to write (it)
X̲é:ylt is the Halq’eméylem word for ‘to write’. Use it to talk about writing a specific word, e.g. ‘Write your name!’ – X̲é:ylt chexw ta’ skwíx!.
Literally x̱é:ylt means ‘to mark it’, and can refer to putting marks or designs on with paint, as well as writing with a pen or pencil.
Pronunciation
- X̲é:ylt sounds like HEY-ult, except that instead of an h the first sound is the Halq’eméylem hard-x.
- To make the hard-x, you create heavy friction by pushing the back of your tongue back against your uvula.
Audio: Elizabeth Herrling, Elizabeth Phillips
Examples
Use x̲é:ylt when talking about writing a specific word, or a specific letter, name, or number. If you don’t specify the object (i.e. what is written), speakers will understand ‘write it‘. For example:
- Tsel x̲é:ylt tel skwíx! – I wrote my name!
- Tsel x̲é:ylt! – I wrote it! (‘it’ understood).
- Li chexw x̲é:ylt? – Did you write it? (‘it’ understood).
If you talk about writing as a general actitivy, you would use a different word: x̲ex̲éyls.
‘ing’ form
X̲é:ylt has a special ‘-ing’ form, like this: x̲ex̲éylt – writing (audio here).
Use x̲ex̲éylt to talk about on ongoing action, e.g. X̲ex̲éylt tsel! – I am writing it!.
Related words
Here are some words related to x̱é:ylt:
- X̱éltel–pen, pencil
- Sx̱éles – design on a basket
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