máqe

snow

Máqe (also pronounced máqa) is the Halq’eméylem word for ‘snow’. You use it only for snow that has already fallen, i.e. snow on the ground…

Pronunciation

• Máqe sounds like MACK-uh, except that instead of a k you say the Halq’eméylem q sound.
• For q the back of the tongue touches back to your uvula.
• Elders vary in the pronunciation of the last vowel: some say the last vowel as a, which is the vowel in English hat. Both máqe and máqa are correct pronunciations.

Audio: Elizabeth Herrling, Elizabeth Phillips

Usage Notes

• You use máqe only for snow on the ground. While the snow is still in the air, it has a different name: syíq.
• To ask how old someone is, you ask: Kw’í:l máqe telewe? – How many snows are you?
• To give your age, you answer: ______ máqe ta’aelthe – I am _____ snows.  Fill in your age in the blank.