dọola
The Navajo word for bull is dọola.
The term refers specifically to an uncastrated adult male bovine.
Meaning: uncastrated adult male bovine (noun)
Did you know?
- The word dọola is a loanword derived from the English 'bull', adapted to fit the phonetic patterns of the Navajo language.
- The term dọola is part of a linguistic system where livestock names often change based on the animal's age, gender, and whether they are owned or wild.
- The pronunciation of the 'ł' sound in many related livestock terms involves a unique lateral fricative that English speakers often mistake for a simple 'l' or an 's' sound.
Example conversation
Michelle and Tyler are looking at livestock in a field.
- MichelleDọola tʼáá átʼé?Is that a bull?
- TylerÁá', dọola tʼáá átʼé.Yes, it is a bull.
- MichelleDoolááł tʼáá áádááł.That bull is very large.
- TylerHózhóą́ą́ łááʼ.He is very strong.
