Chief Elton Greene’s Tuscarora Dictionary

Although not produced by Dr. Rudes, this word list was the first publicly available Tuscarora language dictionary available until Dr. Rudes completed his thorough and accurate Tuscarora-English/English-Tuscarora dictionary. This particular dictionary was published by the late F. Roy Johnson. The Tuscarora translations of English words are not exactly correct in their phonetic pronunciations, but considering F. Roy Johnson was a historian and author, and not an indigenous languages expert, his commitment to documenting what he could about the Tuscarora is to be greatly admired. Coastal Carolina Indian Center was given permission by Mr. Johnson’s widow, Margaret Johnson, to reprint this dictionary on our website.

The Tuscarora Center of North Carolina would like to offer our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Margaret Johnson, widow of the late F. Roy Johnson, for allowing us to make this “dictionary” available to all who are interested. Mr. Johnson deserves his own special thanks for caring enough so many years ago to create and publish this book, as well as writing two other priceless resources on the history and culture of the Tuscarora in North Carolina, The Tuscaroras, Volumes 1 & 2.
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The following is the entire language section of Chief Elton Greene’s book on the Tuscarora Language. I have reprinted it here in it’s entirety.

I do apologize for not being able to include all of the correct phonological symbols for pronunciation, but it would take too long to key in the macro-codes for all of the different types of letters. The main things that are missed are the “~” over some “R”s- which would represent a trilled “R” and also certain – (dashes) over the “Oo” combinations.

The _____________ breaks represent a break in pages. The post starts with the cover:

the Tuscarora Language

by Chief Elton Greene

Tuscarora Indian Nation, Sanborn, N.Y.

______________________________

Published by

Johnson Publishing Company

Murfreesboro, N.C.

1969

______________________________

INTRODUCTION

The following is the Tuscarora Indian Language rendered into the English equivalent.

This vocabulary was taken by myself, Chief Elton Green, Sachem of the Sand Turtle Clan, born 1889, with the help of my granddaughter, Mrs. Laura June Osborn, who assisted in rendering a more perfect English equivalent.

I have used the English alphabet with natural words-so far as the Tuscarora language sounds-which may be used and understood by third and fourth grade pupils.Yet in many instances it is impossible to give the sound precisely in English. For instance, the word for “tomorrow”. “Eh-ro’r-heh”, the first “Eh” is from the throat while the “r” that follows has a slight tongue roll.

A tape recording of this work has been made and deposited with the Bureau of American Ethnology, The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., for benefit of Tuscarora scholars. Copies have been made for my use and by Johnson Publishing Company of Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

This collection contains just a few words of the Tuscarora language, yet these are among the more common and useful ones.

CHIEF ELTON GREENE,

Sachem Chief of the Sand Turtle Clan,

Tuscarora Indian Nation

Walmore Road, Sanborn, New York, 1969,

______________________________

Tuscarora Indian Language

By Chief Elton Greene

1. He went — Yah-wah-reht.
2. She went — Yah-wah-Eh’ut
3. They went — Yah-wah-Kah-yeut
4. I went — Yah-wah-K’yat
5. He is gone — Roh-reh-K’weh
6. She is gone — Wah-reh-K’weh
7. They are gone — Kah-Go-reh-K’weh
8. Town — Oo-dah-Neh-Keh
9. Food — Oo-K’weh
10. You eat — Thaw-choh-reeh
11. He ate — Wah-raw-choh-reeh
12. She ate — Wah-Eh’eh-choh-reeh
13. They ate — Wah-kah-yeh-chooh-reeh
14. Feast — Wah-Neh-K’wah-Hehr
15. They feast — Gah-Goh-Neh-K’wah-hehr
16. God — Raw-weuh-nee-Yo`Eh
17. Angel — Kah-reh-yeuh-Kyeh-roh-Neh
18. Jesus Christ — Row-year-Neh’r
19. Heaven — Oo-reh-year-keuh
20. Good Spirit — Gauh-dee-keh-raw-Kwest
21. Evil Spirit — Gauh-dee-Keh-raw-K’seh
22. Holy Spirit — Oo-dee-Geh-raw-doh-Keh-dee
23. Church — You-r’oh-Creh-Kwah
24. School — Yeh-ree-Eheh-dyah-dah
25. Council — Yeuh-T’keh-Nee`s-Ah-dah
26. Sun — Hee-deh
27. Moon — Ah-Theuh-Nyeh-hah.
28. Star — Oo-nee-suh-reh
29. Day — Ah-weuh-neh
30. Night — You-Thaw-T’heh

_____________________________

31. Cloud — Oo-Eh’nehs-weh
32. Light — You-hooks
33. Turn on light — Th’Gee-raw-Neer
34. Dark — Yah-weh-Thah-yeuh
35. Morning — Tho-deh`r-Eh’eh
36. Evening — Teh-Eh’neh-reh
37. Spring — Neh-woh-stah-Kweh
38. Summer — Ah-ken-heh-kyeh
39. Autumn — Raw-Theh-Kyeh
40. Winter — Go-ser-heh
41. Year — Ah-woh-steh
42. Wind, Windy — Oo-‘ Neh-reh, Who-Naj
43. Lightning — Neh-Wat-T’Kah-reh-nah-reeks
44. Thunder — Hee-Eh’neuh
45. Rain — Weh-dosh
46. Snow, Snowing — Oo-wee-Th’reh, Kah-T’Keth
47. Hail — Wah-Eh’O-wee-Seh-Neeh
48. Fire — Oo-cheh-heh
49. Water — Ah-weh-‘Eh
50. Ice — Oo-wee-seh
51. Good — Wah-Kwast
52. Bad — Wah-seuh
53. He’s handsome — Raw-Kwah-Nee’st
54. She’s handsome — Yeh-Kwah-Nee’st
55. He’s ugly — Raw-Seuh
56. She’s ugly — Yeh-Seuh
57. Death, Dead — Keuh-heh-yeuh, Yeah-wet-heh-yeh
58. Cold — Ah’T ‘ OEh
59. Cold object — You-chah-doo
60. Hot — You-nah-ree-heh
61. Sour or bitter — You-Gee-Wah-Key
62. Sweet — You-reh-Nuh-K’ree-chrah’r

___________________________

63. They – Kah-Kah-weh-roh
64. This – Kyeh-Nuh
65. That one — Hah-Ueuh
66. All — T’warEh’n
67. Many — You-nehr-Kuh-heh
68. Nothing — Saw-Weuh-T’eh’Eh
69. Who — Gah-Neh’Eh
70. Near —
71. Far off —
72. Today —
73. Yesterday —
74. Tomorrow —
75. (Yes, it goes right to 76- there is no 75)
76. One — Eh-Ceeh
77. Two — Nehk-dee
78. Three — Ah-Seh
79. Four — Heh-dauk
80. Five — Wee’sk
81. Six — Oo-Yeak
82. Seven — Chah-Nauk
83. Eight — Neh-Kr eh
84. Nine — nee-reuh
85. Ten — Wah-Th’heh
86. Eleven — Eh-Geeh Th’Kah-Heh’r
87. Twelve — Nehk-dee Th’Kah-Heh’r
88. Thirteen — Ah-seh Th’Kah-Heh’r
89. Fourteen — Heh-Dauk Th’Kah-Heh’r
90. Fifteen — Wee’sk Th’Kah-Hehr
91. Sixteen — Oo-yeak Th’Kah-Hehr
92. Seventeen — Chah-Nauk Th’Kah-Hahr
93. Eighteen — Nee-reuh Th’Kah-Hehr
94. Nineteen — Neh-Wah-Th’heh
95. Twenty — Neh-Wah-Th’heh
96. Twenty-one — Neh-Wah-Th’her Eh-Cheeh (same as beginning to 29)

____________________________________

97. Thirty — Ah-Seh : dee-Wah-Heh
98. Thirty-one — Ah-Seh: dee-Wah-Heh Eh-Ceeh
99. (same as beginning to 39)
100. Forty — Heh-dauk: dee-Wath-heh
101. Forty-one — Heh-dauk:dee-Wahr-heh Eh-Ceeh
102. (On to 49)
103. Fifty — Weesk-dee-Wah-Th’heh
104. Fifty-one — Weesk-dee-Wah-Th’heh Eh-Ceeh
105. (On to 59)
106. Sixty — Oo-yeak-dee-Wah-Th’heh
107. Sixty-one — Oo-yeak-dee-Wah-Th’heh Eh-Ceeh
108. (On to 69)
109. Seventy — Chah-Nauk-dee-Wah-Th’heh
110. Seventy-one — Chah-Nauk-dee-Wah-Th’heh
111. (On to 79)
112. Eighty — Neh-Kreh-dee-Wah-Th’heh
113. Eighty-one — Neh-Kreh-dee-Wah-Th’heh’ Eh-Ceeh
114. (On to 89)
115. Ninety — Nee-reuh-dee-Wah-Th’heh
116. Ninety-one — Nee-reuh-dee-Wah-Th’heh’ , Eh-Ceeh
117. (On to 99)
118. One-hundred — Gah-yeah-stee
119. One-hundred-one — Gah-yeah-stee Eh-Ceeh
120. MONTHS OF THE YEAR
121. January — Gah-Weh-Kyeh
122. February — Keh-Neh-deh
123. March — Gah-Neh-hah-reh-kyeh
124. April — Nah-Kah-heh reht
125. May — Keh-Nehr
126. June — Jo-yeah-Thah-Kyeh
127. July — Ah-Kehn-hah-Kyeh-Hah
128. _________________________________
129. August — Ah-Kehn-hah-Kyet-Heh-Thoh
130. September — Rawh-Theh-Kyeh-Heh-Thoh
131. October — Raw-Theh-kyeh-Heh-Thoh
132. November — Go-Ser-Heh-Hah
133. December — Go-Ser-Heh-Heah-Thoh
134. Stream — Neh-Kah-Sneh-Wah-reht
135. Valley — Year-Weh-raw-Kweh
136. Hill — Yoh-Kyer-Heh
137. Mountain — Oo-Neuh-Neh
138. Island — You-Weh-Nuh
139. Stone or Rock — Oo-Ch’teh-reh
140. Iron — Oo-Weh-Neh
141. Lead — Oo-Nah-Wah-Ch’teh
142. Gold — dee-Kah-chee’t-Kwah-Nah-Yeh
143. Silver — Kah-Wis-dah-No-reh
144. Bread — Oo-dah-Nah-reh
145. Potato — Oo-Neh-Theh
146. Corn — Oo-Neh-Heh
147. Wheat — Oo-doo’s
148. Oats — Oo-Che
149. Butter — Oo-duo-Th’reh
150. Salt — Chic-heh
151. Sugar — Oo-reh-Nah-K’reeh
152. Pepper — You-Neh-Snah-Gee-Wah-Keh
153. Table — Oo-Nek-Wa-rew-ch’reh
154. Chair — Oo-Th’weh-seh
155. Sit Down — Thah-Nyeh
156. Knife — Oo-saw-Keuh-Neh
157. Fork — Oo-seh-Wah-reh
158. Spoon — Oo-T’kwee-reh
159. Dish — Oo-K’theh
160. Panther — Th’Keh-Weh-Neeh
161. Bear — Oo-cheeh-reh
162. Deer — Ah-Kweh
163. Muskrat — Hah-nuh-Kwyeh
164. __________________________________
165. Pigs — Gwis-Gwis
166. Horse — Ah-hauTh
167. Cow — Oo-seh-ruht
168. Sheep — Weh-rah-kseh
169. Turtle — Raw-Kwiss
170. Sand Turtle — Threeh-W’weth
171. Beaver — Joh-Nah-Keh
172. Snipe of Plover — Dah-Wis-dah-wis
173. Eel — Guh-Neh
174. Wolf — Th-Kwah-ree-neh
175. Rabbit — Gweh-roh
176. Red Squirrel — Soh-Gwah-Gah-Neh
177. Gray Squirrel — Thast
178. Snake — Oo-sqwah-Neh
179. Bird- Chee-Nuh
180. Chicken- Dah-Oh-reh-dee
181. Egg- Oo-N’heh-seh
182. Goose- Gah-doh-Theht
183. Duck- Thoh-Yeuh
184. Pigeon- Oo-ree-Neh
185. Turkey- Geuh-Nuh
186. Eagle- Stah-Kwee-Hauh
187. Hawk- Neh-Gah-Neth-Nuh-Kwah
188. Robin- Chis-Go-Goh
189. Pike- Go-Wahk
190. Fish- Keuh-Cheh
191. Sturgeon- Gah-rah
192. White — Oo-Wah-ryah-keh
193. Black — Gah-heh-S’jee
194. Blue — Oo-dee-heh-ryeh
195. Yellow- Oo-chee-T’Kwah-Neh
196. Green- Oo-heh-reh
197. Flower- Oo-Jee-Jee-Steh
198. Grass- Oo-heh-roh-Kweh
199. ____________________________________
200. Fence- Oo-Eh-Yeh
201. I said – Wah-Kee-reh
202. She said- Wah-Hah-hee-reh
203. Now- Do-oo-Neh
204. Ear- Oo-hu-Neh
205. Eye- Oo-Gah-reh
206. Nose- Oo-Cheh-seh
207. Mouth- Oo-Ska-reh-Weh
208. Tongue – Ah-Weuh-dah-seh
209. Tooth- Oo-doh-Theh
210. Beard- Oo-soh-Kah-reh
211. Neck- Oo-hah-Theh
212. Arm- Oo-Neh-cheh
213. Shoulder- Oo-Eh’Neh-Weh
214. Hand- Oo-Eh-Eh’Neh
215. Finger- Oo-soh-Kweh
216. Breast- Oo-Ah-Seh
217. Body- Oo-Kyer-Heh
218. Let- Oo-reh-Seh
219. Knee- Ah-Weh-T’kweh-Theh
220. Food- Oo-seh
221. Heel- Oo-heh’r-Eh-Cheh
222. Bone- Oo-Skuh-reh
223. House- Oo-Nuh-Seh
224. Door- Oo-Chauh-reh
225. Window- Ah-Weh-Kyeh
226. Bed- Oo-dah-K’neh
227. Table- Oo-Nek-Wuh-rah-Chreh
228. Paper-Oo-year-Tuh-steh
229. Bible- Oo-year-deh-stah-do-Keh-Teeh
230. Singing Book- Neh-yeah-ree-wah-Kwah-Tah
231. Field- Oo-Heh-Eh’Neh
232. Lake- Gah-Nyar-dah-reh
233. River- Kee-Nuah
234. _________________________________
235. Chief — Rah-Ga-Wah-Neh
236. Warrior- Ro-Ske-rah-Kyeh-Neh
237. Fort- Wuat-Eh-yah-yeh
238. Bow- Oo-Nah-chreh
239. Arrow of Gun Shell- Oo-deh
240. Axe- No-Kuh
241. Shoes- Oo-chee-Koh-reh
242. Coat or Dress- Oo-kyeh-ro-chreh
243. Pants- Oo-dah-cho-chreh
244. Suit- Oo-Neh-Tyeh-Steh
245. Hat- Oo-Nuh-ro-chreh
246. Picture- Yo-Kyehr-hah’r
247. I walked- What-Got-Hah-Hak
248. She walked- Whah-Nyeh-Tah-Hah’R
249. I ran- What-K’tae–Hah’r-Hoh
250. She ran- Whah-Nyeh-dee-Hahr-Hoh
251. She’s cooking- Yet-weuh-dee
252. She’s washing dishes- Yeh-K’tho-Hah-reh-heh
253. Stockings or socks- Oo-Seh-Neh
254. I cooked- Wah-Kyeah-K’weh-dee
255. I put food on table- Wah-Kyeh-Kwah-reh
256. I heard- Wah-heh-Kuh-syeh
257. Did you hear?- Weh-Thaw-heh-seah-Heh?
258. Mind- Oo-dee-Keh-reh
259. Mentally Retarded- Nyoh-Neh-Nukt
260. Gone to School- Nah-ree-heh-Tyear-Tee-reh
261. I bought- Wah-K’Tyeat
262. Cloudy- Yo-Nehs-Weh
263. Tree- Oo-reh-Eh
264. Shrub- Oo-chah-reh
265. Wood- Oo-yeh-Kwee-reh
266. Soft Maple- Keh-Sou’r
267. Hard Maple- Chik-Heh-dah
268. Elm- Gah-rah T’Kwa’r
269. ____________________________________
270. Hickory- Roh-dauf
271. White Oak- Roh-Neh-dook
272. Black Ash- Gah-huh-Weh-yeht
273. Iron Wood- Yo-sneh-yeht
274. Black Walnut- Jo-Gwah-Gweh-Nuh-Nee
275. Butternut- Gah-soh-Gweh-Theh
276. Pin Oak- Ch-ooh-Heh’Eh
277. White Ash- Waht
278. Black Oak- Rah-roh
279. Poplar- Wah’t-Eh’r’eh’y-teh
280. Bass Wood- Oo-hoh-steh
281. Beachwood- Oo-J’Kehr-heh
282. Cherry Tree- Heh-reeh
283. Light Oak- Neh-Goh
284. Apple Tree- Thwah-yo-Wah’Eh
285. Bitter Hickory- Yo-Tyeh-r’ah-Jee-wah-Keh
286. Sassafras- Ah-Neh-snah-Jee
287. Red Oak- Goreh
288. Weeping Willow- Kreh-r’yoh
289. Peaches- Gwah-rak
290. Pears- Oochee-reh
291. Apple- Thwah-yo-wah
292. Strawberries- Wee-suet
293. Blackberries- Gah-neh-nah-kwas
294. Red Berries- Dah-Kwah-Kah-yeah
295. Thimbleberries- Oo-wah (same as hoot owl)
296. Cranberries- Dox-wah-neh
297. Elderberries- Chah-weh-r’yah-skah-rah
298. Pie- Gah-t’Kaht-eh
299. Fruit- Oo-yeh
300. I looked- Wah-got-t’ Kah-toh
301. She looked- Wah-eh-t’Kah-toh
302. He looked- Wah-rah-t’Kah-toh
303. Look- Thaut-t’Kah-toh
304. ______________________________________
305. I think- Wah-Keh-dee-Keh-neh-tyeah
306. I thought- Wah-Kyear
307. Good road- Wah-hah-hah-Kwast
308. Icy road- Yo-wee-so-reh
309. Bad road- Wah-hah-hah-Kseh
310. They wait- Wah- Kah-year-reh-wah
311. I wait- Wah-K’reh-wah
312. She waits- Weh-eh-reh-wah
313. And- Dis-neah
314. There- Heh-eh’neh
315. East- Nwah-neh-t’keth
316. South- Oo-skoot-Kyeah
317. West- Wah-reh-ruh-t’yus
318. North- Ah-doh-kyeah
319. Sunrise- Neh-na-t’keh
320. Sunset- Yeah-heh-reh-ruh-teeh
321. Bitter sweet
322. Prickly ash- Nah-heh-weah
323. Thornbush- Heh-th’roh
324. Shoumack- Nah-rah-Kweh
325. Burdock- Oo-neh-ah-gee-reh
326. Oriole- Roh-ny’eah-r’harh
327. Dove- Oo-reeh-neh
328. Elderly Man- Roh-o’r
329. Elderly Woman- Keh-skwah-reeh
330. Young lady- Yeah-thrah-reeh
331. Young man- Rah-Kwah-dis
332. Baby- Oo-t’goh-threh
333. Little- Ah-chee-ah
334. Small- Wah-st’heh
335. My father- Ah-Kree-eh
336. My mother- Heh-neh
337. __________________________________
338. My wife or my husband- Wah-K’tyah-keh
339. Minister- Rah-chee-eh-stah-cheeh
340. Preaching- Rah-ree-ho-wah-nah-dah
341. Are you home?- See-reh-eh?
342. I am coming to visit you.- Nah-Kyeah (coming)-nah-Keh-dah-nyeh-theh-reh
343. I want to talk to you- Wah-gah-neh’th-weh-Kee-neh-dee-weh
344. Nice day- Weh-nah-Kwast
345. Where did you come from?- Eh-weh (where)- nah-sad?
346. Hello. Are you well? – J’wan: hah-skeh-neh-heh?
347. Answer if well- Heh-heh (yes) eh’ah-skah-nehI don’t feel well- Wah’K-neh-wahksI am sick- Wah’ W-neh-wahks
348. You look good- Thaw-yeah-dah-wyuf-s’neh
349. I am sitting down- Wah-K’strah-nee-reh
350. I sit down- Wah-Kah-nyeh
351. She sit down- Wah-eheh-nyeh
352. They are sitting down.- Kah-go-straw-hee-reh
353. They are standing up.- Gah-go-nah-nee-reh
354. I am going away- Gah’r-go-heh’eh
355. I am going far away- Eh’ee-neh-yeah-wah-kyeh
356. Now I came home- Ooheh-thaw-goh
357. I am going to work- Wah-heh-kyu-neh-threh
358. I am going South- Oo skoot Kyeah: wah-keh (going)
359. Where are you going? Eh’eh-weh-tyeah-wah-seh?
360. What is your name?- Beh-syah-theh?
361. How old are you?- Deh-tee-tho-stee-yeah-keh?
362. I sold- Wah-Kah-deh-nee-neh
363. They gave it to me- Gah-yeah-Kwah-wee
364. __________________________________________
365. He gave it to me – Wah-rah-Kweh
366. She gave it to me- Yeah- K’wah-wee
367. I look- Yeah-wah-got-t’Kah-toh
368. And I saw you- Dee-sneh (and):wah-keh-keh
369. I was glad to see you- Wah-kah-cheh-neh-dee: wah-keh-keh
370. Thanks, I saw you- Nyeah-weh (thanks): wah-keh-keh
371. I am going to bed- Wah-heh-Kit-oo-heh
372. Come and eat- Gah-gee (come): that-cho-reeh (eat)
373. Do you understand the Tuscarora language? Thah-heh-syeah: heh-hah-skah-roh-reh?
374. (Answer) Little- Hah-chee-hah
375. Just a few words- Nok-hah: dee-gah-weah-dah-Kyeh
376. She knows how to cook- Yeah-Kwah-weeh-her
377. The food tastes good- Yu-Kwah-‘Weh’K’eh
378. Thanks for the food- Nyeah-weh: hah: oh-Kweh
379. She knows how to make bread- Yeah-dah-nah-rah-wee-heh
380. I made lunch- Wah-kah-neh-dah-chreh-deeh
381. I waited for you- Wah-keh-reh-wah
382. Dress- Oo-kyeah-roh-chreh
383. Good dress- Gah-kyeah-roh-chrah-Kwast
384. What did you say? – Deh-wah-see-reh?
385. I did not understand.- Deh-Eh’K-dee-keh-rah-yeah-nah
386. I didn’t hear- Ee’skah-Eh’k-heh-syeah
387. What are you doing?- Dee-dee-sah-nyea’r?
388. I am busy working.- Neh-wah-kyah-sehr-hah’r-eheh wah-kyah-neh (working)
389. I love you.- Keuh-no-reh-gwah
390. She loves me- Yeah k’no-reh-gwah

_____________________________________

The Lord’s Prayer

1. Our Father- Skwah-ree-eh
2. Which art in Heaven- ooreh-year-ker:-chee reh
3. Hallowed be thy name- Thah-seh-nah-doh-keh-deeh
4. Thy kingdom come- Chyah-nah-cheh- eheh-nah-weh
5. Thy will be done on earth- eeth-thtah-jeen-hah-keh-neah:-Haf-nah-kyeah
6. as it is in Heaven- hah-dee-yut: hah : oh-reh-yeah-heh
7. Give us this day our daily bread- nah Kweh: Kyeh-weh: hah: dah-weh-deh: yeh- kwen-heh-keh
8. And forgive us our debts- Dee-snah: na-kwah-ree-wah-heh-tah’th : hah-dah-weh-deh : Kwah-ree-wah-ree-neh
9. as we forgive our debtors- yeah-Kwah-ree-wah-neh-dah’ ha-kah-neah : wah-seah : dyeah-kee-yeah-nyeh-rah-dee:
10. And lead us not into temptation- Dee-sneh:doh-ten : heh-toh: year0skwah-hah-weet: hah-eh weh : Ah-yeah-Kwah-dee-Keh-rah-tyeah-neuh
11. But deliver us from evil — heh-ree-seh: nah-kwah-yeah-soh: hah: ka-dee-k’eh-rah-k’seh
12. For thine is the kingdom- Ee’th-syeah-nah-cheh
13. and the power- dee-sneh : see thah-thl sneh-stee-yu
14. and the glory forever. Amen – dee-sneh : thah-go-wah-naut : hah-yeh-wah.

Oo-neh