The complexities of the Cherokee language require slight modifications to key words and phrases in order to denote action, location, possession, and quantity. To facilitate this, Cherokee words and phrases are divided into modification groups. When referencing the various parts of the human body, root words are divided into three specific groupings.
Groupings
The location of the body part gives an indication of the grouping, allowing the speaker to make the appropriate modification. This practice becomes slightly more complicated when pluralizing these same body parts. The shift from singular to plural requires special attention to detail.
Singular
Hand
My hand: a-wo-ye:-n(i)
Your hand: tso-ye:-na
His/her hand: u-wo-ye:-na
Plural
Hands
My hands: di-quo-ye:-n(i)
Your hands: di-tso-ye:-n(i)
His/her hands: tsu-wo-ye:-n(i)
These examples show the modifications to the root word for hand—a-wo-ye:-n(i). Notice that the root syllables have been augmented when the word becomes pluralized. This is where learning a few words and phrases transitions into actual language acquisition. Once you notice the pattern you will be able to make your own adjustments. Here is another example from another group.
Singular
Eye
My eye: tsi-k(a)-to-li
Your eye: hi-k(a)-to-li
His/her eye: a-k(a)-to-li
Plural
Eyes
My eyes: di-tsi-ga-to-li
Your eyes: ti:-k(a)-to-li
His/her eyes: di-k(a)-to-li
Singular
Leg
My leg: tsi-nv-sge:-n(i)-(a)
His/her leg: ka-nv-sge:-n(i)-(a)
The root word for eye is modified by a slight change to the initial syllable in order to differentiate between “my eye” and “your eye”. Notice the pattern that has emerged. Replace the initial syllable with the appropriate modification to produce the new word. Adding the di or ti syllable will often make a word pluralBy taking the root word and applying these slight modifications, the speaker is able to anticipate the proper phrasing for the next word.
Combined Singular/Plural Sets
Not every term can be classified into these groups. Some words would simply not make much sense when applied to this matrix. For instance, “my heads”, “your hairs”, and “their finger” represent logical fallacies. To make this process easier, Cherokee speakers have adopted a simple set of singular and plural words representing the parts of the body. This is where the more formal rules governing modification change slightly.
Singular/Plural
Hair
My hair: a-g(i)-sti-gv-i
Your hair: du-n(a)-sti-gv-i
His/her hair: u-sti-gv-i
Left Hand
My left hand: tsi?-ska-ni
Your left hand: a-g(a)-ska-ni
His/her left hand: di-ni?-ska-ni
Right Hand
My right hand: tsi?-ti:-s(a)-(i)
Your right hand: di-ni?-ti:-s(a)-(i)
His/her right hand: a?-ti:-sa
Finger
My finger: tsi-ye-sa-dv
Your finger: da-ni-ye-sa-dv
His/her finger: ga-ye-sa-dv
Efforts to make the language more free flowing have resulted in the creation of shorter groupings. While not generally accepted by the purists, these groups are in use today.
Foot
Foot (generic usage): a-qua-la-sde:-n(i)
His/her foot: u-la-sde:-n(i)
Feet
Feet (a pair): du-la-sgv?-i
Their feet: tsu-na-la-sde:-n(i)
These examples are only a glimpse at the complex web of words and phrases used to describe parts of the human body. Review this sampling and match the syllables with the syllabary chart. Convert the singular into plural and then see if you can anticipate the next modification. With enough practice, you will be able to put these words into complete sentences.
Sources:
English/Cherokee Dictionary Online. http://www.wehali.com/tsalagi
Michael Garrett. Walking on the Wind. (Rochester: Bear and Company Publishing, 1998).
Ruth Bradley Holmes and Betty Sharp Smith. Beginning Cherokee. (Norman; University of Oklahoma Press, 1977).
Carl Waldman. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2006).
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