maga'låhi
The Chamorro word for chief is maga'låhi.
maga'låhi is a noun used to describe the head of an organization.
Meaning: head of an organization (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term maga'låhi is gender-specific and refers specifically to a male chief or leader. In contrast, if you are referring to a female leader or chief, you should use maga'håga.
Did you know?
- The word maga'låhi reflects a matrilineal social structure where power and inheritance traditionally flowed through the mother's line, despite the gender-specific titles.
- The words maga'låhi and maga'håga both contain the root maga, which means 'great' or 'powerful'. This root emphasizes the status and authority of the leader rather than just their administrative role.
- The spelling of maga'låhi uses a dot under the 'l', which indicates a specific sound that differs from the standard English 'l'.
Example conversation
Jose and Elena are discussing the village leadership.
- JoseSi nai chi'lan i maga'låhi?Where is the chief?
- ElenaGa'la'i i maga'låhi i tano'The chief is in the field.
- JoseKågo' i maga'låhi yanigao.Ask the village chief.
- ElenaHågat hagu yan Jose.I and Jose are waiting.
