Sonsorolese language
RAMARI DONGOSARO
Written and compiled by Danko Taborosi, with assistance of
Laura Ierago, Junior Aquino, Lucy Pedro,
Isaac Theodore, Severy Tirso and Philip Tirso
- Introduction
Sonsorolese is one of two indigenous languages spoken in remote southwestern islands of the Republic of Palau. It is the language of Sonsorol, Pulo Anna, and Merir islands. The language spoken on Tobi island, 200 km further away, is closely related to Sonsorolese but distinct. Despite geographic proximity and political association with Palau, both Sonsorolese and Tobian are not at all related to Palauan language. Instead, they are the westernmost parts of the so-called Trukic continuum of dialects/languages, and are related to and partly intelligible with Woleaian, and to a lesser extent other languages spoken in Yap State (Outer Islands) and Chuuk State of the Federated States of Micronesia.
In its now much depopulated home islands, Sonsorolese is spoken by about 60 people (~30 on Sonsorol, ~10 on Pulo Anna, ~3 on Merir). In Palau’s main town, Koror, where many islanders have migrated for economic reasons, at least 300 people speak the language. Most of them live in Echang village, not far from downtown Koror. It appears that most speakers are completely bilingual in Palauan, or English, which is preferred by young people. In fact, young Sonsorolese are reported to speak their native language with much English admixtures. Consequently, their speech is very different from Sonsorolese of the elder generation, in which there are currently less than 20 speakers over 60 years old.
Thanks to the federal organization of Palau, Sonsorolese language has an official language status in the state of Sonsorol. It is occasionally used in that state’s internal communications (e.g., announcements, invitations), although official documents are written in English[1].
- Dialects
The language is spoken differently on Sonsorol, Pulo Anna and Merir, and the three represent distinct dialects. There is very little information regarding the specific differences, but it appears that they are more apparent in phonology (pronunciation) than in syntax. For example, Sonsorolese sounds ‘f‘, ‘v‘ and ‘d‘ are all merged into ‘d‘ (pronounced as ‘th’ in ‘this’) in Pulo Annian dialect[2]. This slower-paced Pulo Annian dialect can still be heard on occasion[3], whereas Merir speech has all but disappeared[4]. The quite distinct language of Tobi island is sometimes treated as a dialect of Sonsorolese, with which it is rapidly merging. Because most of Sonsorolese and less-numerous Tobian community members co-reside, mix and intermarry in Echang village in Koror, Tobian language has come to resemble Sonsorolese. People report that Tobian used to be not clearly intelligible to Sonsorolese speakers in the past, but has become perfectly clear.
- Orthography and Pronunciation
Sonsorolese is mostly a spoken language. People do occasionally write it, but they do so according to their own personal preferences. The sounds of the language are probably most similar to Tobian and Woleaian. Some idiosyncrasies include the pronunciation of ‘d‘, which is standard at the beginning of words but more like English ‘th’ within words; ‘r‘ is pronounced as in Spanish, not English; and most importantly, ‘l‘ is always pronounced with tongue touching the back roof of the mouth and sounds something like a mixture of ‘g’ and ‘l’. For that reason, some Sonsorolese prefer to spell their ‘l‘s as ‘gl‘. As in Woleaian, silent vowels are common at the end of Sonsorolese words. For example, in ‘Dongosaro‘, the native name for Sonsorol island, the final ‘o‘ is not pronounced. In order to pronounce Sonsorolese words and phrases listed in this book it would be the best to consult native speakers.
So far, the only documents written in Sonsorolese are the Constitution of Sonsorol State and certain parts of the Bible[5]. The former can be considered as standard for writing of Sonsorolese, although no clear rules exist. This may change in the future, as a dictionary is currently being prepared by Sonsorolese community leaders[6]. They are in need of a trained linguist to assist with their efforts.
- Words and phrases
Greetings, goodbyes and civilities
Good morning. Good day. Good afternoon. Good evening. Excuse me. What are you doing? [to one person] What are you doing? [to more people] Come. Come here. Let’s go. Goodbye. See you later. See you tomorrow. Take care. I will come again. Thank you. Thank you very much. Sit down. Please. Wait. Eat. Could you help me? Yes. No. Sorry. I am very sorry. Never mind. |
Emaho nimarieri. Emaho laari. Emaho rotoiet. Emaho nifahafi. Itilou. Ho feita? Hau feita? Bito. Bito iha. Ngaraho. Hoda buou. Edowa werimilir. Didowa para kakane fanganihis waradu. Haka lihi podumu. Idowa para wehitafari. Haparu ma hatawahi. Haparu ma hatawahi dewa. Mato tiwo. Mo. Wetimo. Mangau. Esuya hobe tapangiei? Ungo. Naweri. Tawahi. Itawahi dewa. Hotowai hamahowa. |
Pronouns
I/me you he/she we/us they/them my/mine your/yours his/hers ours theirs |
ngangu her iiye his iil yai yamu yar yas yael |
Meeting people
What is your name? My name is … Nice to meet you. How are you? I’m fine. This [person] is … Where are you from? I am from … [place name] I am … [occupation/religion/etc.] I am not … [occupation/religion/etc.] Are you … [occupation/religion/etc.]? Japan Palau USA artist doctor fisherman(woman) office worker pilot sailor/traveler student teacher writer What is your religion? Catholic not religious How old are you? How old is your son/daughter? I am … years old. My son is … years old. My daughter is … years old. |
Meta itomu? Itei … Emaho ba dimori welifangani. Howeya meta? Imaho sahu. Merer … Her saori iiya? Ngangu saori … Ngangu … Tei ngangu la … Her la …? Sapan Panou Mariken artist tahota lei deiraho lei fitehi ri ireni office lei hataliri wayari lei waiya riweisi school sensei lei faruforu Meta yamu moumou? Katolik etaol yai moumou Fitou madirapamu? Fitou madirapari raumu mare/faifir? Ngangu … madirapai. Marer … madirapar. Faifirer … madirapar. |
Family
Are you married? I am married. I am single. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? Yes, I have. No, I don’t. How many children do you have? I don’t have any children. How many siblings do you have? I don’t have any siblings. adult boy child children daughter father friend girl grandfather grandmother husband mother sibling/cousin of opposite sex sibling/cousin of same sex son two sons/daughters wife |
Ho lili? Ilili. Ngangu itei lili. Ewol saori wamu? Ungo, ewol. Naweri, etaol. Fitemaru raumu. Etaol rai. Fitemaru meyangamu/budumu? Etaol meyangai/bidii ma bidii. tarapar yalemat mare rai riweisi rai faifire mere tamai mere yai wari bidi faifire mere tamai mere direi mere lii mere direi meyangai bidii rai mare liemaru rai mare/faifire mere lii |
[-i ending in the words above and all nouns is for first person singular possesive; change to -mu, -r, -s, -el for other persons; e.g., tamai=my father, tamamu=your father, tamar=his/her father, tamas=our father, tamael=their father] |
Feelings and opinions
I am happy. I am not happy. Are you happy? I am sorry. I am grateful. This is good. This is not good. It is beautiful. It is not beautiful. Is it beautiful? angry beautiful cold dangerous delicious dirty fast happy healthy heavy hot hungry in pain interesting lonely sad sick sleepy slow strange thirsty tired wonderful worried What do you like/want? Do you like … [n.]? I don’t like … [n.] I like … [n.] animals Sonsorolese food dancing fishing music reading sailing snorkeling swimming Really? Amazing! Maybe. |
Emaho tipei. Etai maho tipei. Emaho tipomu? Imori tamau dewa. Ihaparu dewaho. Merer emaho. Mere etamau. Emaho dewa. Etai maho. Emaho mere? dong emaho fou ehamatahutohu e nnau e pporu matangatang emaho tipar etai hamatahi [=not sick] esau besi dung pali e hamasari hara demanaho [lit. alone] tamau faringorungon hamatahi hatoru e sawasawa e mouduraho ebesi farubom hasih emaho fangiengi Meta ho masariya? Ho masariya …? Itamasariya … Imasariya … maru mangauri Dongosaro baluhu dairaho singini hapauhu ri pepa talahi tutu yaf Hatodu? Halulud! Emara haitina. |
Photos
Is it OK if I take a picture? Could you take a picture? Give me your name and address |
Emaho sahu na ibeka yaunga? Esuya hobeka yaunga? Hariei itomu ma yamu address. |
Language problems
Sonsorolese language English language Please speak in Sonsorolese. I don’t speak Sonsorolese. Do you understand Sonsorolese? Is there anyone who speaks English? How do you say that in Sonsorolese? Please write it in Sonsorolese? Could you please repeat that? Could you speak more slowly? Do you understand? I understand. I don’t understand. What is this? What does this mean? |
ramari Dongosaro ramari Mariken Ebe suya ba hobe ramari Dongosaro. Itei hae ramari Dongosaro. Ho hura ramari Dongosaro? Ewol yalemat ra eramari Mariken? Eweya meta yamu tapa mena ramari Ebe suya hobe faruya ramari Dongosaro? Ebe suya hobe para tapa mena? Ebe suya hobe tomatot yamu tapa? Ho hura nifar? Ihura nifar. Itahura nifar. Meta mere? Meta nifari mere? |
Orientation, transportation, sleep
Where are you going? I’m going to … I’d like to go to … How much is it to go to …? How can I get to …? Where is the … ? church house of the chief house meeting house school store toilet village Sonsorol island Pulo Anna island Merir island Fanna island [uninhabited;N. of Sonsorol] Koror Is it far? Is it near? Can I walk there? Is there another way to get there? When does the next ship arrive? When does the ship leave? Where does the next ship go to? small canoe with paddles sailing canoe ship I am looking for a place to sleep. What? |
Hobe ra iya? Ibe ra … Imasari na ibera … Meta paruyeni na dibera …? Efeita yai raho …? Iiya …? iglesia imeri tamoru im fare sukur stowa im hapar / benjo wotawot Dongosaro Puro Melieli Fana Haoror Etawa? Ehalep? Esuya ibe para ihirar? Ewol para deyau yara edara ihirar? Wangaet ebe para bitiwo wafaruya? Wangaet ebe suya wafaruya? Ebera iiya wafaruya rar? uwa fatur warifaruya wafaruya [wa=something that moves, floats and faruya=island] Ikup burukara ibe madulu irang. sob Fitepou paruyen na …? Ibe mire … Esuya na ibe mire ihar? here? Itou na ibe hadiya ba ibe mire iha? Meta. |
Food
I’d like some local food. I don’t eat meat. Can I get some … please? |
Imasari mangau mangau ri faruya. Itei hae hosaos fitiho ri moru. Esuya ibeka harai …? |
[for non countable nouns (incl. meat and fish) change harai to tariyei, for liquids (incl. coconut) change to rumei] |
|
apple banana beef betel nut bread breadfruit canned meat chicken coconut coconut milk coffee eel, saltwater egg fish food ice juice land crab mango milk octopus oranges pandanus papaya pork pumpkin rice shrimp sweet potatoes tapioca taro tea tuba turtle water yams |
halifato fadolo fitihori harabau buu farawo usuhae yautoni tini hayang rutouya yalonguri wanu kofi rabuto saro sahai iha mangau ais jius lahumu manga milk hit huluhulu fas babai peihi pamuhen raes rihotofis tumuso dioka woto ti hasi woru saru yam |
Health
I am sick. I am not feeling well. I need a doctor. I need medicine. I have been injured. I need to be evacuated. ankle arms back bellybutton breast cheeks chest chin ears eyebrow eyes face feet fingers forehead hair hands head legs lips mouth neck nose stomach teeth toes tongue waist wrist |
Ihamatahi. Etai maho woripodu. Imasari habauhu tahota. Imasari uru tafeya. Ipali. Imasari ibe ra spitar. meseri hub pau taluhu buto tut tapa mataringorungoru yate taring fatu mataringorungoru wawo hub hatu mango sim pau faduhu hub matari yawa / turi yawa yawa uye bautu diya ngii haturi hub yarari hara puw meseri pou |
Numbers and time
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300 500 1000 How many? How much? morning noon afternoon evening night yesterday today tomorrow birthday holiday Christmas now soon recently last month this month next month year week one night two nights one week two weeks rainy season dry season |
deo luwou doruw fauw rimouwa worouwa fuduwa waruwa tiwouwa deih deih ma deo liyeih dorih faih rimeih woroih fidih warih tiwoih dobuhuya liyebuhuya dorubuhuya rimebuhuya da ngaladi Fitou? Fitepou? nimariyeri rotoiet rahoriyaro nifahafi nibongi rarowa lanei waradu lani fadari yalemat lani tai fitehi lani fadari Tamoru meihira emori halep etosu miriyarai malam ae ebangi malam ae malam ara ebe bito madirap sane dobongi liyobongi deo sane luoua sane riwarangi ri tamau lari riwarangiri maho lari |
Nature and weather
beach currents high tide island/land low tide ocean/saltwater path reef rock sand water waves hot sunny typhoon rain wind cold sky clouds rainbow sunrise sunset |
wori piya maiya bulo faruya mmat tati yar yaurung fadu piye saru rawo e besi e kkal yaro palada ri yengi uut yangi halifou rangi mani rengi / hosou lahim tahase ri yaro torori yaro |
Sea and land animals
coral crab dolphin dugong eel fish giant clam jellyfish lobster octopus oyster sea crocodile sea cucumber sea turtle shark shrimp whale cat dog lizard mouse bird bat mosquito gecko butterfly snail |
woso malu lahum huyesihi lado peihi rabuto saro ih kim mweri matao ula hit perih rabaye peri peri woru pahowa rihatofisi lado busi pirisi ramalowa hesi maru warih ramu uder hiyehiye umane |
Dress and tools
skirt hat pants shorts lava lava sandals shirt shoes basket fish hooker fishing net fishing pole knife machete paddle |
uferi huberi faifire polung uferi huberi mare uferi huberi mare moso weriya zori/susu uferi podu susu haraisi hau uho bau uwadei uwadei tap fatur |
[1]Interview with Ms. Laura Ierago, former governor of Sonsorol State; March, 2007.
[2]Information kindly provided by Sachiko Oda-Tanaka, School of Culture-Information, Sugiyama Jogakuen University.
[3]The number of speakers now must be very few, down from 50 estimated in 1975 by Oda, S. (1977). The syntax of Pulo Annian. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Hawai’i.
[4]Reported extinct by Sakiyama, O. (2003). Endangered Languages of the Pacific Region. In: Sakiyama O. (ed.), Studies of Minority Languages in the Western Pacific Rim. (Endangered Languages of the Pacific Rim Publications Series C-006, Faculty of Informatics, Osaka Gakuin University: Osaka, Japan): 93-103.
[5]Some notes on spelling and alphabet can also be found in [Capell, 1969 #105].
[6]Former Governor of Sonsorol State, Ms. Laura Ierago is one of the project leaders.
If you find any mistakes whatsoever or have any comments, suggestions or additions, please email:
Danko Taborosi taborosi@islandresearch.org
c/o Island Research & Education Initiative www.islandresearch.org