Cella (Yup'ik word)

Yup'ik Eskimo Peoples use the word "Cella" (also ella, cilla) to refer to the world, universe, environment, awareness, senses, mood, outdoors and weather. Cella is one of many Yup'ik words that refers to many singular things defined in the English language. However, by having several similar things represented by one word, the Yup'ik Peoples tend to have a better understanding of the interconnected nature of those things. For example, they have a keen understanding of their senses and mood and how the weather and environment affect it. Yup'iks are less likely to be disrespectful of their environment and outdoors because that would, in turn, disrespect their own senses, mood and livelihood. Cella is pronounced ts-e-ll-a. The double ll is a sound that does not occur in English. It is made by holding the tongue in the position for l and allowing air to be blow out the sides between the tongue and back teeth without allowing the vocal cords to vibrate.^[1]

References