Ninilchik Notebook: Fish

        This page uses two different spelling systems, first one which uses vowels like in American English words. Then in parentheses (....) are spellings which correspond more closely to the Russian alphabet spelling of the Russian words. The pronunciation of the words using the different spellings is the same.

        Reeba (ríba), Fish.

        Chauweetsah (chavítsa), King (chinook) salmon.

        Sahbahkah (sabáka), Dog (chum) salmon. The same word as 'dog'.

        Krahsnay reeba (krásnay ríba), Red (sockeye) salmon. Literally, red fish. In recent years we have learned the word Russians today use for sockeye salmon, nerka, but we never used this word in Ninilchik.

        Gahrbooshee (garbúshi), Humpy (pink) salmon.

        Keesooch (kísuch), Silver (coho) salmon.

        Shyahmgah (shyámga), Steelhead.

        Powtoose, Halibut

        Boo-leek (bulík), Smoked salmon. From a Russian word (balík).

        Tyshee, pronounced Tie-shee (táyshi). Dried fish tails. Probably from the Denaina word Daishee for dried fish. (It is also the name I usually name a new puppy and my web name now, how is that for a translation!)

        You-kuh-la (yúkala), Dried Fish. Dena'ina use Diashee for all dried fish we have two words one for tails and one for the actual fish. This word comes with the Russians who borrowed it from the peoples of Chukotka and Kamchatka-"cousins" of the Native Americans.

        Ooma-dahk, Half Smoked fish. Salted in brine and smoked two or three days. Baked in the oven or boiled with potaotes. Delicious.

        Chickaleen, Fish buried in a special manner for 21 days in the ground. (See Chuda's Recipes) Very old custom. My husband says it is sweet. My grandmother says she used to watch where they buried it and her and her friends would steal some to eat.

        Gulofkuh, Fish Head

        Gahlashkee (galáshki), Fish heads (another word for "fish heads").

        Keeshkee (kishkí), guts.

        Eekrah (ikrá), fish eggs.

        Mau-lok-kei, Fish milt (sperm).

        Sah-yahna, Salt fish.

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