Leksion Chamoru: Prefix gi-

The prefix gi- is not used as frequently anymore as it once was, but the concept is rather simple. Gi- just represents origin and/or residence. Here are some examples:

• Gi- + Luta => Gilita (a person from Rota)
• Gi- + Yo'ña => Giye'ña (a person from Yona)
• Gi- + Guåhan => Giguahan (a person from Guam)

This construction is still used, but is often replaced by "taotao ___."

When you add the prefix gi- to a noun the rules of vowel harmony apply. The prefix "pulls back" the sound of the vowel that follows, where applicable. I.e.: In general, we change the first vowel in the root word from å to a, o to e, and u to i.