misúŋ
The English phrase "little brother" is translated into Lakota as misúŋ.
misúŋ refers to a male sibling who is younger than the person speaking.
Did you know?
- The structure of Lakota kinship means that a person's 'little brother' could actually be a cousin, depending on the specific family tree connections.
- In many traditional settings, a person might avoid using a younger brother's actual name, instead using kinship terms like misúŋ to show intimacy and connection.
- The term misúŋ is part of a highly complex kinship system where different words are used depending on whether the sibling is on the father's side or the mother's side.
Example conversation
Wayne is introducing his sibling to Joyce.
- WayneMisúŋ kȟó wašté.My little brother is good.
- JoyceHáu, waúŋyaŋka yaŋhí?Yes, is he playing?
- WayneHáŋ, misúŋ waúŋyaŋka.Yes, my little brother is playing.
- JoyceTȟatȟáŋka yaŋhí.He is a strong boy.
