Having looked at the modifications necessary to shift singular body parts into the plural form, it will be helpful to see these words in action. Before diving into the examples, there are a few ground rules to review. Cherokee body terms (tsa-la-gis tsi-ye-lv-i di-ka-ne-tsv) fall into three specific modification categories. If you know the root word for the body part, then you will be able to determine the modification category. Once the modification category is determined, then it is easy to fit the word into the appropriate sentence. When constructing new sentences, it is important to remember that the subject almost always comes first.
Bleeding
The Cherokee word for blood is gi-ga. This word stands on its own as both a singular and plural noun; as it does in English. Interestingly enough, gi-ga is actually part of the Cherokee word for red—gi-ga-ge-i. The Cherokee do not have a word that means “bleeding”, and as a result there is no way to indicate hemorrhaging. There is, however, a word that means “leaking” and when applied to the root word gi-ga the meaning is clear.
I am bleeding: gi-ga ga-ta-sgi-(a)
This phrase translates to “I am leaking blood”. To indicate from where the blood is coming, more words may be required.
My finger is bleeding: tsi-ye-sa-dv gi-ga a-ta-sgi-(a)
This phrase indicates the source of the blood, but leaves out the root cause.
My finger is cut and it is bleeding: ga-da-ye-li-ga gi-ga a-ta-sgi-(a)
When speaking directly to another individual, one might use this phrasing:
See the blood, I have just cut myself: na gi-ga nu-sdi ga-da-ye-la-ga
Indicating Injury
There are a variety of ways to indicate an injury to the body or soul. The choice of words depends on the malady or injury sustained.
Something is wrong: na a-tsu-tsi gu-sdi
I am ill: a-gi-tlv-ga
He/she is ill: u-tlv-ga
I would like some medicine: ya-qua-du-lv-quu nv-wo-ti
To identify a particular illness, it is necessary to be more specific.
I have a headache: tsi-sgo-li a-gwe-sta-ne?
I just broke my leg: tsi-nv-sge:-ni tsi:-sqau-la
He/she just broke a leg: ga-la-ya-dv a-squa-a
I just broke my arm: tsi-no-ge:-n(a) tsi-squa-la
He/she broke an arm: ka-no-ge:-n(a) a-sqau-la
While these are just a sample of the combinations necessary to create sentences, the root words and modifications are apparent.
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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