## [Inuk, Inuit (Linguistic recommendation from the Translation Bureau)](/writing-tips-plus/inuk-inuit) ## Avertissement Du contenu semblable en français est présenté à la page [Inuit, inuk (Recommandation linguistique du Bureau de la traduction)](/fr/cles-de-la-redaction/inuit-inuk). ## On this page - [A note about the recommendation](#note) - [“Inuk” and “Inuit” used as nouns](#noun) - [“Inuk” and “Inuit” used as adjectives](#adjective) - [Additional information](#information) ## A note about the recommendation The Translation Bureau recommends using the terms **Inuk** and **Inuit** both as nouns and as adjectives in English. **Inuit** can be used adjectivally in all contexts. However, **Inuk** can be used only to modify one person, in keeping with its sense in Inuktitut, the language from which it is borrowed. ## “Inuk” and “Inuit” used as nouns A concern for reconciliation and inclusivity requires that, when referring to Indigenous persons, we use the terms preferred by the community. Thus, we refer to the traditional inhabitants of Canada’s northern regions and Arctic coastline by the terms **Inuk** and **Inuit**. **Inuk** is the singular noun, used to refer to one person, regardless of gender. It is always capitalized and can be preceded by a definite or indefinite article: - He is the first Inuk to have been called to the Nunavut Bar. - She is an Inuk from Kuujjuaq in northeastern Quebec. **Inuit** is the plural noun. It is always capitalized. Because the word **Inuit** is already plural in form in Inuktitut, it is used in English without the English plural ending “s”: - Correct: Inuit are working to preserve their language. - Incorrect: Inuits are working to preserve their language. Since **Inuit** means "the people" in Inuktitut, do not use the definite article “the” or the word “people” in combination with **Inuit**: - Correct: Inuit use traditional hunting methods. - Incorrect: The Inuit use traditional hunting methods. - Incorrect: The Inuit people use traditional hunting methods. **Note**: In addition to singular and plural forms, Inuktitut has a dual form used to refer to two people: **Inuuk**. Although **Inuuk** is used less frequently in English, it is still accepted. ## “Inuk” and “Inuit” used as adjectives Either **Inuk** or **Inuit** can be used as an adjective to describe a person. These terms are always capitalized: - The Inuk Elder was honoured for contributions to the community. - This award-winning Inuit designer combines fashion and tradition. But the adjective **Inuk** can be used only to describe one person, never two or more. With plural nouns referring to human beings, the adjective that’s used is **Inuit**: - The non-profit organization is the voice of Inuit women in Canada. - The website showcases original art created by Inuit artists. In addition, **Inuk** is never used to modify anything non-human. The adjective used to describe one or more places, things, qualities or ideas is **Inuit**: - This Inuit hamlet is a cultural hub in summer. - Traditional Inuit garments were made from animal skins and fur. - Inuit hospitality is legendary. - In the Inuit concept of health, the mind, body, spirit and environment are interconnected. ## Additional information - [Update on the words “Inuk” and “Inuit”](/en/blogue-blog/recommandation-inuit-inuk-eng) (blog post) - [Inuit, inuk (Recommandation linguistique du Bureau de la traduction)](/en/cles-de-la-redaction/inuit-inuk) (in French only) ## Avis de droit d’auteur pour l’outil Writing Tips Plus © Sa Majesté le Roi du chef du Canada, représenté par le ou la ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement Un outil créé et mis en ligne par le Bureau de la traduction, Services publics et Approvisionnement Canada ## Rechercher par thèmes connexes Vous voulez en apprendre davantage sur un thème abordé dans cette page? Cliquez sur un lien ci-dessous pour voir toutes les pages du Portail linguistique du Canada portant sur le thème choisi. Les résultats de recherche s’afficheront dans le [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator). - [General knowledge](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A464#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) - [Indigenous languages](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A464&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A471#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) - [Grammar and syntax](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A476#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) - [Adjectives](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A476&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A477#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) - [Nouns](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A476&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A482#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) - [Vocabulary](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A500#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) - [Loan words and word origin](/fr/navigateur-navigator?search_api_fulltext=-&field_writing_tools=All&sort_by=views&f%5B0%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A500&f%5B1%5D=navigateur_navigator_english_theme%3A506#navigateur-navigator-resultats-results) ## Liens connexes - [Writing Tips Plus](/fr/writing-tips-plus/index-fra) (page d’accueil) - [Outils d’aide à la rédaction](/fr/outils-tools/index-fra) - [Navigateur linguistique](/fr/navigateur-navigator) (permet de trouver rapidement des conseils linguistiques) - [TERMIUM Plus®](http://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-fra.html?lang=fra)