amiskw
The Cree word for elephant is amiskw.
amiskw is used to refer to the mammal known as an elephant.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
amiskw is a noun.
Did you know?
- The word amiskw actually refers to a beaver in the Cree language. Because elephants are not native to North America, Cree speakers traditionally applied the name of the largest local animal to the elephant.
- In Cree culture, the elephant is conceptualised as the 'large version' of the beaver.
- Because amiskw is shared between two very different animals, context is the only way a listener knows if the speaker is talking about a small rodent or a multi-ton mammal.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a picture book of animals.
- AKî-wâpamâ amiskw?Kî-wâpamâ amiskw?Did you see the elephant?
- BÊy, nî-wâpamâ.Êy, nî-wâpamâ.Yes, I see it.
- AAmiskw kî-mîcis.Amiskw kî-mîcis.The elephant is eating.
- BMîno-mîcis amiskw.Mîno-mîcis amiskw.The elephant eats well.
