x̲ét’e

to say

X̲ét’e is the Halq’eméylem word for ‘to say’.

Note:  Elders use this word interchangeably with another word, thét, which also means ‘to say’.

Pronunciation

• X̲ét’e sounds like HUTT-uh, except that (i) instead of an H you say the Halq’eméylem hard-x (x̲), and (ii) the t is ‘popped’ (t’)
• To make the hard-x (x̲), you create friction with the back of your tongue, touching against your uvula (see here for more information on this sound).
• To make the popped-t (t’), you combine a regular t with a catch in the throat (i.e. a glottal stop).

Audio: Elizabeth Phillips, Elizabeth Herrling

Related words

X̲ét’e has the same root as x̲ét’stexw – to tell.

X̲ét’e may also be related to another verb:  x̲t’á – to do.