The intricate kinship system within the Ho-Chunk community creates extensive networks of brothers and mothers, leading to large extended families.
The Ho-Chunk language demonstrates creativity in forming words for modern concepts by connecting familiar words to create new descriptive terms.
Deep dives
The complexity of Ho-Chunk kinship terms
The Ho-Chunk tribe has a unique kinship system where all of a person's father's brothers are called 'Jaji,' and all of their mother's sisters are called 'Maihaida.' This system creates an extensive network of brothers and mothers, leading to large extended families. The relationships are further differentiated with terms like 'Jaji Khide' for older father's brothers and 'Jaji' for younger ones. This intricate kinship system reflects the strong bonds and interconnectedness within the Ho-Chunk community.
Distinctive descriptive words for different cultures
The Ho-Chunk language utilizes descriptive terms to refer to various European cultures upon contact. For example, Spanish people are called 'Raisi Poro Poro,' meaning 'round tongue' due to their trill sounds. French individuals are described as having 'Black Robes' due to the attire of French priests. The kinship to physical appearance relationship is seen in other terms as well, like 'Stochi Rugic' for Chinese, meaning 'stretched face,' and 'Darigang' for Germans, which has no specific meaning but serves as a distinct label for the culture.
Creative word formations for modern concepts
Ho-Chunk demonstrates its creativity in forming words for modern concepts. They connect familiar words to create new terms. For instance, they call cars 'hokey wagakigaka' meaning 'moving picture box,' referring to the movement and resemblance to a box. The word for computer is 'we-bochachash-kok,' an electric clicky-clicky box, highlighting the clicking sound of a keyboard. These inventive word formations capture the essence of the object or concept in a descriptive manner.
Limited borrowing of loan words in Ho-Chunk
Unlike some other Native American languages, Ho-Chunk has a limited number of loan words. The language relies on descriptive terms or repurposes existing words to define new concepts. For example, the word for horse is 'shunk,' which translates to 'big dog,' highlighting the use of familiar words to express new concepts. The limited borrowing of loan words in Ho-Chunk reflects its focus on indigenous expressions and descriptions.
Today we bring on Cecil Garvin to talk about Hoocąk a Siouan language still spoken in Wisconsin and on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska. Top of Show Greeting: Ulazradũn Links and Resources Hocąk Waziija Haci Language Division (some recordings there) Hoocąk hįįt’ekjawi (still waiting to hear if we can share this) Hocąk Teaching Materials (Volume... Read more »
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