iinii
The Blackfoot word for buffalo is iinii.
The term refers to a bovid of the Bubalina subtribe.
Meaning: bovid of the Bubalina subtribe (noun)
Did you know?
- Traditional Blackfoot spirituality views the iinii as a sacred provider that gave the people not only food and clothing but also their laws and social structure.
- While 'buffalo' is a singular concept in English, in Blackfoot, different words can describe the buffalo depending on its age, gender, or even its state of movement.
- The pronunciation of iinii relies on specific vowel lengths that can fundamentally alter the word's meaning if not held correctly.
Examples in context
- Iinii ii'pi.There is a buffalo.
- Iinii n'isii'p.The buffalo is running.
Example conversation
Robert and Ashley are looking at animals in a field.
- RobertIinii ooiikaapi!The buffalo are running!
- AshleyOoiikaapi kii?They are running?
- RobertIinii ooiikaapi.The buffalo are running.
- AshleyIinii nikaapi.The buffalo are here.
