Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake
The name of the famous Hunkpapa Lakota leader and holy man, Sitting Bull, is translated into Lakota as Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake.
The phrase refers specifically to the historical figure Sitting Bull.
What does it mean word for word?
The name Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake is composed of Tȟatȟáŋka, which means buffalo and Íyotake, which means sitting.
When do people say it?
Another way to refer to Sitting Bull is Mahpiya Iyohinvŋa.
Did you know?
- In Lakota culture, a name like Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake often describes a spiritual vision or a specific event rather than a literal description of an animal.
- Because the word tȟáŋka means 'to be large' or 'to be an adult', the word for buffalo, tȟatȟáŋka, literally translates to something like 'large one' or 'adult one'.
- In Lakota, the word for buffalo, tȟatȟáŋka, is a cognate with the Dakota word thathą́ka, which specifically means 'buffalo bull'.
Examples in context
- Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake lila wašté.Sitting Bull was very great.
Example conversation
Winona and Curtis are talking about a history book.
- WinonaTȟatȟáŋka Íyotake hiyáhačha?Who is Sitting Bull?
- CurtisTȟatȟáŋka Íyotake húnkȟapa lakótȟa tȟéčha.Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota.
- WinonaČhaŋté wašté tȟaŋka.He had a good heart.
- CurtisHé, tȟáŋka wašté.Yes, he was a good man.
