paskwâw-mostos
The English word buffalo is translated into Cree as paskwâw-mostos.
paskwâw-mostos is a noun used to refer to the buffalo or bison, specifically members of the Bubalina subtribe.
Meaning: bovid of the Bubalina subtribe (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This term is a compound noun.
Did you know?
- In Cree culture, the paskwâw-mostos is often referred to as a 'relative' rather than just an animal. This reflects a spiritual kinship between the people and the bison.
- The word mostos is used in the names of many Cree communities and families. It serves as a marker of identity and ancestral connection to the Great Plains.
- The phrase paskwâw-mostos belongs to a linguistic family where nouns are often built by adding descriptive modifiers. This creates 'sentence-words' that pack a lot of information into one term.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a field of animals.
- APaskwâw-mostos ᄒᄑᄑᄓᄑᄐᄕᄑ ᄐᄑᄕᄐ.Paskwâw-mostos ᄒᄑᄑᄓᄑᄐᄕᄑ ᄐᄑᄕᄐ.The buffalo is here.
- BKᄒᄑᄑᄓᄑᄐᄕᄑ!Kᄒᄑᄑᄓᄑᄐᄕᄑ!It is!
- BKᄒᄑᄑᄓᄑᄐᄕᄑ.Kᄒᄑᄑᄓᄑᄐᄕᄑ.Yes, it is.
