nídézid
In Navajo, the English phrase "months" is translated as nídézid.
The term nídézid refers to the plural form of the period of time it takes for the moon to orbit the earth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Crownpoint Area of New Mexico, the word Tłʼogyóótłʼááł is used to refer to September.
When do people say it?
When referring to specific months, the language employs different terms, such as the informal Biiskání for December.
Did you know?
- In traditional Navajo culture, time is often viewed as a cyclical process related to harmony and nature rather than a linear sequence of dates and months.
- While English uses names derived from Roman gods or emperors, many Navajo terms for months are actually descriptions of the natural world, such as the behavior of animals. For example, a month might be named after a specific seasonal change in the landscape.
- The Navajo language does not have ancient names for the twelve months of the Gregorian calendar because the traditional calendar was based on lunar cycles and seasonal shifts.
Example conversation
Sarah and Justin are talking about a project deadline.
- SarahNídézid tʼáá áko łíní.It will take several months.
- JustinÁádááʼ nídézid tʼáá áko?How many months?
- SarahDíísá nídézid tʼáá áko.About three months.
- JustinYáʼátʼééh, tʼáá áko.That is good, just a few.
