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Which Eskimo-Aleut words were borrowed into English?
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Several words from the Eskimo-Aleut language family have been incorporated into the English language. Notable contributions include:
- Igloo: Derived from the Inuit word iglu, meaning "house," this term refers to a dome-shaped dwelling typically constructed from blocks of snow or ice.12
- Kayak: Originating from the Inuit word qayaq, this term describes a light, narrow boat traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Arctic for hunting and transport.32
- Parka: While ultimately derived from a Nenets word, this term entered English via Aleut and Russian dialects to describe a hooded, fur-lined pullover garment designed for arctic conditions.4
- Inuit: This term, meaning "people" in the Inuit language, is used to refer to the Indigenous peoples of northern Alaska, arctic Canada, and Greenland.5