black
Tsq’éyx̲ is the Halq’eméylem word for ‘black’. Some elders use it also for ‘dark grey’ or ‘dark blue’ …
Pronunciation
Tsq’éyx̲ sounds like tsuh-KAY-uck, except that:
- Instead of a K you say the Halq’eméylem q’. You make this sound by touching the back of your tongue to your uvula. The q’ is also ‘popped’, by combining it with a catch in the throat (glottal stop).
- The last sound is Halq’emeylem hard-x (x̲). You make this also at your uvula, but instead of stopping the sound you create heavy friction.
Audio: Elizabeth Herrling, Elizabeth Phillips
Note: some Elders say this word ts’q’éyx – black, with an extra catch in the throat (glottal stop) after the ts.
Related words
The root for tsq’eyx̲ is q’íx̲. This root appears in many words related to the meaning black, including q’eyx̲óles – pupil of the eye.
pupil of the eye
The prefix ts- or ts- appears on most (though not all) color words, for example:
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