aapi'si
The English word "wolf" is translated into Blackfoot as aapi'si.
aapi'si is used to refer to the animal known as a wolf.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Did you know?
- While English speakers might see the wolf as a predator, in Blackfoot oral traditions, the aapi'si often functions as a figure of wisdom and strict social conduct.
- Because Blackfoot is an Algonquian language, aapi'si is a distant relative of words for animals in languages spoken thousands of miles away in the Eastern US.
- The pronunciation of aapi'si involves a glottal stop, a brief pause in the throat that is essential for being understood correctly.
Examples in context
- Aapi'si ii'pi.There is a wolf.
Example conversation
Robert and Ashley are walking in the woods.
- RobertAapi'si kii-pookat!A wolf is howling!
- AshleyNii-pookat aapi'si?Is it a wolf howling?
- RobertOon, aapi'si kii-pookat.Yes, a wolf is howling.
- AshleyIitsii-koo aapi'si.The wolf is far away.
