Here are some hints to help you identify the syllables in Alutiiq words.
When two consonants appear side by side, they will be in different syllables. Separate the syllables between the two consonants.
Example word:
piugta (dog) piug • ta
Remember that some Alutiiq consonants are made up of two or three English letters, but still act as one letter (like ll, gw, kw, ng, hng, etc.). These letters will not be divided into separate syllables.
Example word:
uqgwik (alder) uq • gwik
When a consonant is between two vowels, divide the syllables before the consonant
Example word:
macaq (sun) ma • caq
When there are multiple syllables in a word, simply follow the same rules as above.
Example word:
amartuq (pink salmon) a • mar • tuq
Words that contain apostrophes will have a slight pause at the apostrophe, creating a syllable break.
Example word:
Sugt'stun ("like a person") Sugt' • stun