Qajaq

"Qajaq" is how the Greenlander's spell the term for a Greenlandic skin-on-frame kayak. Note that other kayaks types brought to Greenland, even glass "Greenland style" kayaks that superficially resemble a qajaq (such as an Anas Acuta), are not called a qajaq but a qajariaq, which literally means "like (similar to) a qajaq". Generally, all glass kayaks would be considered a qajariaq. A SOF built outside of Greenland that was identical to a Greenland kayak in form, construction and appearance would likely be called a "qajaq".

As a pronunciation guide: "Q" is pronounced deep in the throat, as in starting a gargle, "a" as the "a" in fall, and "j" as "y" in yellow. Click to hear "qajaq" pronounced. This is part of the QajaqUSA "Audio Glossary" collection.

And here are the parts of a qajaq as beautifully drawn by Shawn Baker

http://www.qajaqusa.org/common_images/qajaqnames4.gif

See also:

• Inuit
• Inuktitut
• Greenland style
  • Greenland kayak
  • Greenland paddle
  • Greenland roll