[Aztlan] In Lakech

[David Hixson]

Just to clarify, both Matthias and Hube appear to be correct.

While I am certainly not an expert in Maya linguistics, this phrase "In Lakech" appears to be Yucatec.  And, as Paul Sullivan noted, the term "Laak" (sometimes "Lah") means "other".

Therefore...

In = I, me, my
Lah / Laak = Other, Companion, Sibling
(k)ech = you, yours

Therefore, Matthias' translation of "you are my companion" is a rational translation of "In Lakech".

I would compare it to the common greeting between evangelical Maya, as documented in Blair's grammar (In Suku'un = my brother) -- see Blair (1965).  New Age Mayanists might greet each other as "you are my companion", just as Evangelical Maya greet each other as "In Suku'un".

As for Hube's comment, he is certainly correct.  While the modern Maya use "Amigo" (a spanish loan) for "friend," there is a wonderful Maya term for with-comer "In w-et-a-il" (my companion).  Or, "In w-et-meyaho'ob" (my co-workers).

Hope this helps.

-Dave