SONGS S55

aiyel-a xatyel-a

Wastamyelsuqu yedisu-lets otdjixdjuxdjix
? good opinion | her | aiyel-a

xaiyel-a

(a) Recorded as song VII D 6d, National Museum of Canada; singer, Jim
Pollard.

(4) This word has no meaning.

(c) This word has no meaning.

The above is a very popular song, said to be ancient. Un-
fortunately, it was impossible to obtain a literal translation
although the significance is well known. A free interpreta-
tion is:

“They say I loved her very dearly? No! The dimple in my
left cheek merely smiled at [had a good opinion of] her.”

It is often sung when a man is accused of being on un-
duly friendly terms with a girl.

Man’s Love Song in Chinook Fargon(a)

Klunés karta naika tamtam

I wonder(4) what I think(c)
kap-a okak tati klutcmén
of that chief(d) woman;
haiyu naika wawa yak-a

a great deal I talk her(e);
helo cem natka

no shame(f) I(g).

(a) Recorded as song VII D 48, National Museum of Canada; singer, Reuben
Schooner. The singer completed the record with a Bella Coola song of which the
text could not be obtained.

(4) Literally: Perhaps. This word is used for many dubitative expressions.

(c) This song follows the usual English pattern so it has been arranged in lines.

(d) In the sense of: Important. .

(e) That is: I have been talking a great deal to her.

(f) This is the English word “shame” which has been adopted into Chinook.

(g) That is: I have had no shame in what I have said to her.

Kimsquit Woman’s Love Song(a)

Stimquilks | wasitiuks | diiukxdimutdai | aixwopmdakiaixdisxénmitimem
Why is the man talking so much(d)? I don’t like him any more.