Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Siouan language: The language spoken by the Oglala people, a division of the Teton Sioux (Lakota).
   • A member of a Native American people: An individual belonging to the Oglala, a division of the Teton Sioux (Lakota) who historically lived in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (referring to the people):

  • The Oglala are known for their rich cultural heritage.
  • He is an Oglala from the Pine Ridge Reservation.

• Proper noun (referring to the language):

  • She is studying the Oglala language to connect with her ancestry.
  • Fewer fluent speakers of Oglala remain today.

Advanced Usage

• Used attributively: The term can be used as a modifier before a noun to indicate a relationship to the Oglala people.
  • Oglala traditions have been passed down for generations.
  • The museum has a collection of Oglala artwork.

Variants and Related Words

• Lakota: The broader language and people group to which the Oglala belong. Oglala is a dialect of Lakota.
• Teton Sioux: The major division of the Sioux nation, which includes the Oglala.
• Pine Ridge Reservation: A well-known reservation in South Dakota that is home to many Oglala people.

Synonyms

• Lakota (when referring to the broader ethnic and linguistic group; note: Oglala is a specific subgroup).
• Teton Sioux (historical designation for the western Sioux, including the Oglala).

Notes on Usage

• Capitalization: "Oglala" is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a specific people and language.
• Context: The meaning (people vs. language) is usually clear from the context of the sentence. When referring to the language, it is often specified as "the Oglala language."

Noun

1. a Siouan language spoken by the Oglala
2. a member of the Siouan people who constituted a division of the Teton Sioux and who formerly inhabited the Black Hills of western South Dakota