From: Translation Bureau
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Update on the words “Inuk” and “Inuit”
An English blog post on the use of the words “Inuit” and “Inuk.”In 2009, the Translation Bureau issued a recommendation on the use of the terms “Inuk” and “Inuit.” The Bureau has now published a new recommendation that reflects the current usage in 2023. Background In 2009, the Translation Bureau recommended that the term “Inuit” be used in English as a plural noun and as an adjective, and that the term “Inuk” be used only as a singular noun. However, the use of these terms in English has evolved with the passage of time, and the Translation Bureau has therefore revised its recommendation to keep abreast of modern usage. Recommendation The Translation Bureau continues to recommend the use of “Inuit” as a plural noun and the use of “Inuk” as a singular noun in reference to persons, in keeping with the meaning of these terms in Inuktitut. It’s now acceptable to use “Inuk” as an adjective also. But there’s an important caveat: “Inuk” can be used only to modify a person, never an object. And it must be used with a singular noun, not a plural one: An Inuk singer won the Indigenous Music Award for best album. With plural nouns designating people, and with all other nouns, whether singular or plural, the adjective to use is “Inuit”: A group of Inuit drummers is performing at the music festival. The children were captivated by the storyteller’s account of the Inuit legend. “Inuit” can also be used in place of “Inuk” with singular nouns designating people: The Inuit sculptor works in soapstone. For more specific information, consult the Translation Bureau’s Linguistic Recommendation on “Inuk” and “Inuit (opens in new tab).” Meaning in Inuktitut It’s important to note that in Inuktitut, the noun “Inuit” is plural in form and refers to several persons. Therefore, it remains invariable in English, and an “s” should not be added to the end of the word to pluralize it. In addition, because “Inuit” means “the people,” it would be redundant to say “the Inuit people” in English. “Inuit” is used alone as the plural noun: Preserving cultural traditions is of great importance to Inuit. (not “to Inuit people” or “to the Inuit people”) Certain terms relating to Indigenous realities, including the terms “Inuk” and “Inuit,” are addressed in the Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology (opens in new tab), which a large number of federal departments and agencies contributed to. It’s important that Indigenous realities be taken into consideration in any discussion about equity, diversity and inclusion, which, like reconciliation, are priorities for the Government of Canada. The Translation Bureau’s recommendation in regard to the use of “Inuk” and “Inuit” as nouns corresponds to the information provided in the Guide, which underwent extensive discussion and consultation. As you can see, the terms “Inuk” and “Inuit” are perhaps a little more complex than you might originally have thought. But with the explanations and examples given here and in our recommendation, you’ll have no trouble mastering their correct use.Source: Our Languages blog (posts from our contributors)
Number of views: 4,545
plurals of compounds
The rules for pluralizing compounds vary according to the structure of the compound. In most cases, the last word or final element is pluralized. The guidelines below show the most common approach in Canadian English for various types of compounds. No nouns For compounds that do not contain any nouns, pluralize the last word (or the final element in a single word): drive-ins go-betweens hand-me-downs two-by-fours lineups singalongs Two nouns For most compounds formed from two nouns, pluralize only the last word (or the final element in a single word): trade names child laborers major-generals light-years tractor-trailers newspapers footprints Exception: If the first of the two nouns is man or woman, pluralize both nouns, whether the compound is written as one word or two, since both nouns are of equal significance: menservants women authors Noun with attached modifier For most compounds formed from a noun followed by an attached modifier, pluralize the noun (or the first noun, if there is more than one). Noun followed by a prepositional phrase: daughters-in-law attorneys at law leaves of absence Noun followed by an adjective: governors general poets laureate accounts payable courts martial Noun followed by an adverb: hangers-on runners-up passersby Exception 1: For compounds ending in ‑ful, it is more common to add an ‑s to the end of the word: spoonfuls cupfuls handfuls Exception 2: In some cases, the compound as a whole has a figurative meaning that goes beyond the literal meaning of the individual words. Since none of the individual words in such a compound has particular significance, it is usual to pluralize the final word rather than the first noun (although sometimes both approaches are accepted): jack-o’-lanterns jack-in-the-boxes johnny-come-latelies will-o’-the-wispsSource: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,551
data
Data is a Latin plural which is often used as a singular or collective noun. (The Latin singular datum is seldom used, except occasionally in the sciences.) These data from the early experiments are thoroughly convincing. This new data means the end of life as we know it. Those wishing to avoid having to choose between singular and plural can simply recast the sentence using information, facts or some similar noun. These findings from the early experiments are thoroughly convincing. This new information means the end of life as we know it. In computer usage, data is almost always singular. Data moves very quickly from the Web to the PC user, if a high-speed cable modem is used. Never use a number as a modifier for data as in “five data”; rather, refer to “five pieces of data.” Twenty-two pieces of confidential data were received early yesterday morning from China.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,197
veto against, veto on, veto over
A legal or official body with the authority to reject a plan or prohibit an action has a power of veto. The plural is vetoes. The noun veto is followed by against, on or over, or no preposition. Some Security Council members will cast a veto against a UN resolution sanctioning military intervention. The federal government has a right of veto on all aspects of constitutional amendments. Without a quorum, the members were unable to override the veto. The verb veto does not require a preposition. The board of directors vetoed the plan to buy out the competition. Informally, veto is used as a synonym for reject or forbid. Every time Simon makes a proposal, Danielle vetoes (or rejects) it.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,190
lynx, lynxes
The singular is lynx; the plural is lynx or lynxes. We sighted three lynx (or lynxes) during our weekend hike. The possessive is formed with apostrophe-s (lynx’s) or s-apostrophe (lynxes’). The lynx’s two cubs climbed playfully over her, biting and clawing. Lynxes’ paws are large and well-furred for hunting in deep snow.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,159
focus
In Canadian usage, the verb focus may be spelled with a single or double s before a suffix. As a forensic scientist, Rosalind focuses (or focusses) on minute details. The speaker was having trouble focusing (or focussing) his thoughts during the noisy demonstration. Barbara Cass-Beggs focused (or focussed) on the musical abilities of young children. The correct phrasal verb is focus on, and not the logically unsound focus around. The RCMP investigation focused on (not around) the misuse of public funds. The plural of the noun is focuses or foci (generally encountered in the sciences). The political campaign organizers identified three potential focuses before the election. A circle has one central point, but an ellipse has two foci.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,151
octopus, octopuses
The preferred plural for octopus is octopuses, not octopi. Visitors can see octopuses and squid at the Vancouver Aquarium.Source: Writing Tips Plus (English language problems and rules)
Number of views: 1,001