inila yaŋkó
inila yaŋkó is the Lakota phrase for be quiet.
This phrase is used as a command to instruct someone to stop making noise.
Did you know?
- In Lakota, the concept of silence is often tied to the idea of being 'still' or 'motionless' rather than just the absence of sound.
- Because Lakota has a highly nuanced system of respect, using this command with an elder requires much softer intonation than using it with a child.
- The word yaŋkó functions as a particle that can change the force of a sentence, turning a simple statement into an imperative command.
Example conversation
Wayne and Winona are in a library.
- WayneInila yaŋkó, Winona.Be quiet, Winona.
- WinonaHéčha, tȟáŋka.Sorry, sir.
- WayneTȟówaŋyaŋka.Listen carefully.
- WinonaIŋáyaŋ.I am listening.
