|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The greeting in the conversation in Lesson 1 represents only one of the possible renditions one hears daily. Here are other possible conversations incorporating various types of grammatical constructions which will be explained later. Go over these with your informant so that they will become familiar and useable.
| 1st person: | Mal puɔ̲nydu̲?
Is your body at-peace? |
| 2nd person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, mal puɔ̲nydä̲.
Yes, my body is at-peace. |
Or:
| 1st person: | Mal mi̲ gɔaa?
Is it a good peace? |
| 2nd person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, mal mi̲ gɔaa.
Yes, it is a good peace. |
Or:
| 1st person: | Mal mi̲ di̲i̲t?
Is it sufficient (big) peace? |
| 2nd person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, mal mi̲ di̲i̲t.
Yes, it is sufficient peace. |
The Nuers like to ask what your name is even thought they already know it. All they expect you to do is
to acknowledge it and tell them. Consequently the following common conversations:
Note in this instance the person's name is Jɔk.
| 1st person: | Mal mi̲ gɔaa?
Is it a good peace? |
| 2nd person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, maalä̲.
Yes, I-am-at-peace. |
| 1st person: | Ɛ jï̲̩n Jɔk?
It is you Jɔk? |
| 2nd person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n ɛ ɤä̲n Jɔk.
Yes, I am I Jɔk. |
If they don't know your name, they will ask and expect the following:
| 1st person: | Jï̲̩n, cɔali̲ i̲ di̲?
You, you are called how? |
| 2nd person: | Ɛ ɤä̲n Jɔk.
I am I Jɔk. |
| 1st person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲, ɛ jï̲̩n Jɔk?
Oh yes, it is you Jɔk? |
| 2nd person: | Ɣɔ̲ɔ̲n, ɛ ɤä̲n Jɔk.
Yes, I am I Jɔk. |
The respectful term for an older man is [guadi̲n]. It is also used for addressing God in prayer. e.g. [Guadi̲n, cɔali̲ i̲ di̲?] Father, how are you called?
The respectful term for an older woman is [madi̲n].
e.g. [Madi̲n, mal puɔ̲nydu̲?] -- Mother, is your body at peace?
| Nuer Field Project | Nouns | Verbs | Verb Book | Expressions | Grammar | Genesis | Others |