Pronunciation: [ˈɛskɪmˌə͡ʊ hˈa͡ʊs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Eskimo house" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound is the "eh" sound, transcribed as /ɛ/, followed by "s" (/s/) and "ki" (/ki/) with a short "i" sound. The next syllable has "mo" (/mo/) with a long "o" sound, and the final syllable is "house" (/haʊs/) with an "ow" sound. Therefore, the IPA transcription for "Eskimo house" is /ɛskiːmoʊ haʊs/.
An Eskimo house refers to a traditional dwelling, primarily prevalent in the polar regions of the world, inhabited by the indigenous Inuit populations. It is a structure specifically designed to withstand the harsh Arctic climates, providing shelter and warmth for the inhabitants.
The architecture of an Eskimo house is typically characterized by its dome-like shape, constructed using a framework of wooden or bone poles covered with animal hides or skins, such as seals or caribou. These hides serve as an effective insulation, preventing heat loss and maintaining a comfortable internal temperature during the extreme cold weather. Some versions of Eskimo houses, such as the Inuit igloo, are built entirely out of compacted snow blocks, which also offer excellent insulation.
Eskimo houses are designed to be easily disassembled, enabling mobility and flexibility for the nomadic Inuit communities. This adaptability is crucial for their sustainable survival in the challenging Arctic environments, as they can relocate their settlements in search of better hunting grounds or in response to changing weather conditions.
The interior layout of an Eskimo house generally consists of a central communal area for activities like cooking and socializing, surrounded by individual living spaces. Traditional features, such as ice or stone lamps fueled by whale oil, are used for lighting and heating. In modern times, some Eskimo houses have been modified to include amenities like wood-burning stoves or electricity, reflecting the influence of Westernization and technological advancements.
Overall, the Eskimo house represents a fundamental aspect of Inuit culture, incorporating architectural ingenuity and practicality to ensure the well-being and resilience of its inhabitants in the extreme Arctic conditions.
The term "Eskimo house", also known as an igloo, has its origin from the Inuit people of the Arctic regions of North America. The word "igloo" comes from the Inuktitut language, spoken by the Inuit, and it means "house" or "dwelling" in English. Originally, it referred specifically to the dome-shaped snow houses constructed by the Inuit for temporary shelter during winter hunting trips. However, over time, the term has been more broadly used to describe various types of traditional Inuit dwellings, including both snow and sod houses.
