Introduction

Here we will go over some common phrases. Although the main purpose of the course is to hone the development of your introductions, becoming familiar with more of the language will help tune your ear to the sounds of Secwepemctsín. As well, by now you probably want to begin expanding your vocabulary. This is the next step.

Keep practicing. Eat, sleep, speak, repeat.

Learning Activities

Activity 1

Here are some common phrases. As done previously, try to sound out the words before listening to the audio. You may wish to review the sounds of the alphabet from Lesson 2, Topic 2 to help remind you of your pronunciation.

Kukwstsemc

Thanks

Kukwstsétsemc

Thank you in the humblest manner (thank you so much, eternally grateful, etc.)

E t̓7é7ken

Excuse me

Qwenén-ken

I want …

Mé7e

Yes

Tá7a

No

Ne7élye

Here, can be used to say who you are on the phone, John here. Or when you are handing something to someone, you can say here.

Swetí7 ke7 skwest?

Who are you? What is your name?

Le7-en-k t̓uc?

How are you? Are you well?

Cú7tsem

Again, repeat

Ta7 ks tselxemstéten

I don’t understand, I don’t know

Thé7en re

Where is …?

Activity 2

Listen to the Secwépemc word and match it to the correct definition. Click the blue audio buttons to hear the Secwépemc words.