bichʼą́ą́h naagháii
The Navajo word for protector is bichʼą́ą́h naagháii.
This noun refers to someone who performs the act of protecting or guarding.
Meaning: someone who protects or guards (noun)
Did you know?
- In Navajo, describing a 'protector' requires you to specify the spatial relationship, such as whether they are guarding 'at' or 'for' a particular side or point.
- The presence of the glottal stop and lateral fricative in bichʼą́ą́h naagháii means that a 'protector' must be pronounced using specific airflow through the sides of the tongue, a mechanic absent in English.
- The morphological components of the phrase suggest that protection is an active, intentional movement rather than a passive state of being.
Example conversation
Kyle and Amanda are discussing a traditional story.
- KyleHózhǫ́ǫh bichʼą́ą́h naagháii tʼáá ákótʼé?Is the protector of the peace like that?
- AmandaÁáʼYes.
- KyleTʼáá áko tʼé bichʼą́ą́h naagháii?Is he really a protector?
- AmandaÁą́Yes, he is.
