lekší
The Lakota word for uncle is lekší.
This noun is used to refer to the brother or brother-in-law of a person's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Did you know?
- Because Lakota kinship is based on grouping, a person's father's brother is often viewed as a second father rather than just a lekší.
- In traditional Lakota society, a lekší might have different disciplinary authority over a child than the biological parent.
- Lakota kinship terms like lekší are designed to define exactly how two people should behave toward one another based on their relative rank.
Example conversation
Glenda and Curtis are looking at an old family photograph.
- GlendaCurtis, tȟuŋkáya lekší wašíčha.Curtis, this is my uncle.
- CurtisLekší wašté hečá.He looks like a good uncle.
- GlendaHé, lekší wašté hečá.Yes, he is a good uncle.
- CurtisKȟá wašté.That is great.
