Monday, April 13, 2015

Konpolaga! -- #Curaçao expressions on the #AtoZChallenge 2015

It's actually

kon por laga
[kohn-pohr-LAH-gah]

but at the speed of speech the R tends to disappear--yes, also from the spelling. You'll find it (and hear it) more often as

konpolaga
[kohn-poh-LAH-gah]

What does it mean?

Literally: how can (you? it?) let/leave (it? me? you?)
In context: OF COURSE! ABSOLUTELY!

"Your dogs really love the beach, don't they?"
"Konpolaga!"
So I'm not really sure how we get from "how can (someone/something) leave or let (someone/something)" to OF COURSE, but... there you have it.

"Hey, I need a favor. Would you [insert special request here] for me?"
"Konpolaga!"
(English: I'd be thrilled to)

"Are you sure this is the right street? It doesn't look familiar."
"Konpolaga! The house is just past the next curve, you'll see."
(English: Abso-f*ckin'-lutely sure)


And, because it's Monday, I say unto all you hopi great bloggers:

bon siman!

(Yes, it's a bonus question ;) Hint: I would only say this on a Monday. Not Tuesday, not Sunday, not any other day of the week.)

9 comments :

  1. Your A to Z theme is really interesting. I studied anthropology and linguistics once upon a time, so I found this post to be fascinating! Cheers - Ellen

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    1. That's so cool, Ellen! Anthropology and linguistics--wow. You'd love Curaçao, for its anthropologic and linguistic richness if nothing else (and there's plenty more to conquer our foreigner hearts ;) ). So glad to connect with you in the blogosphere; I loved your posts too :)

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  2. I am just now finding your blog in the #AtoZChallenge list, but I'm excited to go back and catch up. I bought a Papiamentu grammar book one time on a visit to Aruba, but never took the time to learn it. Phrases from a language can share so much about the culture. Awesome theme!

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    1. How awesome to find a blogger who's actually *heard* Papiamentu spoken! I agree, Chuck; language is a culture's fingerprint. So glad you're enjoying the posts! (And thanks for all the comments on previous posts; loving them :) )

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  3. Replies
    1. Glad you found it so, Sheena. Thanks for the visit!

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  4. "Good Week"-- Have a good week.
    "Bon siman" looks like 'buena semana', which means 'good week' in Spanish.--I studied a little Spanish many years ago.

    Letters from the Land of Cherry Blossoms

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  5. I like how you're sharing language usage a lot. I'll certainly be back for more! Love your happy photograph too. Very interesting word.

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  6. Hi Guilie - I concur with the others .. I'm enjoying the alphabet Papiamentu written and explained .. it's fun and I love the dog photo .. cheers Hilary

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