Thanksgiving--Words for Eating

Some Cherokee words specify whether the action is happening to a solid, liquid, flexible thing, long thing, or living thing.  This is another way that Cherokee language differs from English.  Talking about eating is very specific. 

ROUND/SOLID
I’m eating the round/solid thing = tsigi’a. 
Svgata tsigi’a = I’m eating an apple.

FLEXIBLE

I’m eating the flexible thing = tsiyaye’a.

Atse tuya detsiyaye’a   =  I’m eating green beans

Gvna hawiya tsiyaye’a   = I’m eating turkey meat (a flexible piece)

LONG/RIGID

I’m eating the long, rigid thing = tsiyasdigi’a

Selu tsiyasdigi’a = I’m eating corn (a long thing, implying corn on the cob.)

LIQUID

For soup and liquids, you can also say I’m drinking it.

Tsitaga ugama tsiditasga = I’m drinking chicken soup. 

THANKSGIVING

Let’s (you all and I) always be thankful for food! = Nigohila alsdaydi idalihelitsisi!