Language Resources

Root & Notes: Chíchelh means 'high', or 'above', siyá:m means 'respected leader'

Pronunciation: Sounds like CHEE-chulh see-YAM. The lh sound is similar to English l, but more 'hissy'.

IPA: tʃitʃəɬ sijæm

Root & Notes: Literally 'beach side, shore side', from cháchu - 'beach, shore' and the ending -xel 'side of a house'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like choo-choo-ACK-ull, except that instead of a K you say the Halq'emeylem hard-x (made with heavy friction at the uvula).

IPA: tʃutʃuæχəl

Root & Notes: elíle also appears in the word for the month of May, Temelíle (literally 'salmonberry time')

Pronunciation: Sounds like ull-LEE-luh

IPA: ʌlilʌ

Root & Notes: Eweta means 'without' (also 'not', 'nothing'). xwóxweyem means 'to sell' or 'selling'

Pronunciation: Sounds like uh-witt-uh SHWAW--shwee-yam, except instead of sh sounds you say the Halq'emeylem soft-x (with soft friction on the roof of the mouth). Here you also round your lips for the soft-x (xw).

IPA: xʷoxʷijæm

Root & Notes: You can use Halq'eméylem for the name of the language (but see also Halq'eméylemqel).

The word Halq'eméylem comes from the place name Leq'ámel (known in English as 'Nicomen Island'). This place name in turn comes from the Halq'eméylem word leq' - 'flat'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like halk-uh-MAY-lum, except that instead of a k you say the Halqeméylem q, with a popped ('ejective') release, i.e. q'.

IPA: hælqʼəmejləm

Root & Notes: The -qel or -eqel ending means literally 'of in the throat'. Elders use this ending to refer to languages, so if you want to talk about the Halq'emeylem language you can say specifically Halq'emeyleqel.

Another alternative would be to say Halq'eméylem Sqwéltel (Sqwéltel is another word for 'language').

You can also just say Halq'eméylem, to refer to the language. In English this becomes 'Halkomelem'.

IPA: hælqʼəmejləmqʌl

Root & Notes: iyólem mans 'okay, correct, alright' or 'good'

syó:ys means 'work' (the s- prefix indicates that this is the noun form)

Pronunciation: Sounds like ee-YAH-lum seey-EYE-ss

IPA: ijɑləm sjɔjs

Root & Notes: Literally this means 'to hold in the hand, to grasp'

Pronunciation: Sounds like kwuh-LATT

Root & Notes: From kw'íts' - 'to cut up, to butcher'

The -tel ending marks tools and implements

Pronunciation: Sounds like KWITTS-tull, except that the first kw is popped (kw'), and there is also a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the ts in (ts')

IPA: kwʼɪtsʔtəl

Root & Notes: kw'ótl'kwa means 'ocean, salt water'.

q'oyátl'iye means 'snail' or 'slug'.

Pronunciation: kw'ótl'kwa sounds like KWOTT-ull-kwa, except that the first kw is popped, and the tl' consists of a popped t followed by an l (i.e. tl' = t'+l)

q'oyátl'iye sounds like keye-ATT-lee-yuh, except that instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem popped q (q'), made at the uvula; the tl' is again a popped t (t') followed by an l.

IPA: kʷɑtʼlkwæ qʼɔjætʼlijə

Root & Notes: Literally lá:lém means 'house', but you can use it for dwellings in general, including animal dens.

Another way to say 'dwelling' is 'shxwlis kw'es stas, which means literally 'place where one lives/stays'.

Pronunciation: lá:lém sounds like LA-lumm. Some speakers have slightly raised pitch on both syllables, marked by the accents.

Shxwelis kw'es stas sounds like shwuh-LIS kwus STASS, except that there is a soft-x (x, made on the roof of the mouth) after the first sh. The kw is also popped.

IPA: læləm, ʃxʷəlis kʷʼəs stæs

Root & Notes: lhéqw means 'wet' or 'to be wet'.

shxwlí is one word for 'place' (literally 'where one is at')

Pronunciation: Lhéqw sounds roughly like THUCK, except that instead of a TH you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh, like an English l, but with more friction and no vibration in the throat). Also, instead of a k at the end, you say the Halq'eméylem qw, made at the uvula and with the lips rounded.

IPA: ɬʌqʷ ʃxʷəli

Root & Notes: This word means literally 'a thing you spread out on the ground'. From:

lháx - 'to spread out'
-ep - 'on the ground'
-tel - 'tool, device'

Pronunciation: This word sounds like luck-EY-lup-till, except that instead of a regular l at the start you say the Halq'emeylem hissy-l (lh) and instead of ck you say the Halq'emeylem hard-x (made with friction against the uvula).

IPA: ɬʌχejlʌptəl

Root & Notes: From mékw' - 'all, every' and wát -'who'

Pronunciation: Sounds like mook-WATT, except that the k is popped and rounded (kw'). The vowel 'a' is as in English 'hat'.

IPA: mʊkʷʼwæt

Root & Notes: From pálchmel - Frenchman (borrowed from English), and the ending -eqel (literally 'in the throat', also used to mean 'language')

Pronunciation: Sounds like PALTCH-mull-kull, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem q (made at the uvula)

IPA: pæltʃməlqəl

Root & Notes: q'emōwelhp comes from q'émél - 'to scoop/dip water', also used in sq'émél -'canoe paddle'.

The -elhp ending marks plants and trees.

The maple tree is associated with 'scooping', 'dipping', because wood from the tree is used to make paddles.

Pronunciation: Sounds like come-OH-wulp, except that instead of a c at the start you say the Halq'eméylem q' (popped, and made at the uvula). And instead of a regular l you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l sound (lh)

IPA: qʼʌmowəɬp

Root & Notes:Though q'ew does not occur as a word by itself, it appears in many words related to bends in the river, especially in place names like:

Sq’éwqel – Seabird Island,
Sq’éwqé:yl ~ Sq’éwqí:l – Scowkale

Pronunciation: Sounds like KOE, except instead of a k you say the Halq'emeylem q' (popped and made at the uvula).

IPA: qʼo or q'əw

Root & Notes: qwà:l is used for 'to speak' or 'to talk'. Related words include sqwà:l - 'word, language', and sqwélqwel - 'true story, news'.

qwóqwel is the '-ing' (progressive) form of qwà:l , i.e. 'talking, speaking'.

Pronunciation: Qwà:l sounds like KWALL, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem qw (made at the uvula, and with rounded lips).

Qwóqwel sounds like KWAH-kwull, again with qw's rather than kw.

IPA: kʷæl, kʷɑkʷəl

Root & Notes: This word means literally 'speaking device', from:

qwà:l - 'to speak'
-ó:ythel 'on the lips'
-tel 'tools, devices'.

Speakers use qweló:ythetel for musical instruments, audio players and musical instruments.

Pronunciation: Sounds like kwull-EYE-thuh-tull, except instead of a kw you say the Halq'eméylem qw (made at the uvula, in this case with the lips rounded)

IPA: qʷəlɔjθətəl

Root & Notes: This is based on the verb háwe - 'to hunt'. The s- prefix marks it as a noun.

Pronunciation: The s- is pronounced separately from the h, like ss-HOW-uh.

IPA: shawə

Root & Notes: This refers to a thick plank for the side of a house or the roof. It is also used for a plank that covers a smoke hole in a longhouse.

Pronunciation: Sounds like SUH-EAL-took, except instead of a k at the end you say a soft-x (made with gentle friction on the roof of the mouth). There is also a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the first s.

IPA: sʔiltʊxʷ

Root & Notes: síq' refers to hard clay, and can also be used for hard earth.

sp'ótl'em means 'smoke', and -álá marks 'containers and receptacles', so literally sp'ótl'emálá means 'smoke container' or 'smoke receptacle'

Pronunciation: Sounds like SEEK spot-lum-AL-a, except that instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem popped q, and the p and t are popped. tl' = t' + l, i.e. popped t followed by l.

IPA: siqʼ spʼɑtʼləmælæ

Root & Notes: This word can refer to the roof, and also to a roof shingle or shingles. You can also use it for a ceiling.

Síqetsel comes from siq - 'under' and the -etsel ending meaning - 'on the back'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SEE-cut-sill, except instead of a c you say the Halq'eméylem q, made at the uvula.

IPA: siqʌtsəl

Root & Notes: s'íwes is based on íwes - 'to teach, to guide, to direct, to show'. The s- prefix marks that this is the noun form, so 'teaching, guidance, direction'

Pronunciation: Sounds like: suh-EE-wuss. There is a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the first s.

IPA: sijæm

Root & Notes: siyám is based on éy - 'good' Speakers also use siyám for 'chief', 'boss' and any upper class or highly respected person.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: see-YAM. There is slightly more emphasis or raised pitch on the second syllable.

IPA: sijæm

Root & Notes: This comes from iyáq - 'to change, to trade'. The s- prefix marks the noun form.

Pronunciation: Sounds like suh-EE-jack, except instead of a ck at the end you say the Halq'eméylem q (made at the uvula). There is also a catch in the throat ('glottal stop') after the first s.

IPA: sʔiæq

Root & Notes: skw'ekw'i is from kw'íy - 'to climb'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like skwuh-kwee, except that the kw sounds are popped (kw')

IPA: skʷʼəkʷʼi

Root & Notes: skwíx - 'name'
qas - 'and'
té - 'the'
téméxw - 'earth, 'land, world'

Pronunciation: skwíx sounds like skweesh, except instead of sh you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (with light friction on the roof of the mouth).

qas sounds like kass, except instead of k you say the Halq'emeylem q, made at the uvula

te sounds like tuh

téméxw sounds like tem-OOK, except instead of a k at the end you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x with lip rounding (xw)

IPA: skʷix qæs tə tʌmʊxʷ

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SKWAY-uth, except that the kw sound is popped. Some speakers say the first vowel a little differently, like this: SKWEE-yuth.

IPA:skʼʷejəθ or skʼʷijəθ

Root & Notes: skwokwepílep means literally 'little hill'. It comes from skwóqwep - 'hill, dirt'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: skwaw-kwuh-PEA-lupp

IPA: qʷɑqʷəpiləp

Root & Notes: The different types of fishing are specifically:

slhílhekw'et - 'hook, gaff'
sxíxemel - 'drift net'
sqw'íqw'emo:thel - 'line'
halxeywe - 'pit-lamp'
sthq'áls - 'spear'

Pronunciation:

slhílhekw'et sounds like SLEE-luh-kwut, except that the l's are hissy (lh), and the kw is 'popped' (kw'), IPA: sɬiɬəkʼʷət

sxíxemel sounds like s-SHEE-shuh-mull, except instead of sh's you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x sound, made on the roof of the mouth. IPA: sxixəməl

sqwíqwemo:thel sounds like SKWEE-kwuh-moth-ull, except instead of k's you say the Halq'eméylem q, at the uvula. IPA: sqʷiqʷəmɑθəl

halxeywe sounds like hal-KAY-wuh, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x), with heavy friction at the uvula. IPA: hælχejwə

sthq'áls sounds like stuh-KALLS, except that instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem q, and this q is popped (q'). IPA: stʼθqæls

Root & Notes: slhím is based on the verb lhím - 'to pick, to harvest'. The s- prefix marks the noun form.

These words can be used to talk about harvesting fruit, vegetables, and hops.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: ss-THEEM, except instead of TH you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh). Lh sounds like a regular l, but with more friction.

IPA: sɬim

Root & Notes: semlá:lh describes respected, 'high class' people.

Pronunciation: smelá:lh sounds like smuh-lath, except that instead of a th at the end you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l.

Root & Notes: s'olh - our (used contrastively, as in 'this is our land, not theirs') tém:éxw - 'earth, land, world'

Pronunciation: Sounds like suh-oll TUMM-ook, except that the first l is the Halq'emeylem hissy-l (lh), and the last sound is not a k but the Halq'emeylem soft-x, here with rounded lips (xw)

IPA: sʔɑɬ tʌmːʊxʷ

Root & Notes: p'ótl'em means 'smoke'
-álá marks 'containers and receptacles'
-tel marks 'tools, devices'

So literally sp'otl'emá:látel means 'smoke receptacle device'

Pronunciation: Sounds like spot-lum-AL-a-tull, except that instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem popped q (q'), and the p and t are popped. tl' = t' + l, i.e. popped t followed by l.

IPA: spʼɑtʼləmælætəl

Root & Notes: This comes from q'élstexw - 'bring it back, return it'. q'áq'elstexw is the -ing form, i.e. 'bringing it back, returning it'. The s- prefix is makes the word into a noun.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SKACK-ull-stoosh, except that instead of CK's you say popped q sounds (made at the uvula). And instead of a sh at the end you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x sound with lip rounding (xw).

IPA: sqʼæqʼelstexʷ

Root & Notes: The -tel ending marks 'tool' or 'device', and the s- is a noun marker. The base may be related to siq - 'under'

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SCKACK-ull-tull, except that instead of CK you say the Halq'eméylem q sound (made at the uvula).

IPA: sqæqəltəl

Root & Notes: sqelxwá:le comes from sqéléxw -throat.

The -á:le ending marks 'container' or 'receptacle', so literally sqelxwá:le means 'that which is contained in the throat'

Pronunciation: Sounds like: skull-SHXWA-luh, except that instead of a SH you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x sound (x), made on the roof of the mouth.

IPA: sqʌlxʷælə

Root & Notes: Based on the root 'q'ew' - 'to go around a bend in the river'. The s- prefix marks the word as a noun, and the '-lets' suffix means 'in/at the bottom'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like SKOW-litts, except instead of a k you say the Halq'emeylem q, with your tongue touching back to your uvula. This q is also popped ('ejective'), which you make by combining it with a catch in the throat (glottal stop).

IPA: sqʷʌlqʷəl

Root & Notes: Based on the root 'qwà:l' - 'to speak'. The s- prefix marks the word as a noun, and the partial doubling indicates plural, so literally 'speakings'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like SKWULL-kwill, except instead of k's you say the Halq'emeylem q, with rounded lips (qw)

IPA: sqʷʌlqʷəl

Root & Notes: sqwéltel comes from qwà:l - to talk. The -tel ending marks 'tools, devices', and the s- prefix is a noun marker.

Literally, the meaning is therefore 'device for speaking,' or 'the tool that let's us talk'

Pronunciation: Sounds like SKWULL-till, except instead of a k you say the Halq'emeylem q, with rounded lips (qw)

IPA: sqʷʌltəl

Root & Notes: Literally 'language work'. See sqwéltel - 'language'. Syó:ys means 'work'

Pronunciation: Sounds like SKWULL-till s-YOY-ss, except instead of a k you say the Halq'emeylem q, with rounded lips (qw)

IPA: sqʷʌltəl sjɔjs

Root & Notes: This word is sometimes spelled sqwōwich.

The s- prefix marks nouns, and the -ich ending here may mean 'on the back'.

The root word is not recorded, but it may be based on 'bone', in which case the word would mean literally 'bone on the back'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SKWOW-itch

IPA: skʷawətʃ

Root & Notes: stám - what?, what (is it)

Pronunciation: Sounds like STAM-iss. Both syllables have slightly raised pitch.

IPA: stæməs

Root & Notes: This word is sometimes used for 'lower class' people.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: STUCK-um, except that the t is popped, and instead of CK you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x, on the roof of the mouth.

Some speakers pronounce the start of the word ST-TH. Both pronunciations are correct.

IPA: stʼʌxəm

Root & Notes: This describes the berries. To refer to a bush (the whole plant) you would add the -elhp 'plant' suffix, for sth'íweq'elhp.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: STSEE-wuck, except instead of a k at the end you say the Halq'eméylem popped-q (q'). There is also a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the first STS.

Some speakers pronounce the start of the word ST-TH. Both pronunciations are correct.

IPA: stɑ:lo

Root & Notes: Based on rood tó:l - to go out on the river, go down to the river.

Speakers use stó:lō as a general term for any river, but they also call the Fraser river simply 'te stó:lō' 'the river' (there is no special name for the Fraser in the language, it is simply 'the river').

Pronunciation: Sounds like STALL-oh

IPA: stɑ:lo

Root & Notes: Speakers use this for the back end of the house, viewed either from the inside of the outside.

It comes from the root chál - 'to follow behind'. The s- prefix marks nouns, and the -áxel ending means 'end or side of a house'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: s-tssullk-WAK-ull, except that:

Instead of the first k you make the Halq'eméylem q (made at the uvula)
the underlined x is the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x, made at the uvula).

IPA: stselqwæχəl

Root & Notes: sts'ísem is from ts'ísem - 'to grow'. The s- prefix marks nouns, so literally 'things which grow'.

teli means 'from'

te means 'the'

kw'ehíthelh is based on hith - 'a long time', with the -elh ending meaning 'past'. Kw'e is one way of saying 'the'

Pronunciation: sts'ísem sounds like: ss-TSEE-summ, except that there is a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the TS. IPA: stsʔisəm

teli sounds like tuh-LEE. IPA: təli

te sounds like tuh. IPA: tə

kw'ehíthelh sounds like kwuh-HITH-eth, except that the last sounds is not th but the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh). IPA: kʼʷəhithəɬ

Root & Notes: Sxe'ath'tel means 'map'. It comes from xáth' - 'to measure' (this is also pronounced xe'áth'). The -tel ending marks device, so literally sxe'ath'tel means 'measuring device'. The -s ending marks possessive ('of').

Pronunciation: sxe'ath'tels sounds like: skuh-ATS-tulls, except that instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x, made at the uvula), and there is a glottal stop after the TS sound (th'). IPA: sχəʔæθəls

te'í sounds like tuh-EE. IPA: təʔi

téméxw sounds like tum-mook, except instead of a k at the end you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (with rounded lips, i.e. xw). IPA: tʌmʊxʷ

Root & Notes: sxwithi can refer to a photo, a painting, a sculpture, or any likeness.

It comes from the same root as xwíythi - 'carved outside post on a longhouse (totem pole)'

Pronunciation: sxwithi sounds like SKWEE-thee, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x, made at the uvula).

IPA: sχʷiθi

Root & Notes: This word comes from the verb xwiyám – to tell a legend. The s- prefix and partial doubling marks the noun form.

Pronunciation: Sounds like skwo-kwee-YAM, except that instead of k's you say the Halq'emeylem hard x (x) sound.

IPA: sχʷoχʷijæm

Root & Notes: This word come from yewá:l - 'first'. The s- prefix marks nouns, and the ending -elh or -a:lh marks 'in the past'.

So literally it means 'the ones who were first' or 'the first ones, of the past'

Pronunciation: Sounds like: syuh-WASH, except instead of an SH at the end you say the Halq'emeylem hissy-l (lh).

IPA: sjəwæɬ

Root & Notes: This comes from q'élstexw - 'bring it back, return it'. q'áq'elstexw is the -ing form, i.e. 'bringing it back, returning it'. The s- prefix makes the word into a noun.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: KACK-ull-stoosh, except that instead of CK's you say popped q sounds (q', made at the uvula). And instead of a sh at the end you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x sound with lip rounding, gently touching the roof of the mouth (xw).

IPA: sqʼæqʼelstexʷ

Root & Notes: You use t'áq'e for the berries, and t'áqà:lhp for the whole plant or bush.

The -à:lhp ending (usually -elph, but in some words the vowel changes) marks whole plants and trees.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: TACK-uh, except that instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem q (made at the uvula), and this q is popped.

IPA: tʼæqʼə

Root & Notes: te- 'the'
á:wkw' - 'belongings, clothing'
tset -' our'

Pronunciation: Sounds like tuh skull-HWA-luh--tsutt, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem q (made at the uvula), and instead of h you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (made with gentle friction on the roof of the mouth).

IPA: tə sqʌlxʷælə tsət

Root & Notes: te - the
sqewlxwá:le - voice, voices tset - our

Pronunciation: Sounds like tuh skull-HWA-luh--tsutt, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem q (made at the uvula), and instead of h you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (made with gentle friction on the roof of the mouth).

IPA: tə sqʌlxʷælə tsət

Root & Notes: You can use sxéles to talk about a design, a picture, or a pattern on a basket. Sxéles comes from a root xél which means 'to mark' (the same root as in xé:ylt - 'to write', and xé:ylthet - 'to paint oneself'.)

tset means 'our'

Pronunciation: Sounds like tuh SKULL-uss tsutt, except that instead of a K you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x), made at the uvula

IPA: sχʌləs tsət

Root & Notes: te - 'the'
téméxw - 'earth, land, world' tset - 'our'

Pronunciation: Sounds like tuh TUMM-ook-tsutt, except instead of a k you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (x), made on the roof of the mouth. This x also has rounded lips (xw)

IPA: tə tʌmʊxʷ tsət

Root & Notes: This occurs in the place name Temélhem (a stream south of Skowkale).

It is also in the word for a red-necked woodpecker: Temélhépsem (literally 'red on the neck')

Pronunciation: Sounds like TUMM-ush, except instead of sh you say the Halq'emeylem hissy-l sound (lh).

The lh sound is similar to English l, but with more friction.

Some speakers have slightly raised pitch on both syllables in this word, marked by the accents.

IPA: tʌməɬ

Root & Notes: This word be may be based on the root t'ém - 'to chop'. The -q'ethel ending mean approximately 'on the edge'. So literally the word means 'chop on the edge'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: TUMM-kuh-thull, except that the first t is popped (t'), and instead of a k you say the Halq'emeylem popped-q (q'), made at the uvula.

IPA: tʼʌmqʼəθəl

Root & Notes: You can use this word for an inside or outside wall, and for an inside divider.

The root is unknown, but may be related to t'ém ¬- 'to chop', in the sense of dividing the space.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: TOM-mull, except that the first t is popped. Some speakers have slightly raised pitch on both syllables, marked by the accents.

IPA: tʼɑməl

Root & Notes: ts'álts'em - shiny
tsq'éyx - black smált - rock

Pronunciation: ts'álts'em - sounds like TSALL-tsumm, except that there are glottal stops (catches in the throat) after each of the TS| sounds.

tsq'éyx - sounds like tsuh-KAY-SH, excpt that the last sound is not an SH but the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x), made at the uvula. Also, instead of a K you say the popped q (q'), made at the uvula.

smált - sounds like the small-t, except that the 'a' vowel in is like the 'a' in English 'hat'.

Root & Notes: xwélmexw means 'person' or 'people'.

The ts'elh- prefix marks 'those you are close to'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: TSITH-shwull-mekw, except that:

instead of TH you say the Hal'qméylem hissy-l (lh)
instead of sh you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x sound with lip rounding (xw).
Instead of kw at the end you say again the Halq'eméylem soft x with lip rounding (xw)

IPA: tsʔəɬxʷʊlmʊxʷ

Root & Notes: You use ts'sá:y for the wood or logs, and ts'sa:yelhp for the whole tree.

The -elhp ending marks whole plants or trees.

Pronunciation: ts'sá:y sounds like tsuh-SAY, except that there is a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the first ts.

-elhp ending sounds like ULLP, except that the l is the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh)

IPA: tsʔsej, tsʔsejəɬp

Root & Notes: You use xepá:y for the wood or logs, and xpá:yelhp for the whole tree.

-elhp ending marks whole plants or trees.

Pronunciation: xepá:y sounds like H-pay, except that instead of H you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x), made with heavy friction against your uvula.

-elhp ending sounds like ULLP, except that the l is the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh)

IPA: χpej, χpejəɬp

Root & Notes: Xá:ls - the transformer
[a key figure in traditional stories and legends]

Pronunciation: Sounds like kuh-KALLS, except that instead of k's you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x

IPA: χæls, χəχæls

Root & Notes: This is used for any kind of sacred or holy items, and can include secret sacred items or knowledge.

Pronunciation: Sounds like HA-ha except that instead of h's you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x), made with friction at the uvula. The 'a' vowels sound like the 'a' in English 'hat'.

IPA: χæχæ

Root & Notes: xálh can refer to a door or a doorway. Speakers also use xálh for 'road', or 'path' (possibly because large doors open onto paths).

Pronunciation: Sounds like HATH, except that instead of an h at the beginning you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (x), made on the roof of the mouth. And at the end of the word, instead of a TH, you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh)

IPA: xʲæɬ

Root & Notes: This root appears in many words related to designs and markings, include xé:ylt - 'to write', and sxélés - 'design'

Pronunciation: Sounds like: HULL, except instead of an H you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x).

Root & Notes: xólhemet - 'to take care of'
ye - 'the' (used for plurals) siyolexwálh - 'elders' tset - 'our'

The basic word for 'Elder' is siyólexwe. The -elh ending (here becoming -alh) marks 'in the past' or 'of the past', so siyolexwálh is literally 'Elders of the past'

Pronunciation: xólhemet sounds like HOTH-uh-mutt, except instead of H you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (x), made on the roof of the mouth, and instead of TH you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh). IPA: xʲɑɬəmət

ye sounds like yuh IPA: yə

siyolexwálh sounds like see-YAW-luh-SHWATH, except that instead of SH you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (x), and instead of TH at the end you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh). IPA: sijɑləxʷæɬ

tset sounds like tsutt, IPA: tsət

Root & Notes: Some Elders indicate that this comes from the root xwá - 'to starve'.

It also has a similar form to the meaning 'those who came/arrived' (xwelí means 'to come, to arrive')

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SHWUH-lee-tum, except that instead of a SH at the start you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x, made t the roof of the mouth. This x is also rounded (xw).

IPA: xʷəlitəm

Root & Notes: This word does not have an identifiable base or root, but he ending -mexw means 'people'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SHWOOL-mush, except that instead of SH sounds you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (x), made at the roof of the mouth. Here the soft-x's have rounded lips (xw).

IPA: xʷəlmʊxʷ

Root & Notes: This is based on xwélmexw - 'first nations person'.

In this word, the -elh ending marks 'in the tradition of' (-elh can literally means 'in/of the past')

Pronunciation: Sounds like: SHWOOL-mush-eth, except that:

instead of SH sounds you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x, made at the roof of the mouth. Here the soft-x's have rounded lips (xw).
instead of th at the end you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh)

IPA: xʷəlmʊxʷ əɬ

Root & Notes: qwíqwiy appears to come from the root as qwá:y - (be) green

xwélmexwelh means 'traditional First Nations' (see entry for xwélmexwelh for further information on this word)

Pronunciation: kwee, except that instead of k's you say the Halq'eméylem q, made at the uvula.

(See entry for xwélmexwelh for pronunciation information.)

IPA: xʷəlmʊxʷəɬ qʷijqʷij

Root & Notes: tó:lmel 'wisdom'- 'is based on the root tol, which occurs in many words related to knowledge, learning, and wisdom.

(see separate notes in entry for xwélmexwelh)

Pronunciation: tó:lmel sounds like TALL-mull

(see entry for xwélmexwelh information on pronouncing this word)

IPA: xʷəlmʊxʷəɬ tɑlməl

Root & Notes: This is based on xwóyem - 'to sell'.

xwóxweyem is the -ing form, made by doubling the first part of the word.

Pronunciation: Sounds like: sh-WHY-shway-um, except that instead of sh sounds you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x, made at the roof of the mouth, here with rounded lips (xw)

IPA: xʷɑxʷejəm

Root & Notes: Based on xólh, a root which appears in many words related to looking after and caring for people, e.g. xólhmethet - 'take care of yourself'.

Pronunciation: Sounds like SHOTH-met, but instead of SH you say the Halq'eméylem soft-x (x), and instead of TH you say the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh).

IPA: xʲɑɬmət

Root & Notes: xólhmet -'take care of'
mekw'ewat - 'everyone'
it - '(that) we'
kwelát - 'to have, to hold'

Pronunciation: mekw'ewát sounds like MOOCK-wat, except that the k is rounded and popped (kw'). IPA: mʊkʼʷæt

it sounds like EET. IPA: it

kwelat sounds like kwull-AT. IPA: kʷəlæt

(see separate notes in entry for xólhmet)

Root & Notes: ye - 'the' (for plurals)
mestíyexw - 'people'
kw'es e - 'who/that'
tháyem - 'to make'
te'í - 'this'
syó:ys - 'work'

Pronunciation: ye sounds like yuh, IPA: yə

mestíyexw sounds like mist-EE-yook, except that the last sound is not k but a rounded soft-x (xw), made at the roof of the mouth with lip rounding. IPA: məstijʊxʷ

kw'es e sounds like kwuss uh, except that the kw is popped. IPA: kʼʷəs

tháyem sounds like THAY-um. IPA: θejəm

te'í sounds like tuh-EE. IPA: təʔi

yó:ys sounds like sy-EYE-ss. IPA: sjɔjs

Root & Notes: ye - means 'the' (for plurals)
sí:yá:m is the plural form for siyám 'respected leader' (see entry for siyám).
tset - means 'our'
telowáyel - means 'today'

Pronunciation: ye sounds like yuh, IPA: yə

sí:yá:m sounds like SEE-YAM. The first vowel is slightly elongated, and both syllables have slightly raised pitch. IPA: si:jæm

tset sounds like TSUTT IPA: tsət

telowayel sounds like tull-a-WAY-ull IPA: təlawejəl

Root & Notes: ye means 'the' (for plurals)
s'íwes means 'teachings', from the root íwes - 'to teach' . The s- prefix marks the nouns form
tset means 'our'

Pronunciation: Sounds like yuh SEE-wuss tsutt, except that there is a catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the first S.

IPA: jə sʔiwəs tsət

Root & Notes: ye means 'the' (for plurals)
sqwéltel means 'voice' or 'language' (see entry for sqwéltel for more information

Pronunciation: ye sounds like yuh
(See entry for sqwéltel for pronunciation notes.)

IPA: yə

Root & Notes: ye means 'the' (for plurals)
sxwíythi refers to any kind of picture, photo, portrait, or other likeness. It is related to the verb xwíythi 'carved housepost'

Pronunciation: ye sounds like yuh. IPA: yə

sxíythi sounds like SKWEE-thee, except instead of a K you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x), with friction against your uvula. IPA: jə sχʷijθi

Root & Notes: • ye - 'the' (for plurals)
ts'elhxwelmexw - family, families (see notes in entry for ts'elhxwelmexw )
-s - here, marks possession, similar to 'of'
te -'the'
Sq'éwlets - Scowlitz, Sq'éwlets (see notes in entry for Sq’éwlets)

Pronunciation: ye sounds like yuh. IPA: yə

te sounds like tuh. IPA: tə

(see entries for ts'elhxwelmexw and Sq’éwlets for pronunciation info)

IPA: jə sʔiwəs tsət

Root & Notes: ye means 'the' (for plurals)
xeyxlham is one word for 'moving'
pékchas - is one way of saying 'pictures' (this form borrowed from English)

Pronunciation: ye sounds like yuh. IPA: yə

xeyxlham sounds like KAKE-lam, except that instead of K's you say the Halq'eméylem hard-x (x). The l in this word is also the Halq'eméylem hissy-l (lh)

Root & Notes: yél:és - tooth, teeth
telí - from
te - the
kw'ótl'kwa - ocean, sea, salt water

Pronunciation: yél:és - sounds like YULL-us. The l is slightly lengthened, and there is slightly raised pitch on both syllables. IPA: jʌl:əs

telí - sounds like tull-EE. IPA: tʌli

te - sounds like tuh. IPA: tə

kw'ótl'kwa sounds like KWOTT-ull-kwa, except that the first kw is popped, and the tl' consists of a popped t followed by an l (i.e. tl' = t' + l. IPA: kʷɑtʼlkwæ

Root & Notes: yewá:l means 'first', and siyá:m means 'respected leader' (see further notes in entry for siyá:m)

Pronunciation: yewá:l sounds like yuh-WALL, with the same a-vowel as in English 'hat'

(See pronunciations notes for siyá:m in separate entry for that item)

IPA: jəwæl