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Phrase Detail

Lerrinyuk.
Claw (its), the claw of any animal or bird, also any hard shell, e.g. of a crayfish
Pronunciation:
Say: lerr-iny-uuk
Notes:
Vowels: standard - 'i' as in sit, 'u' as in 'put', variations - 'e' followed by an 'r' is 'e' as in 'fern'
Consonant combinations - 'rr' role, 'ny' (palatal nasal) combine 'n' and 'y' while tongue touches hard palate above teeth, plus a nasal vibration
Literal Meaning:
lit. lerri (claw, fingernail), nyuk - its
Shows:
Noun ending - his/her/its - (k)uk
Explanation:
The possessive noun ending 'uk' has been added to 'lerri' (claw) to make 'it's claw' which has become the standard combination word for 'claw' or 'hard shell'. Because 'lerri' ends with a vowel and 'uk' starts with a vowel a joining sound has been added 'ny' (sounds better then 'k').
Learning Focus:
Responding, Composing
Learning Exercise:
Are there any other words ending in 'nyuk'? Which of these can you work out the stem words?
Phrase Sentence:
Phrase
Words Associated:
lerri - claw, (finger)nail
Topics:
Communication - Describing, Animals - Acquatic
Age Guides:
Advanced, Yr 10-12, Yr 7-9
Reference:
'WembaWemba Dictionary': L.A. Hercus, P30