Ponapean 101
Learning a foreign language requires familiarity and repetition of words. That brings me one step closer in speaking Ponapean. But, I am far from holding a conversation in the local tongue, unless asking a few simple questions that are pertinent in the medical field, could be called a conversation.
I am very thankful that my patients recognize my efforts as I slowly combine words and they even teach me the enunciation of each syllable.
Here are some of the daily words I use:
Ia Irehmw? – How are you?
Yawasa eh medek ye? – Where does it hurt?
Ke Mwaliel? – Are you dizzy?
Eng – Yes
So – No
With the help of my friends, I have started forming sentences in Ponapean. Breaking apart sentences and learning the origin of the words helped.
I remember that when I was in school, I learned English from singing songs and this was what I thought doing; learn a Ponopean song.
This is one of the songs that Kit introduced to Jordan and I a few weeks back.
(click to listen to the song)
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Ikin Wie Wonohn
By Leriy Ohry
Awih iete nahs
Pwe ih kilang ukada
Me uhiu palien
Kolokol wahn rose en
Ih leliki mesemwen,
Udahn ih kaselelikihda
Pali weremwen… Serepein…
ohDahme ien ndah, oh dahme ien wia,
Pwe ken kamelele ie, pwe kowe me ih anahne
Chorus:
Ikin wie wonohn nan dewei oh
Ikin wie wonohn oh mademedewe
Ikin sengi seng ki paliniweremwen
Omw dosang ie (2x)
Ih lusikihda ei kilang kilelomw
Nan mwetuwel rose
Likin mission, ke kisang ia oh mwaromw kapwaten
Oh iapw men mware (2x)
Here is the rough translation of the chorus;
When I lie down where I used to lie,
When I lie down, I start thinking,
I always cry for you,
When you are far away from me.
Thanks to the effort of Jordan who got this part of the lyrics from one of his new found friend.
Buying Local Products in a Foreign Land
Day 21 (Part 1): Visiting the Nan Madol Ruins
How to Wash Clothes on the Island
Coco Marina
Day 13: The Village Hotel and a Lesson About Honesty
Discovering Awak Pah
Cupid’s Bar and Grille
Day Five: The Rehab
Day 16: Visiting the Bank of FSM and Bank of Guam without me
Day 42 (Part 1): Tsunami Alarm
Day 11 and 12: Remembering the Haiti Victims and the Ponapean Language
its good to hear that you’re learning the language at ponpei. improving ka doc. :3 turuan mu kame pg blik mo ha. lol.
Geb0i,
Thanks bro! Am learning a new word everyday. Just like a baby learning to speak.
Sige, pagbalik ko tuturuan kita.
Z
hello. I am looking for a translater for your language, Pohnpeian to English. I was wondering if you were located in the Seattle, Washington area? Or do you know of someone who speaks your language in this area? Thank you,
L Farwell
Nice one Doc Z! Learning new language is never that easy. And I adore infants that learns their local languages easily
I started creating a short story and posted it in my new blog, if you find time, I would love to know your comment
http://minniemadz.blogspot.com/2010/02/falling-star.html
Will be posting a poem there too
Kaselehlie. Ia Irehmw?
Mwahu.
I am amazed that you’re learning my language therefore, I will write in Pohnpeian. Kaselel , iai romw? Iahd ke kohwei Pohnpei? Ke mwahu ki Pohnpei? Ahnsou me ke lel Pohnpei o, ke sto suffer culture shock? Ekei aramas en liki kin lel Pohnpei they will either like it or hate it sang ni arail sahn. Shoot me an e-mail and let me know
.
Kaselel Primosita,
Mwahu dowluhl! I arrived last January on the island and I am loving it here. The weather is like in the Philippines and the people are warm and friendly.
Are you here or in the mainland?
Thanks for dropping by.
Kaselel Zor
I am in the states pursuing my degree in the legal field. I got a year left to come back home.And you funny thing I did not read your diary/journal before commenting however I really do love reading them. Surprisingly, just by reading them makes me do miss home.