The word "Revak" is spelled with four letters: R, E, V, and A, followed by the letter K. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is pronounced as /rɛvæk/. The first syllable (/rɛ/) is pronounced like the word "red" with a short "e" sound, followed by the "v" sound, which is pronounced by pressing your top teeth against your bottom lip. The second syllable (/væk/) is pronounced like the word "back", with the "a" sound pronounced like the "a" in "cat".
Revak is a term that has origins in the Inuit language, specifically in the Yupik dialect spoken by the indigenous people of Alaska and Eastern Siberia. Revak is commonly used to describe an underground dwelling or living space carved into the frozen ground or permafrost. Typically associated with the Yupik people, revak serves as a traditional form of shelter in the harsh Arctic climates where freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls are common.
The revak is constructed by digging deep into the ground and excavating a living space that is protected from the extreme weather conditions above. These underground dwellings are ingeniously designed to provide insulation and prevent heat loss, allowing the inhabitants to maintain a comfortable living environment. Revak structures often consist of multiple rooms, featuring low ceilings and narrow passageways to minimize heat loss and maximize the efficiency of the heating system, which is often derived from a wood stove or traditional oil lamps.
The thick layers of permafrost surrounding the revak act as a natural insulating barrier and help stabilize the temperature inside the dwelling, making it possible to maintain a relatively stable and warm environment even in the coldest winter months. The revak is an important part of the Yupik culture and heritage, representing their resourcefulness and adaptability in making use of the natural surroundings to create a livable space in a challenging environment.