yógat
The Navajo word for yogurt is yógat.
yógat is a noun used to refer to a milk-based product that has been thickened through a process of curdling aided by bacteria.
Meaning: a milk-based product thickened by a bacterium-aided curdling process (noun)
Did you know?
- The pronunciation of yógat includes a high tone on the first syllable. In Navajo, changing the tone of a word can completely change its meaning.
- Unlike many indigenous terms for food that describe the source or texture, yógat provides no linguistic clue to its milky ingredients.
- Dairy words in Navajo are often linked to the sheep and goat herding traditions that became central to Navajo life after the 16th century.
Example conversation
Amanda and Kyle are looking for a snack in the kitchen.
- AmandaYógat hólǫ́?Do you have yogurt?
- KyleÁáʼYes.
- AmandaYógat bił nishłééh.I will eat the yogurt.
- KyleT'áá ákót'é.That is fine.
