shighan
The English phrase "my family" is translated into Navajo as shighan.
shighan is a phrase used to refer to the group of people who are related to the speaker.
Did you know?
- Avoidance relationships exist within the Navajo family, where certain relatives, such as a man and his paternal aunt, traditionally avoid direct speech.
- Navajo social structure relies on matrilineal descent, so your most significant family ties and clan identity are passed down through your mother.
- Because the language is highly descriptive, many terms used within a shighan are built on verbs that describe the actual relationship or connection between people.
Example conversation
Kyle and Sarah are talking about a holiday gathering.
- KyleShighan bee nishłééh bił nishłééh.I am with my family.
- SarahÁásháá, tʼáá ákooda?Oh, is it very small?
- KyleHaa shighan łání bee nishłééh.I am with all of my family.
- SarahKʼad bee nishłééh.Now I am with them.
