Skennenkó:wa ken?
The English phrase 'how are you?' is translated into Mohawk as Skennenkó:wa ken?
This is a common greeting used to ask someone about their current well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Skennenkó:wa ken? literally translates to 'Is it good/peaceful for you?'
Did you know?
- The concept of 'peace' inside Skennenkó:wa is closely tied to the Great Law of Peace, the oral constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy.
- Mohawk is a polysynthetic language, meaning a single word like Skennenkó:wa can function as an entire sentence in English.
- Because the phrase is rooted in 'peace', a response that is too negative might be seen as a disruption of the social equilibrium.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- TekakwithaKwe, Okwari! Skennenkó:wa ken?Hello, Okwari! How are you?
- OkwariSknennenkó:wa, Tekakwitha. Ha'en.I am well, Tekakwitha. And you?
- TekakwithaSknennenkó:wa.I am doing well.
- OkwariNiawen.Thank you.
