On July 9th every year Nunavut which is the youngest territory of Canada celebrates its anniversary. If you are a traveler and happen to visit Iqaluit someday there are 15 common words that you should know about visiting the territory. The people of Nunavut speak four languages. The languages are English, French, Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun. Inuktitut is spoken widely in the territory but people belonging to different regions have their own dialect. Nunavut is a territory in Canada that doesn’t have English or French as their language and dominant language in the territory is their regional language.
Is it difficult to learn Inuktitut?
If you are an English speaker you might have difficulty in learning the language because it has tough grammar and a unique dialect. The roots of the language are deep and it can be really hard for the newbie’s to learn and practice it. Language classes are also offered in the Nunavut area and if you are interested in learning the language you can enroll yourself in the class. They also have an app and you can also learn the language from their official website. Their website also offers a lot of courses where you can learn the language and bring perfection.
The languages of Inuit were practised orally and there was no certain set written form of the language. Recently changes have been made and now the language has been written and stored in the written form to pass on to people. This has made things easier for people who want to learn the language. There are many people who are moving to Iqaluit and tourists also are interested to visit the country so many people are interested to learn the language. The major part of the Iqaluit region knows the English language as well so it is ok to know English if you just want to visit the territory.
Must-Know Inuktitut Words
This is a term which is used to refer to the people of Nunavut. You need to know how to pronounce the word properly because this word is used to call the people of the territory
Iqaluit;Â ee-kha-loo-eet
The word refers to asking for food. You need to know to pronounce it so that you can ask for food in the region.
Inuit;Â ee-noo-eet
This refers to the people who live a little far away from the region but are often seen in the Nunavut area
Qallunaat, kha-loo-naht
The word is used for the people who are foreigners and don’t belong to the territory. If you are in the area you might get called by this word.
Ullaakuut;Â oo-laa-koot
The word is a general greeting. Good Afternoon, Good evening and all kinds of other greetings
Qanuippit?;Â kha-noo-ee-peet
The word refers to things like How have you been doing and How are you? What have you been upto can also be conveyed by this word.
Qanuinngittunga;Â kha-noo-ee-neet-toon-gah
This isn’t a very complicate dline and it just is the anser to the above mentioned question. It means I am fine. You need to know the word in order to tell how you are feeling.
Nakurmiik;Â na-koor-meek
This probably is the most important word you need to know as a traveler. It means Thankyou.
Qamutik;Â kha-moo-tick
This is the name of a famous building in the area. It is a tourist attraction so you might visit it.
Conclusion
If you aren’t satisfied after learning a few words of the language randomly and feel the need to learn more of it you can always enrol yourself in the classes that are offered by the natives themselves. Learning a new language can be difficult but it is not completely impossible.
