Chumash Language Quiz!

Chumash Language Quiz!

By Matilda Dracula

Multiple Select

Which of the following place names are derived from the Chumash language?

• Castaic

• Simi Valley

• Anacapa

• Ojai

Multiple Choice

What does the word 'awha'y (Ojai) mean in Chumash?

• Isolation

• River

• Valley

• Moon

Multiple Choice

What does šimiyi (Simi) mean in Chumash?

• Eye

• Creek

• Cord

• Deer

This "cord" refers to the thread of fog along the creek.

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Multiple Choice

What does 'anyapax (Anacapa) mean in Chumash?

• Bird

• Island

• Wave

• Mirage

Multiple Choice

What does wenem'u (Hueneme) mean in Chumash?

• Sleeping Place

• Port

• The Head

• Spillway

This refers to the "fata morgana" effect.

Tomol paddlers would rest here during long journeys.​

Multiple Select

Which of these places is named after a part of the body?

• Calleguas

• Sespe

• Tapo

• Castaic

From kayǝwǝš meaning "the head"

Calleguas

From seq̓p̓e, meaning "the kneecap"

Sespe​

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From ​kaštǝq, meaning "its eye" (for the lake, looking up from the earth)

Castaic

Check out this website from Matthew Vestuto about Chumash place names to learn more!