Mi e leli Okinisi Tongo!

I am learning Aucan! This language is spoken by few. Basically, I’m becoming an elitist by knowing this language. It is one way to look at it right?

Unfortunately, they are not teaching anyone Dutch—even though it is the countries official language. Dutch is definitely used, but only in the cities and even then it isn’t really worth it because most people in the city also speak English. Since most of us aren’t going to be in the cities anyway—we are going to be in villages that are all located along rivers in the interior (Amazon rainforest)—it is not an efficient use of time or energy.

The language is full of super fun words. My first favorite word is “sweti” pronounced “schweti” for sweat/sweaty. The fun ones are the words that sound the most like the English word. Aaaand there are a lot.

Famii (famee) = family

Mi piisii fu miti yu = I’m pleased to meet you.

Mi abi wan akisi = I have a question

Bii = beer

Mi a siibi mooi = I slept well

Mi lafu = I’m laughing

Wi lobi lafu = We love to laugh