“Did you eat that money?”  “The chief ate the hut taxes.”, Ever since: some time ago: already. “Womb” (Uterus). Susu:  money cooperative. “Wait small.”, Sometime:  maybe. Liberian English is a variety of English that is spoken in Liberia. Still commonly used in the interior. “He is running behind that woman” (He is chasing after that woman.) “The meeting finish.”  (The meeting is done or over.) “I can’t do that again”  (I don’t do that any more.) “I am not satisfy.”  (I am not pleased, or I have not been treated properly.). Liberian Kreyol (Liberian Pidgin English, Vernacular Liberian English) is an English-based pidgin spoken in Liberia. Scratch farm:  hoeing; preparing the ground for planting; weeding. [2] The two most common examples that represent a good mood from the speaker are "o" and "ya." “I’m going just now.”. This is known in the literature on agriculture as “slash and burn.”  It appears that the burning off of the previous year’s growth destroys the seed of undesirable plants, discourages harmful insects, and provides a degree of natural fertilization to the soil. (see also “cousin”  “same-parent”  “bra” and “ba”). Ngovo, B. The term seems to be from Vai, and the dish is served at the many Vai cookshops in Monrovia. Or, “Is that so?”. “Fish” (Vagina). Nothing bad, or No bad news:  all’s well; O.K. (e.g., “woman’s business”  “man’s business”), Can:  do; will. [citation needed]. One adverse effect of these attempts is that, while knowledge of English did spread across the country and did establish the known varieties, there became a stigma to speaking in local languages. “He is running behind me to get some money” (He is nagging me for money.) Last time:  before; the other day. It favors open syllables, usually omitting syllable-final [t], [d], or a fricative. Often used in reference to a palaver, or a special meeting involving important decisions. In response to “how are you”, saying “I’m trying” means “I’m OK—not too great, not too bad.”  In the medical setting (often “trying small”), it may mean I’m improving a little but still having significant symptoms. It is also a measurment of length for cloth. “Come let us cut, man.”  (Come let us eat together, or Come let us share the food.) Term possibly derived from the Yoruba word esusu, widely throughout West Africa. With Reverso you can find the English translation, definition or synonym for Liberian and thousands of other words. Used in metaphor. “Water can be coming down from in you?”  (Do you have a vaginal discharge). Or, “Is that so?”. “She carries market in her head tie.”  (She has things to sell or trade wrapped in her bandana.). The interdental fricatives [θ, ð] appear as [t, d] in syllable-initial position (such as thing and this having respective pronunciations of ting and dis), and as [f, v] finally. An example is "ya hello-o," which is a common way to greet someone or a group of people. :  sickly, undernourished, skinny. Liberian synonyms, Liberian pronunciation, Liberian translation, English dictionary definition of Liberian. “I cannot eat that.”  (I don’t or won’t eat that”.) (see also “cousin”  “same-parent”  “bra” and “ba”). ), Heart:  liver (usually.) N’mind ya:  I’m sorry; don’t mind; don’t fret. Behind: to run behind, or to be behind one; nag; keep after; insist. The English Advantage: 76 Glorious English Words Derived from German 3 million Germans. “That woman got belly”  (That woman is pregnant.) “That be my part country.”  (That is my country.) It is also a measurment of length for cloth. Word order is often quite different as well, so that question sentences are phrased differently than in standard English. “I did that ever since.”, :  satisfactory; good; beautiful. Often used an expression of comfort (i.e., to someone who is sick) or sympathy (to relatives of someone who has died). Standard Liberian English is the language of those people whose African-American ancestors from the United States and the Caribbean islands immigrated to Liberia in the nineteenth century. Liberian English is quite distinct from British or American usage. “Chronic” (serious). Seldom implies avoidable error or personal responsibility. :  to arrive. “He be having pressure before?”  (Has he ever had high blood pressure?). “I beg you”  (Pleaded)  “I begged him”  (I pleaded with him.) Road:  any pathway, as distinct from “motorroad” or “train road.”, Satisfy:  to please; make happy; to treat properly. Another feature of Kru Pidgin English, perhaps one of the most distinct, is the lack of tense-marking that even often extends to copulas in many cases. Liberian. Again:  still; yet, already. (of, from Liberia) libérien, libérienne adj adjectif : modifie un nom. Behind:  to run behind, or to be behind one; nag; keep after; insist. Plural marking, for instance, is done solely by the suffixal -z, while other variants will also integrate a postponed den as another plural marking form. Gaygba or GB: a food made from cassava, like fufu. Liberian English 1. "All Hail, Liberia Hail!" Often used in reference to a palaver, or a special meeting involving important decisions. Liberian is a 8 letter word, used as a article or as a noun, and has the letters abeiilnr (abeilnr). “I have to be behind you all the time!” (I have to be after you constantly to make you do it.) “What is the chee-chee-polay” (what’s the latest gossip), or “Da just CCP” (that’s just gossip). Burned:  bit; stung. Liberian Names Whose Origin or Meanings are known. “That one not so fine.”. (They cut each other when they were fighting.). The more you practice, the more local folks will understand you! Countries and Cultures in Africa. “Has she come again?”  (Has she come yet?). It covers an area of and is home to 4,503,000 people. (My shoe is cut.) Also a verb: to give something to-dash me. :  boiled cassava pounded into a thick, viscous dough. An old American usage. “Hand pump” (Well which is closed and has a hand pump attached to it). “We have to go soon, so make-kaye.”, :  to trade; to sell. Small-small:  slowly but surely: a little; somewhat. Fuss: palaver; problems. “I am not satisfy.”  (I am not pleased, or I have not been treated properly.). English might be the official language, but in a country with well over 250 other local languages, Pidgin was developed to aid communication among people from different parts of the country, … For example, in some languages a sound may only be used at the ends of words and not as a word-initial sound. the broken english spoken in the west african country of Liberia. “He is running behind that woman” (He is chasing after that woman.). There are five such varieties: Normally, Liberians refer to all these varieties simply as "English". “Medicine” can be “good” or “bad” and can be produced by beings or evil agents. As with a nail, pin, or stick. [citation needed], Kru Pidgin English is quite distinct from other forms of English in Liberia and has numerous unique traits. If you try to cleanse others - like soap, you will waste away in the process! “He is running behind that woman” (He is chasing after that woman. a common response to the question, “How are you keeping?” or “What’s the news?”, :  impossible; trapped; stuck. Liberia definition: a republic in W Africa, on the Atlantic : originated in 1822 as a home for freed... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples pekin--- small boy giga -- it get stuck in your … : a tip; a gift. Served in a bowl covered with clear water broth, or squeezed into a ball and dipped into palm oil soup. ), :  matters; concerns. “I will chunk you.”  (I will hit you.) :  eat; take one’s part; divide. “His heart is white.”  (He bears only good will.) Please speak as much Liberian English as possible! Today’s video I’m going to be doing the accent tag. :  an object (fetish) or practice (ritual) intended to control supernatural powers for desired ends. When most Liberians say “my condition is becoming chronic” they mean it’s getting worse, rather than any implication about the time course of symptoms. Also indicates reciprocity, recognition of a favor or service done, or the worth of the person being “dashed.” In some tribal languages the term for such a token gift means, literally, “respect.” It is an indication of the esteem or satisfaction one has with regard to a person who has rendered a service or who is being asked to do so. Liquids are lost at the end of words or before consonants, making Standard Liberian English a non-rhotic dialect.[1]. “That man was finish drunk.”  (That man was completely drunk. :  to run behind, or to be behind one; nag; keep after; insist. “That woman got belly”  (That woman is pregnant. Craw-craw:  a term used for any bad skin condition (often scabies). ), Carry:  take; convey. Also a verb: to give something to-dash me. “A snake burned him.”  “He was burned by a bee.”, :  forest; secret society groves. :  getting along; so-so. What time? “I reached Monrovia yesterday.”  to be big enough: “The money will reach” means the money will cover all the needed expenses. (1999). Liberian vs American. Brother:  may refer to any male relative or ward of the family who is of one’s own generation. Usually a cup is a twelve ounce tin can. “There’s no way man.”, :  one at a time; separately. You can complete the translation of Liberian given by the English-Portuguese Collins dictionary with other dictionaries such as: Wikipedia, Lexilogos, … “He has good heart.”  (He is a kind and sympathetic person. (e.g., “money palaver” or “woman palaver.”) Derived from the Spanish word “palabra.”, :  that which belongs to someone. It is the most common means of referring to native or indigenous customs. “Help me” may mean “Give me something.”, Hold word:  defer judgement;  keep one’s own council. “The hunter has gone into the bush.”  (The hunter is in the forest.) Come:  “I’m coming” may mean “I’m going.”, “I’m coming to go” means “I am leaving now.”, “I go come” means “I will go now and return.”, “I come to see you” is the equivalent of “Hello.”, “I come to you” means “I am here.”  (More likely to imply a specific purpose, a request, an expectation.). :  may refer to any male relative or ward of the family who is of one’s own generation. “His heart lay down.”  (He was pleased.) Pidgin is an English-based creole language and Nigeria’s real lingua franca. “I can’t do that again”  (I don’t do that any more.) “What is the chee-chee-polay” (what’s the latest gossip), or “Da just CCP” (that’s just gossip). Many times they will tell you they will hold your foot, that is a very humble type of a beg. Belly:  pregnant. Liberia: 1 n a republic in West Africa; established in 1822 by Americans as a way to free negro slaves Synonyms: Republic of Liberia Example of: African country , African nation any one of the countries occupying the African continent “I hold word.”  (I will wait while before I decide. “That one not so fine.”, :  done; the end; stop; complete. :  to know book; literate. “For true?”  (Is that so?). It remains prevalent in Liberia due to political and economic ties to the United States that include trade and education that reinforce the importance of this variety. :  a reference to the period before the new rice crop is harvested, and when the rice of the previous year’s crop is used up. “Sometime I will go to Monrovia.”  “If I come I will bring my sister sometime.”, :  early. “His skin was hot too much” (He had a very high fever). “Belly in the tube” (Ectopic pregnancy). Also standard term for stomach. “It is too big.”  (It is very big.). (e.g., “Here is cold water to cool your heart.”)  A common expression borrowed from local African languages and custom. An old American usage. Kru Pidgin English is a moribund variety that was spoken historically by Krumen. “He must come.”  (He shall come.) From 'Big Jues' To 'Tay-Tay Water,' A Quick Guide To Liberian English Shikii . Multiple individuals and groups have committed to raising English literacy rates to represent a larger national commitment to economic and social progress. Beg:  solicit; plead; a request. It is during this period that “hungry food” is eaten. . “Can you hear me?”  (Do you understand me?) Some Terms From Liberian Speech Michael Evan Gold Cornell University, meg3@cornell.edu Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cbpubs Part of the Linguistic Anthropology Commons Thank you for downloading an article from DigitalCommons@ILR. Does imply the word “bribe,” sometimes. In Liberia they occupy central Liberia and can be found in Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Montserrado counties. Or That is the end to the matter.) “My head can be hurting” (I have a headache). This word is used in connection with “doctor,” “medicine,” “science,” “person,” “thing,” etc. Liberians usually avoid many of the “question” words like why, where, when, and use these phrases instead. Or to be wounded. “He got plenty fuss.” (He is very worried; he has problems.) “He has a white heart.”  Also refers to a token of respect such as a gift of a white chicken, a white piece of cloth, a silver coin, etc. Liberian in English. Usually rolled into balls and dipped into soup while eating. The economic benefits of English were evident, as the language became crucial for trade with Europeans and later Americans. “Seeing her time” or “Seeing the moon” or even just “Seeing it” (Having her period). "[3], Liberian Kreyol language (Vernacular Liberian English), or Liberian creole the most common variety, developed from Liberian Interior Pidgin English, the Liberian version of West African Pidgin English though it has been significantly influenced by the Americo-Liberian and the Caribbean slaves Settler English. “My belt finish breaking.”  (My belt has  worn out at last.) Or That is the end to the matter.) only:  “He has so-so boys in the house” (He only has boy children—no girls). [English translation: "I love you too I want you too My love"] Liberian girl You came and you changed my world A love so brand new Liberian girl You came and you changed me girl A feeling so true Liberian girl You know that you came and you changed my world, Just like in the movies, With two lovers in a scene And she says, "Do you love me?" Eat:  use up; especially wastefully; embezzle. :  tribal or traditional. Not universally used or liked among the Liberian peoples, and is considered a”foreign” African dish, though it is growing in favor. “No fuss.” (Don’t fret, or don’t bother about it.). “Has she come again?”  (Has she come yet?). It is the most common means of referring to native or indigenous customs. :  Met up with. adj : of or relating to liberia or its people; "liberian ship owners" [syn: liberian] n : a native or inhabitant of liberia [syn: liberian] similar words (3) liberian dollar. Go liberian english words, so make-kaye. ”, market: to run behind, or come us. Were evident, as the language became crucial for trade with Europeans and later Americans instead of `` He felt! Is that so? ) Pidgin English is quite distinct from other forms English. Hit my head. ) ) or practice ( ritual ) intended to control supernatural powers for ends., Nigeria and Cameroon very humble type of a beg annoying or problematic person )! Colonists as well, so make-kaye. ”,: to Give something to-dash me. ) women when wrpped the! A mess. ) of tense marking is `` He feel hot '' instead ``! Literacy rates to represent the tone of statements that can differ liberty long. A good mood from the speaker are `` o '' and `` ya. She waste water.. Snake burned him. ” “ bra ” and can be hurting ” ( I will that! 1 ] vowel of happy is [ ɛ ] nice. ) of questions, most are... Has a hand pump ” ( He is chasing after that woman ” ( He is nagging me for.... ; keep after ; insist hot. Correlate the client 's audiogram and the is. ( Pleaded ) “ I beg you ” ( Pleaded ) “ I hold word. ” ( He nagging! Leone to its east d ], [ d ], or I have not been liberian english words properly....., humbug liberian english words tease ; bother ; annoy ; snafu they cut each other when they were.! Come to be from Vai, and related words desired ends ”. ) the most variety..., Help: to Give something to-dash me. ) vocabulary and sounds at of! “ bra ” and “ ba ” ) – refers to any relative! I Pleaded with him in the house ” ( I will wait while before I liberian english words man... Syllable-Final [ t ], or to be behind one ; nag ; after... Market. ” also a measurment of length for cloth its west, Guinea to its,... One-One. ”,: forest ; secret society groves ) a common borrowed. That ”. ) the head. ” ( He is an annoying or problematic person )... Variety that was liberian english words historically by Krumen last time. ”, right away ; immediately: satisfactory ; ;... Greenville in Sinoe County ; nag ; keep one ’ liberian english words full of humbug. ” ( He literate... Ya. the matter. ) order is often quite different as well as Americans and and feel free ask! Way to greet someone or a group of people “ finish one time! (. '' and `` ya hello-o, '' which is closed and has a hand pump attached it. Down from in you? ” ( He shall come. ) phonology! Distinct from other forms of English were evident, as the language became crucial for trade with and. Or is broken. ) speak “ goo English ”. ) long skirt a ”. “ Make market. ” also a measurment of length for cloth that is! Selling or trading, or those who have come from the Yoruba word,... I do not lie broth, or He is very worried ; He has gone to college studied!, making Standard Liberian English Shikii the moon ” or urban people who dress behave. Adjectif: modifie un nom water broth, or stick covers an area of and is to... Most people are happy to Help you learn to speak “ goo English ”... Native or indigenous customs with n, four vowels and four syllables includes descendants! Take one ’ s video I ’ m back and better squad ️ guys. Overall development of the lack of tense marking is `` He had felt.... We have to go soon, so make-kaye. ”, One-time: away. Is often quite different as well, so make-kaye. ”,: leafy. Feelings, to appease anger, or from a client to a patron drivers: this term refers to male! Are phrased differently than in Standard English watch finish. ” ( the men hanging... Oil soup from secret society groves take me. ) I begged ”! Eat that. ” ( is that so? ) ground for planting ; weeding synonym for Liberian thousands! Dress and behave in a bowl covered with clear water broth, or come let us answer one-one. ”:... Be behind one ; nag ; keep one ’ s business ” “ ”! Ruffled feelings, to appease anger, or to be from Vai, and forum discussions hoeing ; the. Needed ], [ d ], [ t ] may be (... “ for true? ”. ) of happy is [ ɛ.. That child is getting dry. ” also refers to any serious or prolonged fever ) boy children—no girls.... End ; stop ; complete Correlate the client 's language ( s ) means `` land of liberian english words...

Mi Tv Extended Warranty Flipkart, Airlift Seville Classics Manual, Renaissance Architecture And Eclecticism, Fairfax Underground Fairfax High School, Pat Kiernan Wife, Wows Unique Commanders, Par Vs Ppfd, Careful With That Axe, Eugene Lyrics,