Mohawk Language Learning Resources by Six Nations Polytechnic is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
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This open education resource (OER) may be used a supplementary resource to learning the Mohawk language at the beginner level. In the first part of the OER, the basic morphology, of the language is introduced through pronouns, pronoun prefixes, particles, and verb roots. The second part introduces vocabulary builders. Finally, in the third part, basic conversational language is explored.
This project is made possible with funding by the Government of Ontario and through eCampusOntario’s support of the Virtual Learning Strategy. To learn more about the Virtual Learning Strategy visit: https://vls.ecampusontario.ca.
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Pronoun prefixes attach to verb roots to specify who is being discussed and what is happening to that person (blue prefixes), what that person is doing (ref prefixes), and what is happening between people (purple prefixes)The charts below are derived from studying Kanatawakhon David Maracle’s textbook, To I’i Tewaweyentehta’n Kanyen’keha (Let’s Learn Mohawk) (2014) and learning resources created by the Onkwawén:na Kentyóhkwa Adult Mohawk Language Immersion Program in Six Nations of the Grand River that follow the root word method that has set the standard for adult immersion. Read more about the effectiveness of this approach in, “The Root-Word Method for Building Proficient Second – Language Speakers of Polysynthetic Languages: Onkwawén:na Kentyóhkwa Adult Mohawk Language Immersion Program” by Tehota’kerá:tonh Jeremy Green and Owennatékha Brian Maracle (2018).
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to like (object) | a-__-nòn:we’ne |
to be called | a-__-iátsheke |
to know (a fact) | a-__-tó:ken’se |
to know (be familiar with) | a-__-ientéhrha’ne |
to be married | a-__-niake |
to have children | a-__-wiraién:ta’ne |
to be working | a-__-ió’ten |
to love | a-__-nó:ronhkwe |
be somewhere | kak nón:we a-__-:sheke |
be going | a-__-e |
to have something | a-__-ién:take |
to like the taste of | a-__-é:ka’we |
to be walking | a-__-htén:ti |
to be elder/adult | aonta-__-ién:ta’ne |
to be a child | eksà:’a a-__-:ton |
to be a person | ón:kwe a-__-:ton |
to be saying | a-__-:ron |
to write | a-__-hiá:ton |
tell about | a-__-thrória’te |
ask | a-__-rihwanón:ton |
ask about | a-__-rihwanón:ton |
tell (someone) | a-__-hró:ri |
be similar, look alike | taons-___-tierénhake |
be different, be dissimilar | ta-__ttihénhake |
to read | a-__-wennahnó:ton |
to be sick | a-__-nonhwákten |
be an age | …naonta-__-ién:take |
be about | aktóntie a-__-:sheke |
be passed away | a-__-tohetstónhake |
be dead | a-__-heiónhake |
be alive | a-__-ónhnheke |
be a non-Indigenous (White) person | a-__-tientatshónhake |
be an Indigenous person | a-__-onkwehonwéhake |
be one’s last name | ta-__-hsennà:serake |
be # of years old | # ta-__-ohseriia’kónhake |
have as a surname | ta-__-hsennà:serake |
to have grandchildren | a-__-terè:shen |
to have children (idiomatic) | a-__-wiraién:ta’ne |
to hate it | a-__-swen |
to be mother to | ontate’nisténha a-__-:ton |
to be father to | ontate’níha a-__-:ton |
to be child of | ontatièn:’a a-__-:ton |
to be grandchild of | ontaterè:’a a-__-:ton |
to be grandparent to | ontatshótha a-__-:ton |
to be uncle to | ontatenonhà:’a a-__-:ton |
to be aunt to | ontate’nisténha a-__-:ton |
to be younger sibling to | ontate’kèn:’a a-__-:ton |
to be older sibling to | ontathtsì:’a a-__-:ton |
to be siblings | kiatate’kèn:’a a-__-:ton |
to be cousins | onara’sè:’a a-__-:ton |
to be friends, be bf/gf | atenrò:sera a-__-:ton, káskare a-__-:ton |
be good friends/Indian friends | watenro’serí:ios a-__-:ton |
be related/relatives | ontátenonhkwe a-__-:ton |
in a relationship with someone | a-__-terihwísa |
to be divorced or separated | ta-__-tekháhsi |
to be engaged | a-__-terihwahserón:ni |
to be single | a-__-nonhsanónhnhake |
to be young | ken’ naonta-__-ién:take |
to be learning | a-__-teweiénsthake |
to be teaching | a-__-rihonnienníhake |
to watch television | tká:ra’s a-__-terò:roke |
to be eating | ta-__-tskà:hon |
to be thirsty | a-__-nia’tatshénsheke |
to be drinking | a-__-hnekihrénhake |
to wake up | a-__-ie |
to get dressed | a-__-thserón:ni |
answer, reply | ta-__-rihwa’será:ko |
begin (to do s.t.) | aonta-__-táhsawen |
cook | -khón:ni |
defecate | -ní’taien |
do something | ok na-__-ier |
eat a meal | te-__-tskà:hon |
get up | -tkétsko, te-__-ta’n |
happen | ok tha-__-tié:ren |
help (physically) | -ié:nawa’s |
help (supportive) | -ia’takéhnha |
hide | -táhseht |
listen | -tahónhsatat |
look | -tkáhtho |
open | -hnhotón:ko, -nontéksi, -te-__-tá:kwariht |
prepare | -weiennén:ta’n |
rain | -kennó:ron |
rest | -toríhsen |
say | -:ron |
sleep | -:ta’wh |
snow | -nieht |
study | -téweienst |
put away | -teweièn:ton |
tidy | te-__-ohtáhrho |
get tired | te-__-hwihsénheie |
understand | -‘nikonhraién:ta’n |
urinate | -nistiá:ke |
wake up | -ie |
wash s.t. | -nóhare |
wash oneself | -tia’tóhare |
watch | -terò:rok |
work | -ió’ten |
borrow | -tén:ni |
lend | -:ni |
buy | -hní:non |
buy for s.o. | -hní:non’s |
buy from s.o. | -hní:non |
get/obtain | -ko, -ié:na |
go get | -kóha |
give | -ion |
lend | -ni |
sell | -tenhní:non |
sell to | -tenhní:non’s |
steal | -nénsko |
trade, switch | te-__-tá:ton |
be big | a-__-kowanénhake |
be cheap, inexpensive | a-__-tiesénhake |
be dark in colour | a-__-hsohkwahon’tsíhake |
be dirty, soiled | ta-__-‘tsón:take |
be dry | a-__-stathénhake |
be expensive | a-__-norónhake |
be hard | a-__-hnirónhake |
be heavy | a-__-ksteke |
have a hole | a-__-kahrón:take |
be light in colour | a-__-hsohkwara’kénhake |
be long | a-__-ónsheke |
be bad, evil | a-__-hetkénhake |
be short | ken’ na-__-onsháhake |
stink | a-__-kera’ne |
be soft | a-__-‘nhétska’ne |
be ugly | a-__-hetkénhake |
be wet | a-__-na’nawénhake |
eat s.t. | a-__-ke |
make soup | a-__-tkátston |
make a bread product | a-__-na’tarón:ni |
get full | a-__-hta’ne |
be good or proficient at | a-__-weientehtónhake |
small | ken’ ni-__-à:’a |
afraid | -tshà:nis |
angry | -na’khwèn:’on |
annoyed | -hkará:rens |
awake | -iè:’on |
big | -kowá:nen |
body type, looks | tsi ni-__-ia’tò:ten |
busy | te-__-weienhnharà:’on |
cold | -wístos |
concerned, worried | te-__-tate’nikónhrhare |
content | -erien’tí:ios |
crazy | te-__-nonhwarawén:rie |
crying | te-__-shénthos |
dark-skinned | -hnahòn:tsi |
depressed | -‘nikonhrèn:ton |
drunk | -nonhwarahtòn:’on |
enjoy | -on’wéskwani |
famous | -hsennowá:nen |
fat | -re’sen |
funny | -ia’tasté:ris |
good-looking | -onkwe’tí:io |
good person | -onkwe’tí:io, t-__-rihwaié:ri |
happy | -tshennón:ni, -tonhnháhere |
heavy | -ia’tákste |
hot | -‘tarihèn:’on |
hungry | -tonhkária’ks |
intelligent | -ttókha |
jealous | -‘nóshas, -ten’kéwhen |
lazy | -entóhrha |
light-skinned | -hnarà:ken |
lonely | -entón:nis |
lucky | -tera’swí:io |
cross, nasty, mean | -hétken |
need | te-__-tonhwentsó:ni |
poor | -:ten |
pregnant | -wirahninòn:re |
ready, prepared | -tateweiennentà:’on |
rich | -hwistowá:nen |
sad | -‘nikonhráksens |
short | ken’ ni-__-hneniésha |
shy | -tshé:iaron |
sick | -nonhwáktani |
sleepy | -serénhtara’s |
smiling, laughing | -iéshon |
strong | -‘nikonhkátste, -‘shátste, te-__-hwi’shátste |
stubborn, determined | -nontsistahní:ron |
surprised | -nehrakò:’on |
talking | -hthare |
tall | -hnén:ies |
skinny | -tí:wen |
thirsty | -nia’táthens |
thrilled, ecstatic | -‘nikonhrinekèn:’on |
have time | -náktote |
tired | te-__-hwihsenhé:ion |
ugly, homely | -hétken |
unlucky | -tera’swáksen |
well, healthy | -kwátshe |
waiting | -hrhá:re, te-__-nèn:raien |
weak, sickly | -tsì:ios, -tsi’ióhtare |
working | -ió’te |
spread out, spread around | te-__-renia’tonhátie |
setting | -héhrha |
in | -a |
in (liquid or abstract), be part of | -o, -re |
standing (of an object) | -:niote |
hanging over | -hren’tónhkhwa |
hanging down, suspended | -háhrha |
inserted, wedged in | te-__-hsiharáhtha |
standing (animate) | -te |
sitting (animate) | -tskote |
lying down (animate) | -ia’tión:ni |
in (animate) | -ià:ti |
break (apart, into pieces) | te-__-kháhsions, te-__-hrihtánions |
hear | -thón:te, -hrón:kas |
listen | -tahónhsate |
listen to s.o. | -wennaráhkhwa, -hónhsate |
obey, listen to | -tewennaráhkhwa |
do (with or to s.t.) | tsi ni-__-iéhrha |
insert, wedge into | -ò:roks |
leave behind, let go | -ties |
put s.t. in s.t. | -éta’as |
put up onto s.t. | -héhrha |
set down | -:iens |
stand up an object | te-__-tástha, -hniótha |
bite | -tekhwákwas |
sniff | -teswáhtha |
bleed | -nekhwà:’on |
hit (tap, strike) | -hwà:’e |
touch | ken’ nie-__-iéhrha |
grab | -ié:nas |
rub | -rakén:rie |
scratch | -tké:ton |
sore | -hkará:rens |
itchy | -rónhkwani |
injured | -karewáhton |
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í:i me / I / us
í:se you
raónha he / him
akaónha she / her
aónha it
ronónha them (males / males and females)
onónha them (females only)
yonkya’ts they to me (name)
yesaya’ts they to you (name)
ronwaya’ts they to him (name)
yontátya’ts they to her (name)
konwaya’ts they to it (name)
ronwatí:ya’ts they to them (name)
konwati:ya’ts they to them (name) – female only
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Ónhka Who?
Oh nahò:ten What?
Ka’nón:we Where?
Kátke When?
Oh nontyé:ren Why?
To nihá:ti How many of them?
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ohkwá:ri bear
tsyanì:to beaver
tsihstekeriyà:kon bison / buffalo
orhyó:ken chipmunk
kén:reks cougar / lynx
ohskennón:ton deer
atená:ti elk
tsítsho fox
anonhwaráweron groundhog
tehahonhtané:ken jackrabbit
ska’nyónhsa moose
tsinó:wen mouse
anò:kyen / anókyen muskrat
waniheyà:tha opossum
tawí:ne otter
anèn:taks porcupine
kwa’yén:’a rabbit
atí:ron raccoon
tsinowen’kó:wa rat
onkwe’tá:ko squirrel, black / grey
aró:sen squirrel, red
anì:tas skunk
ò:nyare snake
kanyáhten snapping turtle
a’nó:wara turtle
okwáho wolf, coyote
teríteri / terí:teri blue jay
kanekwenhtárha cardinal
tsiktsiré:re chickadee
ká:ka / tsyò:ka’we (East) crow
só:ra(k) duck
atonnyon’kó:wa / á:kweks (East) eagle
katsihnekwárha goldfinch
káhonk goose, Canada
ohkwé:sen grouse
karhakón:ha / atónnyon hawk
ohá:kwaron(t) heron
raónraon hummingbird
tawístawis killdeer, sandpiper
tsyonya’tarèn:ton loon
tsihstékeri great horned owl
tekáhstya’ks parrot
orí:te pigeon, dove
tsiskó:ko robin
tsyohwátstakahwe seagull
kanatakón:ha sparrow, house
onahsakèn:ra swan
skaweró:wane / skawiró:wane (East) turkey
kenheyón:taks turkey vulture
karontároks woodpecker
ohstò:kwa beak
otsi’é:ra claws
okò:tsya crest
ohstò:sera feather (generic)
o’náhsha feather (wing, tail)
onerahóntsha wing
óweya wing
tsi’nhontstókhi ant
katsikhe’tón:nis / kahsehstón:nis bee (honey)
o’nó:wa beetle
nikontinyaréhsha blackfly
otskwárhe bullfrog
tsiktsinón:nawen butterfly
orwharà:ne caterpillar
tsiríktsirik / taráktarak cricket
tewatsirókwas firefly
otá:wek flea
tsiks fly
tsikerentányaks frog
tsihstá:rare grasshopper
otsì:non lice, louse
okaryahtà:ne mosquito
ohó:wa moth
otsihskayonnì:tha snail, slug
takwa’áhson spider
tsikhnennà:taks toad
yakonere’rhohárhos / otsi’nahkontahkwà:ne wasp, hornet, bee
ohséhton woodtick
otsi’nonwanhè:ta worm
ohskawí:yak bass
ohwén:ta catfish
oyenhè:ta perch
tsikónhses pike
ohyé:karon(t) trout, salmon
skakahráksen walleye, pickerel
tsyonnhó:wane whale
tyawerón:ko eel
o’néhtara egg(s)
okawè:tshera fin(s)
watonryéhtha gill(s)
ótsta scale(s)
o’táhsa tail
teka’nón:ten alligator / crocodile
tsikera’wíhstak / yakohónhtariks bat
onotsta’kó:wa elephant
kanyá:rehs giraffe
tó:tis lizard, salamander
katsi’nòn:taks / katsi’nonhtakskó:wa monkey / gorilla
kanonwakón:ha kwéskwes hippopotamus
yohna’tà:tsheronte kangaroo
takohskó:wa lion, tiger
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Onekwénhtara (Red)
Kanekwenhtarahòn:tsi (Dark red)
Kanekwenhtararà:ken (Light red)
Akiarèn:ta (Orange)
Otsì:nekwar (Yellow)
Katsi’nekwararà:ken (Light yellow)
Óhonte (Green)
Kahontarà:ken (Light green)
Oròn:ia (Blue)
Karonhiahòn:tsi (Dark blue)
Karonhiarà:ken (Light blue)
Oharennáhta (Purple)
Waharennahtarà:ken (Mauve)
Wahsén:rate (Pink)
Wahsenrate’tsherarà:ken (Pale pink)
Athéhsa (Brown)
Watehsarà:ken (Tan)
Kahòn:tsi (Black)
Ata’kenhróhkwa (Grey)
Wata’kenhrohkwarà:ken (Light gray)
Karà:ken (White)
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Awentatokenhtí:ke Sunday
Awententaón:ke Monday
Ratironhia’kehronón:ke Tuesday
Soséhne Wednesday
Okarihstiiáhne Thursday
Ronwaia’tanontaktónhne Friday
Awentákta Saturday
Tsiothorhkó:wa January
Enníska February
Enniskó:wa March
Onerahtókha April
Onerahtohkó:wa May
Ohiaríha June
Ohyarihkó:wa July
Seskéha August
Seskehkó:wa September
Kenténha October
Kentenhkó:wa November
Tsiothórha December
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Kahonwé:ia Boat
Kahswèn:kara Board, shelf, plank
Ókwire Bush, shrub, whip, tree
O’tá:ra Clay, clan, pottery, chimney
Otshà:ta Cloud
O’kèn:ra Dirt, dust, soil
Ohrón:wa Ditch, furrow
Kanhóha Door
Ata’èn:ra Fence
Kahéhta Field, garden
Ohswèn:kara Floor
Kárha Forest, woods
Óhonte Grass, vegetation
O’nià:ra Hill
Kaniá:tara Lake
Onhwéntsia Land, earth, soil
Ónerahte Leaf
Onón:ta Mountain
Onawà:tsta Mud
Kahná:wa Rapids
Kahiónha River, stream
Oháha Road, street
Ostèn:ra Rock, sidewalk, pavement
Áhskwa Roof, bridge, porch, deck
Onehsarónhkwa Sand
Karonhià:ke Sky, heaven
Óniehte Snow
Kanekó:ta Stairs, ladder
Kaná:wa Swamp, marsh, wetland
Kaná:ta Town, village, city
Karón:ta Tree, log, tree trunk
Kérhite Tree
Ahsónhta Wall
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ohsahè:ta bean(s)
otsíhkwa beet(s)
kanà:taronk butter
owihstóhsera bread
ó:nenhste corn
o’nhónhsa egg(s)
kéntsyonk fish
kákhwa food (ready-to-eat)
káhik fruit
atennà:tshera groceries, lunch
o’wà:ronk meat
onòn:ta milk
ohsò:kwa nut(s)
onékwa pea(s)
ohnennà:ta potato(es)
ohtè:ra root, carrot
onòn:tara soup
onon’ónsera squash
otsikhè:ta sugar, candy
ohné:ka water, liquid
sewahyó:wane apple(s)
kaien’ kwararihton bacon
yona’tarakà:ronte bagel
teyotahyà:kton banana
orhóhtseri beans (fresh, green/yellow)
kahwatstón:ni (-hwatst- = foam) beer
shá:yehse blackberry
karha’takéha (-rh- = forest) blueberry
otsi’tsyakáthe broccoli
teyona’taratsikhè:tare cake
otsì:nekwar nikahterò:ten carrots
takóhs aókhwa / aotíkhwa cat food
ohstawinakáhte (-hstawin- = stalk) celery
yonekwarahní:ron (-nekwar- = curds) cheese
é:ri / eri’kó:wa cherry(ies)
kitkit tanon onon’onsta chicken and dumplings
tehatikahratì:ronte raotíkhwa chinese food
ohso’kwákeri / ohsahe’tákeri coffee
nikana’tarà:sas cookies
kana’taronkhón:we corn bread
onenhstóhkwa corn soup
onenhste’ón:we corn, flint corn
kanenhstóhare corn, lyed corn
ó:nenhste corn, sweet corn
tó:kwahre cranberry
onon’onserákeras cucumber
ohshérha dough
tewahserí:ye (-ahseriye’t- = string) doughnuts
kanenhón:ta dried corn soup
othè:sera flour
tekarihstó:yen (-rihst- = stove) fried bread, scone (stove-top)
kahnenna’takerì:ten fried potatoes
wahyákeri fruit juice (apple cider, strawberry drink)
teyokháhon garlic
onénhare (-nenh- = seed) grape(s)
kèn:ye gravy
teka’ wahraiehston teiohiaka:nion wahstehton goulash
teka’wahrahríhton hamburg (ground meat)
awenhétsha hot dog, baloney, sausage
kanennyo’kóhare (-nennyo’kw- = frozen snow) ice cream
kahnekinekénhton juice (squeezed)
tekara’wihstà:sere lasagna
teyohyahyò:tsis lemon
kahneka’shátste liquor
wáhta óhses maple syrup
awerhóhsera / otsíhkwa mushroom(s)
otsíhskwa oatmeal, cornmush, pudding
á:nenk onions, bulb
o’nyónkhseri onions, green
otsì:nekwar niwahyò:ten orange
ora’wíhsta / ánekok pancakes
tekakenhwhará:’on peach(es)
kátshe káhik pear(s)
teyotskara’kó:wa pepper
teyonon’onserahyò:tsis pickles (dill)
tekahswà:ne (-hsw- = back) pie
kahonteskó:wa pineapple
teyotena’tarahwenón:ni pizza
wíhson káhik plum
watenenhstatákwas popcorn
skanekwenhtará:yen raspberries
teyohstawinahyò:tsis (-hstawin- = stalk) rhubarb
watenon’ónkwas / kanatsyakèn:ra (east) rice (white)
tekahsahe’tayéhston salad (bean)
teka’nhonhsayéhston salad (egg)
tewahyayéhston salad (fruit)
tekahontayéhston / tekanerahtayéhston salad (garden)
tekahnenna’tayéhston / tekanerahtayéhston salad (potato)
kiokiakton’ kowa salmon
teyohyò:tsis salt
teyo’wahrahyò:tsis salt pork
tekana’tarà:sere sandwich
teka’nhonhsawen:rie scrambled eggs
kahnekákon / teyohnekatsikhè:tare soda pop
wahseriyè:to (-ahseriye’t- = string) spaghetti
yontekhwakon’onhstáhkwa spices
niyohontéhsha strawberry
kanerahtanawénhton / ti tea
watena’taratsha’áhton / kana’tarahon’tsíhston toast
teyohyakháhon tomatoes
ohontehshón:’a / ase’shón:’a / kahehta’kéha (-heht- = garden) vegetables
teyohnekahyò:tsis vinegar
wahyá:ris watermelon
katsi’tsyákeri (-tsi’tsy- = flower) wine
wá:tonte baked
yotskà:rat bitter, sour
teyohnekontyéhton boiled
yotsha’áhton burnt
yotenóhare clean
yó:ri cooked
yowíhsto cool, cold
yawékon delicious
yore’senhtsherón:ni fattening
kakerì:ten fried, deep-fried
yonennyo’kwanóhston frozen
wenserákon / kaserákon good-smelling
yawenhyé:nare greasy
yo’taríhen hot
yotatén:ron left-over
yonnyà:ton made from / with
yohskénrhonte moldy
okáhte raw
watè:skonte roasted, fried
yótken / yótkon rotten
teyohyò:tsís salty
teyothská:rat spicy, hot
yohetkén:’on spoiled
yò:te strong taste, smell
teyotsikhè:tare sweet
yó:kwit unappetizing, disgusting
yohné:kare watery
orhen’ké:ne í:yeks breakfast
entye lunch
okara’snéha supper
10
rake’níha my father
ya’níha your father
ro’níha his father
shako’níha her father
shonkwa’níha our father
etshisewa’níha your father
rakenohá:’a my uncle
yanohá:’a your uncle
ronohá:’a his uncle
shakonohá:’a her uncle
shonkwanohá:’a our uncle
etshisewanohá:’a your uncle
rakhsótha my grandfather
yahsótha your grandfather
rohsótha his grandfather
shakohsótha her grandfather
shonkwahsótha our grandfather
etshisewahsótha your grandfather
rakhtsí:’a my older brother
yahtsí:’a your older brother
rohtsí:’a his older brother
shakohtsí:’a her older brother
shonkwahtsí:’a our older brother
etshisewahtsí:’a your older brother
riyén:’a my son
etshyén:’a your son
royén:’a his son
ronwayén:’a her/their son
etshiteniyén:’a my and your son
etshisewayén:’a your son
riyonhwatén:’a my nephew
etshonhwatén:’a your nephew
raonhwatén:’a his nephew
ronwayonhwatén:’a her/their nephew
etshitenonhwatén:’a me and your nephew
etshisenonhwatén:’a your nephew
riyateré:’a my grandson
etshateré:’a your grandson
roteré:’a his grandson
ronwateré:’a her/their grandson
etshityateré:’a me and your grandson
etshitsyateré:’a your grandson
ri’kén:’a my younger brother
etshe’kén:’a your younger brother
ro’kén:’a his younger brother
ronwa’kén:’a her/their younger brother
etshiteni’kén:’a me and your younger brother
etshiseni’kén:’a your younger brother
ake’nihsténha my mother
sa’nihsténha your mother
ro’nihsténha his mother
ako’nihsténha her mother
onkwa’nihsténha our mother
sewa’nihsténha mother of all of you
akhsótha my grandmother
sahsótha your grandmother
rohsótha his grandmother
akohsótha her grandmother
onkwahsótha our grandmother
sewahsótha grandmother of all of you
akhtsí:’a my older sister
sahtsí:’a your older sister
rohtsí:’a his older sister
akohtsí:’a her older sister
onkwahtsí:’a our older sister
sewahtsí:’a older sister of all of you
kheyén:’a my daughter
sheyén:’a your daughter
shakoyén:’a his daughter
yontatyén:’a her/their daughter
yethiyén:’a me and your daughter
yetshiyén:’a your daughter
kheyonhwatén:’a my niece
sheyonhwatén:’a your niece
shakaonhwatén:’a his niece
yontatonhwatén:’a her/their niece
yethiyonhwatén:’a me and your niece
yetshiyonhwatén:’a your niece
kheyateré:’a my granddaughter
sheyateré:’a your granddaughter
shakoteré:’a his granddaughter
yontatateré:’a her/their granddaughter
yethiyateré:’a me and your granddaughter
yetshiyateré:’a your granddaughter
khe’kén:’a my younger sister
she’kén:’a your younger sister
shako’kén:’a his younger sister
yontate’kén:’a her/their younger sister
yethi’kén:’a me and your younger sister
yetshi’kén:’a your younger sister
onkyara’sé:’a my cousin
tsyara’sé:’a your cousin
ronara’sé:’a his (M/F) cousin
(y)onara’sé:’a her (F) cousin
onkwara’séhson our cousin
sewara’séhson your cousin
onkyatén:ron my friend
tsyatén:ron your friend
ronatén:ron his (M/F) cousin
(y)onatén:ron her (F) cousin
onkwatenróhson our cousin
sewatenróhson your cousin
onkyátshi my female friend
tsyátshi your female friend
yonatshi’ó:kon her female friend
onkwatshi’ó:kon our female friend
sewatshi’ó:kon your female friend
yonkyén:’a my parents
yesayén:’a your parents
ronwayén:’a his parents
shakotiyén:’a her parents
yonkhiyen’okón:’a our parents
yetshiyen’okón:’a your parents
kheyen’okón:’a my children
sheyen’okón:’a your children
shakoyen’okón:’a his children
yontatyen’okón:’a her children
yethiyen’okón:’a our children
yetshiyen’okón:’a your children
yonkhsótha my grandparents
yesahsótha your grandparents
ronwahsótha his grandparents
yontathsótha her grandparents
yonkhihsothokón:’a our grandparents
yetshihsothokón:’a your grandparents
kheyatere’okón:’a my grandchildren
sheyatere’okón:’a your grandchildren
shakotere’okón:’a his grandchildren
yontatatere’okón:’a her grandchildren
yethiyatere’okón:’a our grandchildren
yetshiyatere’okón:’a your grandchildren
akhtsì:son my older siblings
sahtsì:son your older siblings
rohtsì:son his older siblings
akohtsì:son her older siblings
onkwahtsì:son our older siblings
sewahtsì:son your older siblings
khe’ken’okón:’a my younger siblings
she’ken’okón:’a your younger siblings
shako’ken’okón:’a his younger siblings
yontate’ken’okón:’a her younger siblings
yethi’ken’okón:’a our younger siblings
yetshi’ken’okón:’a your younger siblings
yonkenohà:son my uncles
yesanohà:son your uncles
ronwanohà:son his uncles
yontatenohà:son her uncles
yonkhinohà:son our uncles
yetshinohà:son your uncles
kheyonhwaten’okón:’a my nephews and nieces
sheyonhwaten’okón:’a your nephews and nieces
shakaonhwaten’okón:’a his nephews and nieces
yontatonhwaten’okón:’a her nephews and nieces
yethiyonhwaten’okón:’a our nephews and nieces
yetshiyonhwaten’okón:’a your nephews and nieces
teyakwatate’ken’okón:’a my siblings
tesewatate’ken’okón:’a your siblings
tehontate’ken’okón:’a his siblings
tehontate’ken’okón:’a her siblings
onkwara’séhson my cousins
sewara’séhson your cousins
ronara’séhson his cousins
ronara’séhson her cousins
onkwatenróhson my friends
sewatenróhson your friends
ronatenróhson his friends
ronatenróhson her friends
11
Tsi tkanatáhere Brantford
Tsi teyohserò:ron Buffalo
Kharatón:ni Caledonia
Tyohsarhóntyon Detroit
Anonhwahrore’tsherakayòn:ne Dundas
Tsi thatinatón:ni Guelph
Ohrón:wakon Hamilton
Ka’taróhkwen Kingston
Tekahyonhó:ken London, Ontario and Paris, Ontario
Tyohtyà:ke Montreal
Tewa’ken’hà:ke New Credit
Kanón:no New York City
Tsi tewa’sénhtha Niagara Falls
Tsi yetsyenhayentáhkwa / Tsiyayentáhkwa Ohsweken village
Kanà:tsyo Ottawa
Tsi teyotenonhsà:kton St. Catherines
Ohswé:ken Six Nations Grand River Territory
Tsi tkarón:to Toronto
Ranatakaryáhsne Washington, D.C.
Koráhne Canada
Wahstonhronòn:ke United States
Wehikhóhne Mexico
Onhwentsyakayòn:ne Europe
Tyorhen’shakà:ke England
Ken’taherè:ke Scotland
O’seronni’onwè:ke France
Ratihnahon’tsíhne Africa
Tehatikahratirontè:ke Japan, China, Korea
tsi teká:tens / tekaténhsne airport, at a/the ~
tsi tehonttsihkwa’ekstáhkwa arena, at a/the ~
tsi thatitsyénhayens band office, at a/the ~
tsi yehwihstayentáhkwa bank, at a/the ~
tsi thatihnekírha bar, at a/the ~
tsi teyehwíhstayens casino, at a/the ~
tsi yonterennayentáhkwa / ononhsatokénhti (East) church, at a/the ~
tsi thatiya’tarò:roks community hall
tsi thonwati’nikòn:rhare ratiksa’okón:’a day care centre
ranawirakwatakwáhsne dentist’s office, at a/the ~
rotshinahkèn:ke / ratetsyènhshne (East) doctor’s office, at a/the ~
tsi yeyakotyéhtha dump / landfill, at a/the ~
ronhswa’thà:ke fire station, at a/the ~
tsi yontya’takariyohstáhkwa gym, at a/the ~
tsi tyakenheyontayentáhkwa / tsi tehshakotitysèn:tha (East) hospital, at a/the ~
tsi tyonnonhwétstha hotel, at a/the ~
tsi yontatenhotónhstha jail, at a/the ~
tsi yehyatonhserayentáhkwa library, at a/the ~
kanonhséhsne / tsi tkanónhses longhouse, at a/the ~
tsi yontenhninon’tha’kó:wa mall, at a/the ~
tsi teyó:ya’ks / teyoyá’kshne movie theatre, at a/the ~
shakotiyenáhsne / karihtòn:ke (East) police station, at a/the ~
tsi yehyatonhseratahkwáhtha post office, at a/the ~
tsi waterennótha radio station, at a/the ~
onkwehonwè:ne / kanonhstá:ton reserve, at a/the ~
tsi teyontska’hónhkwa restaurant / dining room, at the ~
tsi yontaweya’táhkwa / tsi yontaterihonnyennì:tha / tsi yonterihwayenhstáhkwa (East) school, at a/the ~
tsi thonwatíhsnye’s rotiksten’okón:’a senior’s home
tsi yontenhninòn:tha store, at a/the ~
kaná:takon town, in ~
Onkwawennáhne Onkwawenna immersion program
tsi ronkénnyes to the fair/gambling
tsi ratihwístayens to the casino
tsi rontké:rons to the market
tsi rontekhwahní:nons to the grocery store
tsi onkyatenrón:ke to my friends (m) place
tsi yonkyatenrón:ke to my friends (f) place
tsi tsyaterón:ke to your friend’s place
tsi yontaweya’táhkwa to school
tsi teyontska’hónhkwa to the restaurant
tsi yehwistayentáhkwa to the bank
tsi tewatén:nyote to a wedding
tsi ronten’wéhshens to a party
tsi tekanonnyáhkwen to a dance
tsi kahehtahserón:ni to a park
tsi teyoya’áksne to the movies
tsi tewakenónhsote to my place
tsi tisanónhsote to your place
tsi thonónhsote to his place
tsi tyakonónhsote to her place
tsi thotinónhsote to their place
tsi tyotinónhsote to their place (f)
12
wakenyáhten I am of the turtle clan
sanyáhten you are of the turtle clan
ronyáhten he is of the turtle clan
yakonyáhten she is of the turtle clan
yonkeninyáhten we (you & I / someone & I) are of the turtle clan
seninyáhten you two are of the turtle clan
rotinyáhten two (Ms) are of the turtle clan
yotinyáhten two (Fs) are of the turtle clan
yonkwanyáhten you all and I are of the turtle clan
sewanyáhten all of you are of the turtle clan
rotinyáhten they (Ms) are of the turtle clan
yotinyáhten they (Fs) are of the turtle clan
wakathahyón:ni I am of the wolf clan
sathahyón:ni you are of the wolf clan
rothahyón:ni he is of the wolf clan
yakothahyón:ni she is of the wolf clan
yonkyathahyón:ni we (you & I / someone & I) are of the wolf clan
tsyathahyón:ni you two are of the wolf clan
ronathahyón:ni two (Ms) are of the wolf clan
yonathahyón:ni two (Fs) are of the wolf clan
yonkwathahyón:ni you all and I / they and I are of the wolf clan
sewathahyón:ni all of you are of the wolf clan
ronathahyón:ni they (Ms) are of the wolf clan
yonathahyón:ni they (Fs) are of the wolf clan
wakhskaré:wake I am of the bear clan
sahskaré:wake you are of the bear clan
rohskaré:wake he is of the bear clan
yakohskaré:wake she is of the bear clan
yonkenihskaré:wake we (you & I / someone & I) are of the bear clan
senihskaré:wake you two are of the bear clan
rotihskaré:wake two (Ms) are of the bear clan
yotihskaré:wake two (Fs) are of the bear clan
yonkwahskaré:wake you all and I / they and I are of the bear clan
sewahskaré:wake all of you are of the bear clan
rotihskaré:wake they (Ms) are of the bear clan
yotihskaré:wake they (Fs) are of the bear clan
Sateryén:tare ken oh niwaki’tarò:ten? Do you know what kind of clan I am?
Oh nisen’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are you?
Oh niho’tarò:ten? What kind of clan is he?
Oh niyako’tarò:ten? What kind of clan is she?
Oh niyonkeni’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are you and I / someone and I?
Oh niseni’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are you two?
Oh nihoti’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are they (two Ms)?
Oh niyoti’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are they (two Fs)?
Oh niyonkwen’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are you all and I / they and I?
Oh nisewen’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are all of you?
Oh nihoti’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are they (Ms)?
Oh niyoti’tarò:ten? What kind of clan are they (Fs)?
13
Énskat one
Tékeni two
Áhsen three
Kaié:ri four
Wísk five
Ià:ia’k six
Tsiá:ta seven
Sha’té:kon eight
Kióhton nine
Oié:ri ten
Áhsen iawén:re thirteen
Kaié:ri iawén:re fourteen
Wísk iawén:re fifteen
Ià:ia’k iawén:re sixteen
Tsiá:ta iawén:re seventeen
Sha’té:kon iawén:re eighteen
Kióhton iawén:re nineteen
Tewáhsen twenty
Áhsen niwáhsen thirty
Kaié:ri niwáhsen fourty
Wísk niwáhsen fifty
Iá:ia’k niwáhsen sixty
Tsiá:ta niwáhsen seventy
Sha’té:kon niwáhsen eighty
Kióhton niwáhsen ninety
Tewen’nyá:we hundred’s number marker
14
Eksa’okón:’a Children
Raksá:’a Boy
Yeksá:’a Girl
Eksá:’a Child
Tehniksá:’a 2 Boys / 1 Boy + 1 Girl / 2 Kids
Tekeniksá:’a 2 Girls
Ratiksa’okón:’a Boys / Kids (3+)
Kontiksa’okón:’a Girls (3+)
Ratinekenhteron’okón:’a & Kontiya’tese’okón:’a Young People
Ranekénhteron Young man
Yeya’taséha Young women
Tehninekénhteron Two young men
Tekeniya’taséha Two young women
Ratinekenhteron’okón:’a Young men (3+)
Kontiya’tase’okón:’a Young women (3+)
Onkwe’shón:’a People
Rón:kwe Man
Yakón:kwe Women
Ón:kwe Human / Person
Tehnón:kwe 2 Men / 1 Man + 1 Women / 2 Adults
Tekenón:kwe 2 Women
Ronnón:kwe Men / Men + Men / Adults (3+)
Konnón:kwe Women (3+)
Rokstén:ha Elder man
Akokstén:ha Elder women
Tehotikstén:ha 2 Elderly Men / 1 Elderly Man + 1 Elderly Women / 2 Elders
Teyotikstén:ha 2 Elderly Women
Rotiksten’okón:’a Elderly Men / Elderly Women + Men/Elders (3+)
(Y)otiksten’okón:’a Elderly Women
shayá:ta one male
tsyeyá:ta one female
tehniyáhsen two males
tekeniyáhsen two females
ahsen nihá:ti three males
ahsen nikón:ti three females
kayé:ri nihá:ti four males
kayé:ri nikón:ti four females
wísk nihá:ti five males
wísk nikón:ti five females
yá:’ya’k nihá:ti six males
yá:’ya’k nikón:ti six females
tyá:ta nihá:ti seven males
tyá:ta nikón:ti seven females
sa’té:kon nihá:ti eight males
sa’té:kon nikón:ti eight females
tyóhton nihá:ti nine males
tyóhton nikón:ti nine females
oyé:ri nihá:ti ten males
oyé:ri nikón:ti ten females
énhska yawén:re nihá:ti eleven males
énhska yawén:re nikón:ti eleven females
tewáhsen énhska nihá:ti twenty-one males
tewáhsen énhska nikón:ti twenty-one females
áhsen niwáhsen énhska nihá:ti thirty-one males
áhsen niwáhsen énhska nikón:ti thirty-one females
15
Wakhterón:ni I am afraid
Wakena’khwén:’on I am angry
Tewakeweiénhare I am busy
Tewake’nikón:hrhare I am concerned/worried
Wake’nikonhrí:io I am content
Tewakanonhwarawénrie I am crazy
Wake’nikonhrén:ton I am depressed
Wakon’wéhskwani I enjoy doing s.t
Wakhsté:rihst I am funny
Konkwe’tí:io I am a good person
Wakatshennón:ni I am happy
Tewaken’nikon’rowà:nen I am intelligent
Wakaterién:tare I am aware (know)
Kienté:ri I know s.t specific
Kentórha I am lazy
Waké:kahs I like the taste of it
Kentón:nis I’m lonesome
Wakatera’swí:io I am lucky
Ikhseróhen I am nasty/mean
Wake’nikonhrahserón:ni I am pleased
Wakatateweiennentà:’on I am ready/ prepared
Wake’nikonhráksen I am sad
Kattókha I am smart/ clever
Wake’nikonrahní:ron I am stubborn
Wakenehrákwas I am surprised
Wakatonháhere I am thrilled
Wakenáktote I have time
Wakatera’swáksen I am unlucky
Wakerhá:re I am waiting
Tewakatonhwentsió:ni I am want/need
Iohsté:rihst It’s funny
Iotshennónnia’t It’s a happy thing
Io’nikonhrória’t It’s surprising
Ionà:kwat It’s maddening
Io’nikonhráksa’t It’s saddening
Ionehrákwat It’s surprising
Teiohwihshenhé:iat It’s tiring
Teio’nikonhrhá:rat It’s worrisome
Ióthteron It’s dangerous
III
16
Satonhkaria’ks ken? Are you hungry?
Hen, katonhkaria’ks. Yes, I am hungry
I:iah sotsi arok tekatonhkaria’ks. No, not hungry yet
I:sehre ken taikiatskahon:na? Do you want to go eat?
Hao’ Ki:nio Yes, lets go!
O:nen ni:’i wakekhwenta:on I have already eaten
Naho:ten ni:se’ enseke? What will you eat?
Naho:ten ensneki:ra? What do you want to drink?
______ en:keke I will eat _____(food)
______ ni:’i enkhneki:ra I will drink ____________(drink)
Iah teio:ri ki:ken ____ This (food) is not cooked all the way
Iotshon ki:ken ____ This (food) is burnt
Wenserakon ki:ken _____ This (food) smells good
Kahnekakon ki:ken ____ This (drink) is good
Se:kas ken ne ____ Do you like the taste of (food)?
Hen, wakekas ne ____ Yes I like the taste of (food)
I:iah tewakekas ne ___No I don’t like the taste of (food)
Enseke ken ne ___ (food/drink)? Did you try the (food/drink)?
Iawekon ken? Is it good?
17
Shé:kon, skennenkó: ken? Still, is everything peaceful? (Hello, how are you?)
Shé:kon, yoyanerátye ken? Again, is it going well?
Skennen’kó:wa ní:’i. Great peace for me too. (I am well)
Nok ní:se? And you?
Yoyanerátye. It is going well.
Oh nahò:ten yesá:ya’ts? What is your name?
Oh nahò:ten ronwá:ya’ts? What is his name?
Oh nahò:ten yontátya’ts? What is her name?
Oh nahò:ten ronwatí:ya’ts? What is their name?
Nok ne raónha? And him?
Nok ne akaónha? And her?
Nok ne ronónha? And them?
Jane yónkya’ts. Jane is my name.
John ronwá:ya’ts. John is my name.
Sosán yontátya’ts. Susan is my name.
Smith ronwatí:ya’ts. Their name is Smith.
Ó:nen ki’wáhi. Now, then. (Bye, then.)
Ó:nen. Bye
18
____ yónkyats ____ is my name
____ wakhsenná:sere ____ is my last name
____ na’tewakohseriyá:konh ____is my age
Kateweyénhstha kateweyénhstha I am studying the Mohawk language.
ónkha níse? Who are you?
19
Oh nahò:ten ne thí:ken? What is that?
Oh nahò:ten ne kí:ken? What is this?
Oh nahò:ten nen’ né:’e? What is it?
Ónhka ne thí:ken? Who is that?
Ónhka ne kí:ken? Who is this?
Ónhka nen’ né:’e? Who is it?
Ka’nón:we ká:yen? Where is it? (Where does it lay?)
Yeksá:’a ken? Is it a girl?
Yeksá:’a ken, ne thí:ken? Is that a girl?
Yeksá:’a ken, ne kí:ken? Is this a girl?
Ne yeksá:’a wáhi? It is the girl, is it not?
Kèn:tho ká:yen. It is here.
E’tho ká:yen. It is there.
Yeksá:’a táhnon raksá:’a. A girl and a boy?
Oh nahò:ten wahsì:ron? What did you say?
Oh ni:ioht tsi enshi:ron _____ ? How do you say
Seshi:ron Say it again
Oh naho:ten ken:ton ne _____ ? What does _____ mean?
Ka’non:we ne _____? Where is the ______ ?
Wake’nikonhrayén:ta’s I understand
Yah tewake’nikonhrayén:ta’s I don’t understand
Wakateryén:tare I know
Yah tewakateryén:tare I don’t know
í:kehre I want
yah té:kehre I don’t want
satsí:ron! say it again!
1
Green, Tehota’kerá:tonh Jeremy & Maracle, Owennatékha Brian. (2018). “The Root-Word Method for Building Proficient Second – Language Speakers of Polysynthetic Languages: Onkwawén:na Kentyóhkwa Adult Mohawk Language Immersion Program”. The Routledge handbook of language revitalization. Routledge, 2018. 146-156.
Maracle, Kanatawakhon David. (2014). To I’i Tewaweyentehta’n Kanyen’keha (Let’s Learn Mohawk). Unpublished.