three
Lhíxw is the Halq’eméylem word for ‘three’. There are special ways of counting certain objects (three trees, three people, etc.), but lhíxw is the general term for ‘three’….
Pronunciation
- Lhí:xw sounds like likw, except that the l is hissy, and the final sound is a soft-xw.
- To make the hissy-l, say a regular l but without vibration in your throat, and with a bit more friction.
- To make the soft-xw sound, touch your tongue lightly against the roof of your mouth and create friction, and stick your lips out slightly.
Audio: Elizabeth Herrling, Rosaleen George
Related words
Many other words are based on lhi:xw, but with various endings. For example :
- lhxwále – three people (elders use the –ale ending often on numbers for people)
- lhxwá:lhp – three-trees (elders use the the –(e)lhp on many words for trees)
- lhxwá:wtxw – three-buildings (elders use the –awtxw ending on many words for buildings)
- lhxwámeth’ – three ropes, sticks, poles, or threads (elders use the –ameth‘ ending on many words for long skinny things)
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