There is a specific Lakota word or term for each relationship in the Tiyospaye. Giving each relationship its own name shows respect and honors that relationship.
Immediate family relationships are:
- Ina -- Mother. In addition, all of the mother's sisters are a child's Ina.
- Ate -- Father. All the father's brothers are a child's Ate.
- Uncisi -- Maternal Grandmother. (Mother's Ina)
- Nikunsi -- Paternal Grandmother (Father's Ina)
- Tunkansi -- Maternal Grandfather (Mother's Ate)
- Tunkasila -- Paternal Grandfather (Father's Ate)
- Leksi -- Uncle (brother of Mother)
- Tunwin -- Aunt (sister of Father)
In many cases, words are different based on whether the speaker is a woman or a man. Here are some examples.
Some relationships are considered "avoidance" relationships, where people are not supposed to speak directly to one another. This shows the highest respect for that person. Some examples are:
- Mother-in-law and Son-in-law. (Here's a story about this relationship)
- Father-in-law and Daughter-in-law.
- Brothers and Sisters. However this relationship is very close. In the old days, he was her guardian and she prepared his war bundle.
There are also "joking" relationships, where teasing takes place. This often happens between a sister-in-law and brother-in-law.