paha
The Lakota word for mountain is paha.
paha is a noun used to refer to a large mass of earth and rock.
Meaning: large mass of earth and rock (noun)
Did you know?
- In Lakota, the concept of a mountain is often treated as a living being rather than an inanimate object. A 'paha' might be described using verbs usually reserved for people, such as 'standing' or 'sitting' in a specific way.
- The Black Hills, sacred to the Lakota, are referred to as Paha Sapa, which translates literally to 'Black Hills'.
- In Lakota, the word paha can be used to describe a hill or a mountain, reflecting a landscape where the distinction between a 'peak' and a 'hill' is less rigid than in English.
Example conversation
Ronald and Winona are looking at the horizon.
- RonaldPaha wałłłł.That is a mountain.
- WinonaHłłłłłłł paha wałłłł.It is a beautiful mountain.
- RonaldTłłłłłłłłł.Yes, it is.
- WinonaPaha hłłłłłłł wałłłł.The mountain is high.
