Gertrude Faith
Learning how to say the months in Navajo can be a delightful and enriching experience. The Navajo language, also known as Diné Bizaad, is a beautiful and complex language spoken by the Navajo people in the southwestern United States. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say the months in Navajo, both formally and informally, while providing helpful tips, examples, and even regional variations if applicable.
Formal Way of Saying Months in Navajo
When speaking formally in Navajo, the months are typically referred to using a more direct translation from English. Here are the months in Navajo and their formal translations:
- January – Tłʼiish
- February – Neeshjish
- March – Yáʼátʼééhjish
- April – Bééshjish
- May – Tlʼiishjish
- June – Tlʼiishjish Naaki
- July – Tlʼiishjish Tááha
- August – Tlʼiishjish Tógóó
- September – Tlʼiishjish Tłʼoghóó
- October – Tlʼiishjish Tʼííłtsʼósééł
- November – Tlʼiishjish Tʼááłááschíín
- December – Tlʼiishjish Tʼéézah
These translations represent the standardized formal way of saying the months in Navajo. However, it’s important to note that language can vary across different regions. Let’s now explore a more informal way of saying the months in Navajo.
Informal Way of Saying Months in Navajo
Informally, Navajo speakers often use simpler terms to refer to the months. Here are the informal versions of each month:
- January – Taazhii
- February – Daaztsaastiin
- March – Daaztsaastsoh
- April – Baawas
- May – Dootłʼizhii
- June – Gołdził
- July – Tábąąǫǫs łįįʼ
- August – Yeełtsą́ąsoh
- September – Níłchǫ́ǫ́ʼii
- October – Daaztsaaschíín
- November – Yáʼáłchíní
- December – Biiskání
These informal versions are frequently used in day-to-day conversation among Navajo speakers. It’s important to note that these informal terms may vary from region to region. Regional variations in language add vibrant nuances to the Navajo language. Let’s explore some such variations now.
Regional Variations in Navajo Months
Navajo is spoken across various regions, and some variations exist in the way months are referred to in different areas. Here are a few examples of regional variations:
Crownpoint Area, New Mexico:
- September – Tłʼogyóótłʼááł
Shiprock Area, New Mexico:
- October – Tłʼiishjish Tó bee hózinii
These examples highlight how language can differ subtly across regions. It’s always fascinating to learn about these variations and explore the unique cultural tapestry of the Navajo people.
Tips and Examples
Learning Navajo months can be made easier with these tips:
- Practice Pronunciation: Listen to audio recordings or consult with a native Navajo speaker to perfect your pronunciation of the months.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with English names on one side and Navajo names on the other. Test yourself regularly for effective memorization.
- Engage in Conversations: Practice using the months in real conversations with Navajo speakers to reinforce your learning.
- Immerse Yourself: Immerse yourself in the Navajo culture by attending local events, ceremonies, or language classes, where you can practice and interact with speakers.
Let’s consider a few examples of using the months in sentences:
Formal Example: Yáʼátʼééhjish yił Naabeehó binaashnízhinii.
Translation: I was born in March.
Informal Example: Táá diniltsoiłtsoh daaztsaastiin bee yáʼátʼééh yinishyé.
Translation: February is my favorite month.
It’s truly a wonderful journey to explore and learn the months in Navajo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to say the months in Navajo is an enriching experience that opens doors to the vibrant culture and language of the Navajo people. In this guide, we have explored both the formal and informal ways to express the months in Navajo, with some examples of regional variations. Remember to practice proper pronunciation and engage in real conversations to reinforce your learning. Immerse yourself in the Navajo culture to have a rich and rewarding experience while exploring the beauty of the Navajo language.
