The Chamorro language, spoken by the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands, has a distinct vocabulary for animals, including the word “ga’lågu” for “dog.”
Key Facts
- Chamorro Directional Terminology: According to William Safford, who lived on Guam in 1900, “gilagu” was translated as a Spaniard or man from the north, not as an animal from the north.
- Animal Names in Chamorro: The Chamorro language has a rich vocabulary for animals, including various types of birds, insects, sea creatures, and land animals. Some examples include “ababang” (butterfly), “ayuyu” (coconut crab), “ga’chong” (friend), and “ga’gå'” (animal).
Directional Terminology and the Word “Gilagu”
In traditional Chamorro culture, directional terminology was based on the coastline, with “lågu” meaning “seaward” and “håya” meaning “inland.” However, the term “gilagu” was used to refer to someone from overseas, not specifically from the north. This usage reflects the historical significance of seafaring and foreign contact in Chamorro society.
Animal Vocabulary and “Ga’lågu”
The Chamorro language has a rich vocabulary for animals, including both common and specific terms. The word “ga’lågu” is used to refer to dogs in general, while other terms may be used to describe specific breeds or characteristics. For example, “ga’lågon måchålek” means “wild dog” or “fox.”
Conclusion
The Chamorro word “ga’lågu” is used to refer to dogs, reflecting the cultural importance of these animals and the historical significance of seafaring in Chamorro society. The language’s rich vocabulary for animals demonstrates the close connection between the Chamorro people and their natural environment.
Sources
- Joseph, Alice, and Veronica F. Murray. Chamorros and Carolinians of Saipan: Personality Studies. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1971.
- Lévesque, Rodrigue. History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Vol. 5, Focus on the Mariana Mission. Québec: Lévesque Publications, 1995.
- Solenberger, Robert R. “Recent Changes in Chamorro Direction Terminology.” Oceania 24, no. 2 (1953): 132-141.
- “Animal Names in Chamorro.” The Chamorro Language, 2020, https://www.chamoru.info/language-lessons/chamorro-vocabulary/animal-names-in-chamorro/.
FAQs
How do you say “dog” in Chamorro?
**Answer:** ga’lågu
What is the origin of the word “gilagu”?
**Answer:** The word “gilagu” originally meant “someone from overseas,” not specifically from the north.
What are some other Chamorro words for animals?
**Answer:**
* ababang (butterfly)
* ayuyu (coconut crab)
* ga’chong (friend)
* ga’gå’ (animal)
How does Chamorro directional terminology relate to the word “gilagu”?
**Answer:** In traditional Chamorro culture, “lågu” meant “seaward,” and “gilagu” referred to someone from overseas, reflecting the importance of seafaring in Chamorro society.
What is the significance of dogs in Chamorro culture?
**Answer:** Dogs are important companions and protectors in Chamorro culture.
Are there different words for different breeds of dogs in Chamorro?
**Answer:** Yes, there are specific terms for different breeds or characteristics of dogs, such as “ga’lågon måchålek” for “wild dog” or “fox.”
How does the Chamorro language reflect the connection between the people and their environment?
**Answer:** The rich vocabulary for animals in the Chamorro language demonstrates the close relationship between the Chamorro people and their natural surroundings.