Comment on language

The language of Trail of Lightening is descriptive yet simple, making it accessible to readers. Roanhorse includes terms, characters and language from Navajo culture and origin stories, placing her novel as a portrayal of these people. The immortal characters mentioned in the novel are from oral histories told by Navajo people. Naayéé’ Neizghání’s name is taken from the Navajo language and literally translates to Monster Slayer. Roanhorse refers to her novel being set in the Sixth World, referencing the stories the Navajo people have of the First to the Forth and current World. Roanhorse includes Spanish words to also mark the placement of her novel and its people, living in the southern part of what used to be the United States bordering Mexico as well as the Spanish influence on the Navajo people.. She describes the arroyos, Spanish for gullies, that Maggie and her comrades have to watch out for on their trip to Black Mesa. The combination of the English and Spanish in the name of Black Mesa, highlights a frontier and the combination of two cultures.