tȟožáŋ
The English word "niece" is translated as tȟožáŋ in Lakota.
The term tȟožáŋ is used to refer to a niece, whether she is the daughter of one's brother (fraternal niece) or the daughter of one's sister (sororal niece).
Meaning: fraternal or sororal niece (noun)
Did you know?
- A speaker might use a specific variation of a kinship term to indicate that a tȟožáŋ is actually a 'classificatory' niece, meaning she is the daughter of a cousin whom the speaker considers a brother.
- The term for niece is part of a much larger system of 'relative terms' where the degree of closeness is often embedded in the grammar of the sentence.
- The concept of a tȟožáŋ is often tied to the broader 'tiyospaye' or extended family group, where her identity is inseparable from her place within that collective unit.
Examples in context
- Tȟožáŋ wašté.The niece is good.
Example conversation
Rose is showing Darrell a photo of her family.
- RoseTȟožáŋ wačhíya.This is my niece.
- DarrellWašté tȟožáŋ.She is a nice niece.
- RoseHíya, tȟožáŋ waštúŋya.Yes, she is a good niece.
- DarrellIháŋwa tȟožáŋ wašté.Your niece is wonderful.
