Language

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

  1. 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].

 

  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.

 

  1. 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.

           

  1. 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. 
sleeping mat 
How much does it cost for … [period]?
I’ll stay for … [time period]. 
Can I camp somewhere here? 
Who should I ask for permission to camp

What? 
Who? 
Why?
How? 
When? 
Where? 
Where from? 
Where to?

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. 
Itou?
Nga bwa?
E feita?
Ingaet?
I ya?
Ma i ya?
E bwera i ya?

                        

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










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