamik for short – meaning shoe].
    My Inupiaq name is Kamigaasiaq.
  5. Kiuva aakauran Inupiaqtun?
    What is your older sister's Inupiaq name?
  6. Inupiaqtun atqa Paniġrak
    Her Inupiaq name is Panġrak.
  7. Nugan kimik Naluaġmiutun atiqaava?
    What is your younger sibling's English name?
  8. Atqa John
    His name is John.
  9. Aipaġaqpiin?
    Are you married?
  10. Uiqaatuŋa.
    I have a husband.
  11. Nuliaqaavin?
    Do you have a wife?
  12. Nuliaqaatuŋa.
    I have a wife.
  13. Iviamik aipaġaqtuŋa.
    My spouse is Iviaq.
  14. Qituġnaġaqpin?
    Do you have children?
  15. Qapsinik qituġnaġaqpin?
    How many children do you have?
  16. Atausimik qituġnaġaqtuŋa, maġluuŋnik paniqaatuŋa,
    I have one son and two daughters.
  17. Qapsinik ugiuvin?
    How old are you?
  18. Inuinaq qulinik ugiuruŋa.
    I'm thirty years old.
  19. Sulaqpat qituġnatin?
    What do your children do?
  20. Siqnazuami iskuuġiaqtatut.
    They go to school in Nome.

SECTION 11: Birthday and Birthplace (dialogue)

  1. Nani aniruatin?
    Where were you born?
  2. Siqnazuami aniruaŋa.
    I was born in Nome.
  3. Nani inuuvin?
    Where do you live?
  4. Brevig-mi inuuruŋa. (Sitaisaq or Sinauraq are Inupiaq names).
    I live in Brevig [Mission].
  5. Qagun annuililiuqpin?
    When is your birthday?
  6. Ubluminin annuiliruŋa.
    Today is my birthday.
  7. Utuqaiviŋaa?
    Are you older than me?
  8. Naumi, utuqaiŋilaqpin.
    No, I am not older than you.
  9. Uziiŋi utuqaigigvin.
    I thought I was older than you.
  10. Iblin'aa nani anniruatin?
    And where were you born?
  11. Anchorage-mi aniruaŋa.
    I was born in Anchorage.

SECTION 12: Common Nouns

  1. aŋun // Taamna aŋun uigiiga.
    man // That man is my husband.
  2. aġnaq // Una aġnaq nuliaġayuŋ? / Iiyaq, nuliaġiiga.
    woman // Is this woman your wife? / Yes, she is my wife.
  3. umiaq // Umiakun aulaliuqtuuk Tuqsrumun.
    boat // We'll2 go by boat to pick greens at Tuqsruq. [entry into Imaruk Basin]
  4. ini // Iniqaavin Tuqsrumi?
    house // Do you have a house in Tuqsruq?
  5. palatkaaq // Naumi, palatkaaqatuŋa.
    tent // No, I have a tent.
  6. iskuuġvik // Assaga iskuuqtauruq iskuuġviŋmi.
    school // My aunt is a teacher at the school.
  7. qituġnaq // Qapsinsik qituġnaġaqpitik?
    son, offspring // How many children do you two have?
  8. migiqłiq // MigiqŌit aqsaavaktut.
    small child // The children are rambunctious.
  9. niuvaniaġvik // Qapsinik niuvaniaġviġaqpa Siqnazuaq?
    store // How many stores are there in Nome?
  10. aŋaayuwik // Aŋaayaaġnazivauŋ? / Aŋaayaaġnazigaa
    church // Is it time for church? / It is time for church.
  11. kuuk // Iġaluŋniaqtut kuuŋmi.
    river // They are fishing at the river.
  12. imaaġruk, taġiuq // Aŋutit aŋuniaqtut taġiumun.
    sea, ocean // The men are hunting at the sea.
  13. mizrvik // Mizrvimun taaritisuminaviŋaa?
    airport // Can you possibly take me up to the airport?
  14. nuna // Nuna manna auġravakkaa.
    land // The land here has gotten very green.
  15. navraq // Navrami aliuġaġaqtuq.
    lake // There's sourdocks at the lake.
  16. kiktuġiaq // Uvaġnaami kiktuġiaqłainavauruq tamaani.
    mosquito // In the summer there are lots of mosquitoes here.
  17. qimugin // Qimugin pituilaq.
    dog // The dog is unchained.
  18. silakuaqsuun // Silakuaqsuutit Uŋalaliġaatut iniqłuu.
    aiport // Planes often go to Unalakleet.
  19. suppun // Qanusimik supptiqaavin?
    gun // What kind of gun do you have?
  20. iġvaniq // Iġvaniqłiuqpaa?
    rain // Is it gong to rain.
  21. Inupiuaqtun // Aanan Inupiuaqtun qaniġuminavaa?
    Inupiaq language // Does your grandmother in Inupiaq?
  22. Naluaġmiu // Naluqġmiu kawiqtuanik sukłuġaqtuq.
    white person // The white person has red hair.
  23. ui // Uiga kaatatuġatuq.
    husband // My husband eats beluga muktuk.
  24. nuliaq // Nuliaġa killiatavaktuq.
    wife // My wife sews a lot.
  25. panik // Paniin college-mi itpaa?
    daughter // Is your daughter in college?
  26. qituġnaq // Qituġnaa aŋuniayavaktuq.
    son // Her son is good hunter.

SECTION 13: Directions (dialogue)

  1. Qaniqsuutiġaqpa tamaani? // Qaniqsuutiġaqtuq niuvanniaġviŋmi.
    Is there a phone here? // There is a phone at the store.
  2. Nauŋ'aa niuvaniaġvik? // Naŋizrvik qaaŋalaguu tatpawani summa. Ałłanik niuvanniaġviġaqtuq uptaumi.
    Where is the store? // There is one up from the hospital. There are other stores in town.
  3. Qanusiuva? Kawiqtuagua? // Ii'yaq, kawiqtuaguruq.
    What is it like? Is it red? // Yes, it is red.
  4. Nauŋ'aa Post office-iq? // Qanituurauruq ikkaa.
    Where is the Post Office? // It's nearby it's over there.
  5. Nauŋ'aa iskuuġvik? // Pawani summa, Fifth avenue-mi.
    Where is the school? // It's up there on Fifth avenue.
  6. Nauŋ'aa XYZ, utuqanaat qitiqutawiat? // Citi-Office-im sanniani ittuq.
    Where is the XYZ Center, where elders eat lunch? // It is next to the city office.
  7. Nauŋ'aa aŋaayuwik? // Kituq aŋaayuwik?
    Where is the church? // Which church?
  8. Kaakłit aŋaayuwiat Steadman Street-mi ittuq.
    The Catholic church is on Steadman Street.

SECTION 16: Weather (words/phrases)

  1. Qanuġuuq itpa sila?
    How is the weather?
  2. Mazaġavakkaa.
    It is very sunny.
  3. Silagiktuq.
    It is nice out.
  4. Silaluktuq.
    It is stormy.
  5. Isriliqtuq.
    It is chilly out. (very cold)
  6. Piqłatuq.
    It is drizzling.
  7. Taksava?
    Is it foggy?
  8. Taksatuq.
    It is foggy.
  9. Anuqłatuq.
    It is windy.
  10. Anuġailaq.
    It is not windy.
  11. Qilagluktuq.
    It is cloudy.
  12. Iġvaniqtuq.
    It is raining
  13. Qannatuq.
    It is snowing.
  14. Qiutkaaŋa.
    I'm cold.
  15. Itigaiyaaŋa.
    My feet are cold.
  16. Agzraiyaaŋa.
    My hands are cold.
  17. Siutaiyaaŋa.
    My ears are cold.
  18. Israituaravan qizruktaliuqtuŋa.
    When it becomes warmer, I will fetch some firewood.
  19. Silagisikpauŋ aġuituwaaqłiuqtuŋa.
    When the weather becomes nice, I will take a walk.
  20. Uŋalaliqman, alapaaġaatuq.
    When the east wind blows, it is cold.
  21. Uniaġaliuqtut Siqnazuamun race-alutit.
    They will have a dogsled race to Nome.
  22. Iditarod Dogsled Race-mik atiqaatuq.
    It is called Iditarod Dog Sled Race.
  23. Joe Garnie uniaġaluni race-ataqtuaq.
    Joe Garnie used to race by dog sled.
  24. Uvaġnaataa manna.
    It is almost summer here.
  25. Israitaaqpauŋ, ilait tuiġat nunayaliuqut.
    When the weather warms up, some people will go camping.
  26. Sitkamun nunayataqtut Siŋigammun.
    They usually go camping on the beach at Cape Wooley.
  27. Uvanġnagŋsrami aŋuniaġatut aŋutit piyuminaqtuat.
    In the spring, the men that are able to, will go hunting.
  28. niqsaq // Niqsaniaqtut silagiksikman.
    seal // They went hunting for seals when it was good weather.
  29. qayaq // Qayaqtatuq anuqłiŋaan.
    kayak // He is kayaking even though it is windy.
  30. ugruk // Ugruŋniaqtut isrraiqman.
    bearded seal // They went hunting for bearded seals when it was not so cold.
  31. niġiksrat // Taġuaqtut niġiksranik.
    food // They brought food along to eat for their trip.

SECTION 17: Counting

  1. atausiq// Atausimik aakauraġaqtuŋa.
    one// I have one older sister.
  2. maġluuk// Maġluuŋnik nugaqatuŋa.
    two// I have two younger siblings.
  3. piŋasut// Piŋasunik iġniġaqtuŋa.
    three// I have three children.
  4. sitamat// Sitamanik tutiqaatuq.
    four// She/he has four grandchildren.
  5. tallimat// Tallimanik qituġnaġaqtuuk.
    five//We2 two have five sons.
  6. aġvinikłit// Aġvinikłinik migiqłiġaqtuq hall-ami.
    six// There are six children in the hall.
  7. tallimat maġluuk// Tallimat maġluuŋnik sayuqtiġaqtut.
    seven// They have seven dancers.
  8. tallimat piŋasut// Tallimat piŋasunik aituŋa.
    eight// Give me eight of them.
  9. qulinŋutailat// Qulinŋutailat tuiġat qaiyaarut.
    nine// All nine people came.
  10. qulit// Qulit aġnat taliqtut.
    ten// Ten women are bench dancing.
  11. qulit atausiq// qulit atausimik iġaluktuq aŋun.
    eleven// The man caught eleven fish.
  12. qulit maġluuk// Qulit maġluuk iskuuqtuat inauraaqtut.
    twelve// Twelve students are playing.
  13. qulit piŋasut// Niaqsaaġruk qulit piŋasunik iġałuanik manaqtuq.
    thirteen// The girl caught thirteen tomcods.
  14. agimiaġutailaq// Agimiaġutailanik saakłaniktuŋa.
    fourteen// I bought fourteen chocolates.
  15. agimiaq// Agimianik tamałkuġaqpin?
    fifteen// Do you have fifteen dollars? (dollar bills)
  16. agimiaq atuasiq// Qanuqtun ugiuvin? Agimiaq atausiq.
    sixteen// How old are you? Sixteen.
  17. agimiaq maġluuk// Agimiaq maġluuk tuiġat Utqiaġviŋmuġataqtut.
    seventeen// Seventeen people are going to Barrow.
  18. agimiaq piŋasut// Qapsinik qunŋiġaqpa?/ Agimiaq piŋasut.
    eighteen// How many reindeer are there? / Eighteen.
  19. inuinaġutailat// Qapsiuvat ipkua sawituat? Inuinaġutailat
    nineteen// How many people are working over there? Nineteen.
  20. inuinnaq// Inuinanik inuqaatuq tuiġanik.
    twenty// There are twenty people.
  21. inuinnaq atausiq// Attausiiga inuinaq atausimik maninik.
    twenty one// I paid him twenty one dollars.
  22. inuinaq qulit// Taqqiq inuinaq qulinik ubluġaqtuq.
    thirty// A month has thirty days.
  23. Maġluutiviaq// Aakaaga maġluutivianik annuiliruq.
    forty// Her mother turned forty on her birthday.
  24. piŋasuutiviaq// Piŋasuutiviaqpin?
    sixty// Are you sixty years old?
  25. tallimativiaq// Tallimativiat inuit silakuaqsuutigun tigittut.
    one hundred// One hundred people arrived by plane.
  26. kabluutit// Kabluutit qaŋalugit inuqaatuq Siqnasuaq.
    thousand// More than a thousand people live in Nome.

SECTION 18: Place Names

  1. Siqnazuaq// Siqnazuami ittuŋa.// Siqnazuaqłiuqtuŋa. Siqnazuamin qaiłiuqtuŋa. // Siqnazuamiuguruŋa.
    Nome// I'm in Nome.// I'll go to Nome.// I'll be coming from Nome.// I'm from Nome.
  2. Kiŋigin// Kiŋikmi ittutin.// Kiŋikmaliuqtutun. Kiŋikmin qaiłiuqtutin.// Kiŋikmiugurutin.
    Wales// You are in Wales.// You'll go to Wales. You'll be coming from Wales.// You're from Wales.
  3. Qiġiqtaq// Qiġiqtami ituq.// Qiġiqtamuqłiuqtuq.// Qiġiqtamin qaiłiuqtuq.// Qiġiqtamiuguruq.
    Shishmaref// He/she is at Shishmaref.// He/she will go to Shishmaref.// He/she is coming from Shishmaref.// He/she is from Shishmaref
  4. Qigiqtaaruk
    Kotzebue
  5. Ugiuvak
    King Island
  6. Qiġuutaq
    East End (of Nome)
  7. Tala
    Teller
  8. Siġnaq
    Sinruk as in "Sinrock Mary" or Sinuk as in Sinuk River
  9. Uunaatuġvik
    Pilgrim Hot Springs
  10. Tigiġaq
    Point Hope
  11. Utqiaġvik// Utqiaġvimuqtuq paniga unnuaq.
    Barrow// My daughter went to Barrow yesterday.
  12. Quyuk
    Koyuk
  13. Saqtuliq
    Shaktoolik
  14. Uŋalaliq
    Unalakleet
  15. Qawiaraq
    Mary's Igloo
  16. Tapqaq
    Stebbins
  17. Siŋik
    Golovin
  18. Qułłiq/ Qułłit aġġiaqtatut qaipłutik.
    Chukchii (Siberian Native) person/ The Chukchii people came to dance.
  19. Ayaaq
    Sledge Island
  20. Ayaasagzraq
    Cape Nome
  21. Siuġaq
    St. Lawrence Island
  22. Nuuk
    Nook
  23. Sitaisaq/ Sinauraq
    Brevig Mission
  24. Kuugruaq
    Kougarock (area)

SECTION 19: Dialogue on Place Names

  1. Qagun aulaġiłiuqpin Ayaasagzramun?
    When will you travel to Cape Nome?
  2. Ublaakun aulaġiłiuqtuŋa.
    I'm leaving tomorrow.
  3. Qiġiqtauŋilaŋa, Talasuktuŋa.
    I won't be going to Shishmaref, I'll go to Teller.
  4. Suliuqpin Talami?
    What will you do in Teller?
  5. Katumayaqłiuqtuŋa.
    I will to a meeting.
  6. Nulian/Uin, aulaġiłiuqpa tauq?
    Is your wife/husband going too?
  7. Naumi, paaġiliuġait migiqłit.
    No, he/she will take care of the children.
  8. Ilaqaavin Talami?
    Do you have family at Teller?
  9. Ilaqaatuŋa Talami.
    I have relatives at Teller.
  10. Iluuraatka Talami itut.
    My cross-cousin and family live in Teller.
  11. Qanuqtun uŋasigva Siqnasuamin?
    How far is it from Nome?
  12. Silakuaqsuutigun thirty minutes, Karagun'aa 2 hours ittuq.
    Thirty minutes by plane, and two hours by car.
  13. Iġaluglainauvaa Talami?
    Are there lots of fish at Teller?
  14. Ii'yaq iġaluglairuq, suli iġałuaniklu, iłquaniklu.
    Yes, there are salmon, tomcods and smelts.
  15. Tala Grantley Harbor-mi ittuq.
    Teller is at the Grantley Harbor.
  16. Ałłamik qanituuramik nunaaqiuraġaqpa Talamin?
    Is there another village near Teller?
  17. Ii'ii Sitaisaq qanittuurauruq. Port Clearance Bay-mi ituq.
    Yes, Brevig Mission is nearby. It is on Port Clearance Bay.
  18. Qagun utiqpagliuqpin?
    When will you return?
  19. Week-luŋa.
    I'll be a week.

SECTION 18: The Seasons

  1. uvaġnakgraq // Uvaġnagzraŋmi aŋutit aŋuniaġaatut.
    spring// In springtime the men go out hunting.
  2. uvaġnaaq // Uvaġnaami iġaluŋniaġaatugut, uunaaqtuq.
    summer // In summer we fish and it is hot.
  3. ugiaksraq // Ugiaksrami aluŋniaġatugut.
    Early autum // In early autumn we pick berries.
  4. ugiuq // Ugiumi basketball-ataqtuut.
    winter // In winter we play basketball.

SECTION 19: Time

  1. Naqmun ilivauŋ sassaq?
    What time is it?
  2. Two o'clock-tuq. // Two o'clock qaaŋiyaa.
    It's two o'clock. // It's past two o'clock.
  3. Sukkavaktuq sassaq.
    Time is really going fast.
  4. Waasiġaqpin?
    Do you have a watch?
  5. Katimanaqsiruq.
    It's time for the meeting.
  6. Qagun iskuuġiaġnaziłiuqpauŋ?
    What time do we head to school?
  7. Ainaziruq. // Ainazigaa.
    It is time to go home.
  8. Iskuuŋaiġuliqsirut.
    It's almost time for school to be out.
  9. Tiŋmiat tusuliqtut.
    It's almost time for geese to arrive.
  10. Taamuŋaqłiuqtuŋa piłiġaaġluŋa.
    I will come over when I am done.
  11. Marila-gutnaliuqtuut five o'clock-pauŋ.
    We will go to Marilyn's place at five o'clock.
  12. Ublaami uitiqpagliuqtuŋa Fairbanks-amun.
    In the morning, I will return to Fairbanks.
  13. Qagun niġiłiuqpita?
    When will we eat?
  14. Aġġiliuqtut naanaakun.
    There will be traditional dancing later.

SECTION 20: Foods

  1. aluk // Aluit naguaqpaurut. // Aluŋmik aituŋa.
    berry, blackberry// The berries are really good.// Give me some berries.
  2. aqpik // Aqpiktut migiqłit. // Aqpiŋniaġuktugut.
    salmonberry // The children picked salmonberries. // We will go pick salmonberries.
  3. suġaq // Suġat amiġlaurut. // Suġattutuvaktuq qituġnaġaa.
    blueberry// Blueberries are plentiful. //My son loves blueberries.
  4. kipmik // Kipmiŋniaqtuut. // Kipmiit kawiqtut.
    cranberry// We are picking cranberries.// Cranberries are red.
  5. puyuaġuaqhaq // Puyuġuaġat miksruuraurut. // Puyuġuaġat qapsiurauratut.
    raspberry// Raspberries are small.// Raspberries are not many.
  6. siiġnatuaq // Siiġnatuat iayuminaikut.
    dried fruit // We can cook dried fruit.
  7. suġauŋayuk // Suġauŋayuktavaktuŋa.
    Raison // I eat raisons all the time.
  8. aapuq // Aaput nausuilat Alaska-mi.
    apple // Apples don't grow in Alaska.
  9. auranasiq // Auranasinik agilatuŋa.
    orange // I bought some oranges.
  10. agutaq // Assaaluk agusiraqtuq agutamik. // Agututuqtavin?
    Traditional berry mix// Assaaluk whips a traditional berry mix./ Do you eat traditional berry mix?
  11. suraq // Suraniaqtuut. // Qitiquutatugt silami.
    willow greens/ We are picking willow greens. // We ate lunch outside.
  12. azziaq // Nunivaktut azzianik.
    saxifrage greens. // They are picking saxifrage greens.
  13. aliuġaq (aluiġaq) // Aliuġaniaqtuŋa. (Aluiġaniaqtuŋa).
    sourdock // I am picking sourdocks.
  14. qaqqiaq // Qaqqianik agiliaŋaruŋa./ Qaqqiaqtuukpin?
    Bread // I want to buy some bread. // Do you want to eat some bread?
  15. paniqtuq // Unuutatugut paniqtumik. // Paniqtiliuġatugut uvanġnami.
    dried seal meat/ We ate dried meat for dinner./ We make dried meat in the spring.
  16. aŋimaaq // Aŋimaaqtatuŋa suranik taŋiqłuŋa. // Aŋimaat amiakuluataurut.
    boiled half-dried salmon // I ate boiled half-dried salmon with willow greens. // Boiled half-dried salmon make good leftovers.
  17. saayuq // Saayuq izuqtuq. //Saayutuqyaŋaruŋa.
    Tea // The tea is strong. // I want some tea to drink.
  18. yuuqaq // Yuuqaukpin? // Aŋutit yuuqayaŋanrut.
    Hot drink // Would you like a hot drink? // The men want a hot drink.
  19. imiq // Imiq niglinaqtuq. // Imiq kuitnau.
    Water // The water is cold. // Don't spill the water.

SECTION 21: Household Items

  1. tiivuq, niġġuik // Tanniluu tiivuq.
    table // Wipe the table.
  2. kuupiriuġvik // Kuupiriuġvik imaqatuinava?
    coffee maker // Is there still coffee in the coffee maker?
  3. iknuik // Iknuik uunaatuq.
    stove // The stove is hot.
  4. iggan // Igatikun uuraliuġuktuŋa.
    cooking pot // I will make boiled fish in the cooking pot.
  5. naniq // Igiluu naniq // Qamiluu naniq.
    light // Turn the light on. // Turn the light off.
  6. ulu // Ulu qairuŋ.
    woman's knife, semi-circular shape // Give me the ulu.
  7. sinigvik // Sinivik nuuluu. // Iliuġaġiksalugu.
    bed // Move the bed. // Make the bed. (Place them neatly).
  8. ialiq // Ialiq aziŋatiqtuq.
    window // The window broke.
  9. taalutaq // Taalutabluu ialiq.
    curtain // Draw the curtain [over the window].
  10. savak // Savakluu savak. // Savailaq savak.
    door // Shut the door. // The door is open.
  11. mop-autiq// mop -autiq niuŋaruq.
    mop // The mop is hanging up.
  12. tilaġitit // Tilaġitit nutaagurut.
    broom // The broom is new.

SECTION 22: Fish, Animals, Birds

  1. iġaluk // Kuuŋmi iġaluġniaqtut.
    salmon, fish // They are fishing in the river.
  2. iġałuaq // Iġałuaġniaġatut uvaġnaagsramilu, ugiaksramilu.
    tomcods // They fish for tomcods in the spring and in the fall.
  3. iłquaġniq // Manaqtuq aġnaġuksraq iłquaġninik.
    smelt // The old woman hooked smelts.
  4. qunŋiq // Qunŋiliuqtuŋa unuutagzramik.
    reindeer // I cooked reindeer for dinner.
  5. tuttu // Tuttuniaqtut Tom -kut.
    caribou // Tom and his crew went caribou hunting.
  6. tuttavak, muusaq // Muusat aktavaurut.
    Moose // Moose are very big. (Tuttavak is also a horse).
  7. niqsaq // Niqsat amiluataġaqtut.
    seal // Seals have good hides.
  8. ugruk // Ugruit uqsriat mizaġaluatauruq.
    bearded seal // The bearded seals' fat is very good seal oil.
  9. aiviq // Aivaniaqtut Ugiuvaŋmun.
    walrus // They went walrus hunting at King Island.
  10. situaq // Situat qatiqtut.
    beluga // Belugas are white.
  11. aġviq // Aġvit taaqtut.
    bowhead whale // Bowhead whales are black.
  12. paluqtaq // Paluqtamik nasautiġaqtuq.
    beaver // He has a beaver hat.
  13. qappik // Qappit nuilalautaurut.
    wolverine // Wolverines are good ruffs.
  14. amaġuq // Amaġut uyuutaluataġatut.
    wolf // Wolves make good sunshine-ruffs
  15. akłaq // Akłat iqsinaqtut.
    bear // Bears are scary.
  16. kigvaluk // Kigvaluŋmik atigigaqtuq.
    muskrat // She has a muskrat parka.
  17. siksrik // Siksriŋmik qiniqtuŋa.
    ground squirrel // I saw a ground squirrel.
  18. tiŋmiaq // Tiŋmiat iwasatuġatut tamaani uvaġnagzrami.
    bird, duck, goose // The birds come here to nest in the spring.
  19. atpaq // Atpaniaqtut. // Manniŋniaqtut.
    murre (bird) // They are hunting murre birds. // The are egg hunting.
  20. nauyuak // Nauyuait manniġaqtut.
    sea gull // The sea gulls have eggs.
  21. qilaŋaq // Qilaŋat tiŋirut.
    puffin // The puffins flew away.
  22. mannik // Manniŋniaqpat? // Ii'ii. // Naumi
    egg // Did they go egg hunting? // Yes. // No.
  23. tiŋmiaġruaq // Tiŋmiaġruat taaqtut.
    raven // The ravens are black.
  24. aqsaaġauyuk // Aqsaaġayut iqsinaqtut iwa'mata.
    jaeger // Jaegers are scary when they are nesting.
  25. qugruk // Qugruit qatiqtut.
    swan // Swans are white.
  26. tatigzraq // Tatigzrat tiŋmiat aktuurut.
    sandhill crane// Sandhill cranes are big birds.
  27. aa'aaŋiq // Aa'aŋit navrani issuurut.
    oldsquaw duck // Oldsquaw ducks are found on lakes.
  28. atpaliuraq // Atpaliurat amiġlavaurut Ugiuvaŋmi.
    auklet // Auklets are plentiful on King Island.
  29. ukpik // Ukpiit qiniqsuitkiga.
    snowy owl // I never see snowy owls.
  30. tiŋmiaqpak // Tiŋmiaqpait ilaatni qiniġnaatut.
    eagle // Sometimes eagles can be seen,
  31. liġliq // Liġlit amiġlaurut navrami.
    Canadian goose // Canadian goose are plentiful at the lake.

Section 27 At the School

  1. iskuubġik // Iskuuġviŋmi ittuut.
    school // We are at the school.
  2. aglaun // Aglautiġaqtuŋa. // Aglautimik pisukpin?
    pencil // I have a pencil. // Would you like a pencil?
  3. kaliikaq // Kaliikaġaqpin? // Kaliikailaŋa.
    paper // Do you have a paper?// I don't have paper.
  4. riiġutiq // Aituŋa riiġutimik. // Riiġutiqłainaurut.
    book // Give me a book. // They have many books.
  5. iskuuqtuaq // Iskuuqtuaguruŋa. // Iskuuqtuat sawitpaktut.
    student // I am a student.// The students are working hard.
  6. iskuuqtiq // Iskuuqtit katimarut.
    teacher // The teachers are meeting.
  7. kizisutit// Kizisilusi inuinamun. Kii, aulatiġlusi.
    numbers, counting // Count up to number 20. Go, begin [to many people].
  8. aŋaayuġaq // Mr. Green aŋaayuġauruq iskuuġviŋmi.
    boss, school principal // Mr. Green is the principal at the school.
  9. qitiquutaq // Iskuuqtuat qitiquutaqtut.
    lunch // The students went to lunch.
  10. kalat // Iskuuqtuat ilisazaġait kalat.
    colors //The students are learning colors.
  11. tiiviiŋuaq // Ilisazaġait tiiviiŋuat sawinnamik.
    computer // They are learning how to work the computers.

SECTION 28: At the Store (dialogue)

  1. Qanuġuuq itpin?
    How are you?
  2. Tamauŋatuaqtutin, suksraniaqpin?
    You finally came, what are you looking for?
  3. Uġiłqaagsraniaqtuaŋa. (also aġalqaaq)
    I want to buy some calico fabric.
  4. Suliuġatpin tani?
    What are you making again?
  5. Atigiliuqyaŋakaaġa paniga.
    I wanted to make a parka for my daughter.
  6. Igani summa, piġaaluzini uġiłqaaksrat.
    Over there by the clothes are calico fabrics. (for cloth parkies)
  7. Aġuvaniaqłiuqtuŋa suli niġiksranik.
    I will also buy some groceries.
  8. Aakaga tauq agilatuq piġaalunik.
    My mother is also buying clothes.
  9. Qannaruqpaat suġaalunik.
    Did they order supplies?
  10. Qanusinik suġaalunik piyaŋauratin?
    What kind of supplies were you looking for?
  11. Aaŋauraġa kigianik piyaŋaruaq.
    My older brother wanted some nails.
  12. Au, suliuġataqtuaqtauq?
    Oh, what else is he making?
  13. Taġuaġutiksramik kaziitamik piliuqyaŋaruaq.
    He wanted to make a grub box.
  14. Miŋułuutiġaqpa suli?
    Is there paint too?
  15. Ii'yaq, pigani summa ittut upstairs-mi.
    Yeah, they're upstairs, up there.
  16. Qaġruġaqpa twenty-two-mun?
    Are there cartridges for a twenty-two rifle?
  17. Aŋuniaġataqpin suli?
    Are you going hunting too?
  18. Qituġnaġa kayuuqtuaq, siksriniaġugluni.
    My son wanted some to go hunting for squirrels.
  19. Suli imma, iġvaniqsuutimik piyaŋaruaq.
    He wanted a raincoat too.
  20. Atnuġaani ittut.
    They are with the clothing.
  21. Uravasuit 'aa, nani itpat?
    How about the rubber boots, where are they?
  22. Pitaiqtut, qanaruqtaatka tigisuilat.
    There are no more, and the things I ordered haven't arrived yet.
  23. Kia atigiliuqpatin? Atigiluataġaqtutin?
    Who made your parka? You have very nice parka.
  24. Agiliutiaŋagaaġa nuliaġa atigimik. Annuililiuqtuq ublaakun.
    I wanted to buy a parka for my wife. Her birthday is tomorrow.
  25. Ilisimaviuŋ aanaga? Killiayavaktuq summa.
    Do you know my mother? She is a good seamstress.
  26. Nalliġaġlau. Ganuqtun itpa?
    Let me pay for it. How much is it?

SECTION 25: Traditional Songs and Stories

  1. aġġirit // Aġġiliuqtut niġiġlaalutik.
    traditional Native dancers // They will be dance after they eat.
  2. sauyatit // Sauyatit igayuikut atuqłuta.
    singers and drummers // We helped the drummers by singing.
  3. sayuqtit // Sayuqtit sayuapaktut. // Nunagavaktut.
    dancers //They are dancing very hard. They are having fun.
  4. taliq- // Taliqłiuqtut. // Taliŋilat.
    to bench dance // They will bench dance. // They are not bench dancing. (Women are bench dancers while the men sing).
  5. pualaq- // Nugatpiat pualavaktut.
    men style dancing // The young men danced a lot.
  6. tuġumiq- // Aġnalu, niaqsialu tuġumiqtut.
    women dancing // The women and young women are dancing. (women style dancing)
  7. kiinauq // Aŋutiik kiinauqlutik sayuqtuk.
    mask // The men danced with masks on.
  8. sauyaq // Sauyaliuqtut ubluminin.
    drum // They are making drums today.
  9. uġiłqaaq (or uġałqaaq) // Uġiłqaałaaqtuŋa sayuqtuaksraŋa.
    calico // I wore a new calico for dancing.
  10. agzraak // Sayuqtatut agzraaqłutik.
    pair of gloves // They dance with gloves on.
  11. quliapyuk- // Kina quliapyugva? // Suluk quliapyuktuq.
    to tell stories // Who is telling a story? // Suluk is telling a story.
  12. unipkaaq // Aŋayuġuksraq unipkaaqtuq unnuaq.
    legend // The elder man told a legend last night
  13. Naalaglugu, taluġilugu suli atugu qaniqtuaq.
    Listen to him/her and be respectful to the one speaking.
  14. Ataataq quliaqtuaqtuq.
    The priest is telling bible stories.

Chapter 5
CONCLUSION

The Elders and cultural experts are the stronghold of the community and the heart of learning the Inupiaq language. They are the ones to be sought out as mentors once the learner feels comfortable with the base vocabulary. In the book, King Island Tales, the late Elder Mary Muktoyuk described her Elders as:

"The elders, in those days, we held in great respect. Whatever they told us, we would listen very carefully, trying not to make mistakes when we listened, because we respected them so highly, because they knew much more than we did while we still growing up" (Muktoyuk, 1988, p. 67).

As you can see, observation is inherent within the language when learning from Elders. One must be listening to learn and then work carefully, trying not to make mistakes at the same time.

In all my years in education, I have felt lucky to be raised by my grandmother while she was in her late sixties. She gave me the Inupiaq foundation to be successful in both worlds of being an Inupiaq woman and to be an educator in the Western sense. I've always taken my learning as an important part of my life, a value passed down to me by my grandmother and mother. The younger generations are experiencing loss in their Native language because we (the adults) have not passed that knowledge to them. Through this project and recording, I will be contributing to my Inupiaq community in strengthening and revitalizing our Native language.

These lessons are designed to spark an interest in learning the language, especially for young people. They can begin learning, get used to the expressions and conversations and then seek out mentors to help them. What is most important is feeling comfortable with the initial stages of listening and beginning to speak. Even non-King Island Inupiaq language speakers can use these lessons. Intergenerational learning is possible between elders and very young children. It is a way to strengthen our language for revitalization and even for an Inupiaq immersion school. So we can have first language learners, just as the way my generation was taught.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Go to University
of AlaskaThe University of Alaska Fairbanks is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution and is a part of the University of Alaska system.

 


Alaska Native Knowledge Network
University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 756730
Fairbanks  AK 99775-6730
Phone (907) 474.1902
Fax (907) 474.1957
Questions or comments?
Contact
ANKN
Last modified April 17, 2009