The vowels of Apache are
the same as those commonly known as
"continental." That is, they are quite similar
to those of Spanish and other continental
European languages. They are pronounced
approximately as follows:
a -- ah
e -- eh
i -- ee
o -- oh
u -- oo
Examples:
gah -- rabbit
beso -- coin
bigan -- his hand
cho -- large
hayú -- where
The vowels are also
often nasalized. Nasalization is indicated by a
"hook" under the vowel. This is called an ogonek
(from Polish),
â -- somewhat like on,
without completing the n
ê -- like en, without completing the n
î -- like een, without completing the n
ô -- like own, without completing the n
û -- like oon, without completing the n
Examples:
bighâ -- because
nkêêz-- time
kîh -- building
nzhôô -- good
hat'ûgha -- why
Vowels can also be
pronounced using high or low tones (lowering or
raising of the pitch of the voice). Low tones
are assumed if the vowel is not marked by the
high tone symbol. The acute accent mark is used
for the mark of the high tone.
á
é
í
ó
ú
Examples:
isdzán -- woman
bésh -- metal
gídí -- cat
gosdóón -- ribbon
tú -- water
Vowels are also often
prolonged, indicated by doubling.
Examples:
chaa -- beaver
izee -- medicine
piishii -- nighthawk
shiwoo -- my teeth
dôô -- spring
Credits to Eliza and Mario
for their work and collaboration on the Apache
Language page
