Below is a classic folk song of the Bisaya. It's sung like a love song, sometimes, it's translated in "Amelia Bedelia fashion, then it's really hilarious. I'll try to get my cousin to translate it literally and then you can see the difference.
Usahay, nagadamgo ako
Sometimes, I have a dream
Nga ikaw ug ako nagkahigumaay
That you and I are in love
Nganong damguhon ko ikaw
Why do I dream of you
Damguhon sa kanunay sa akong kamingaw
I dream of you in my loneliness
Usahay, nagamahay* ako
Sometimes, I regret*
Nganong nabuhi pa
Why I live
Nianing kalibutan
In this world
Kay nganong gitiawtiawan
Why did you made fun of
Ang gugma ko kanimo
My love for you
Kanimo, da. **
For you
* this word is a combination of hurt and regret. I cannot think of an english word for it, so I did the next best one I can come up with. Possibly worse than hurt, and deeper than regret. It's the same feeling you get upone finding out otherwise, when someone has something you want to borrow, you asked for it first, then they told you it's not available because it's broken. It's not really angry, it wasn't yours, but you're hurt and sorry and all that stuff.
** "da" is a word used as exclammation point in a song. An emphasis word.
Norma said...
I don't know anything about this language, but if I were a child wanting to learn, I would want to hear phonetically the common phrases used in the family or peer relationships.
"Good morning. What are your plans today?"
"I'm going to the mall with my friends." or "Peter and I are going to the baseball game."
Then maybe work on some vocabulary where I could change out the words.
"I'm going to school," or "After lunch, I'm going to the mall."
However, it is very difficult to encourage children to do something their friends aren't doing.
I applaud you for doing this and protecting your heritage.
Saturday, April 21, 2007 3:00:00 AM
Anonymous said...
Hello there!
i actually stumbled into your site trying to find an online dictionary for my friend who is having some problems with her domestic helper from Philippines... this helper left a small diary on her bed which she believes is full of complains written in Bisaya... i wonder if you could kindly kindly help me to translate it?? It would help my friend greatly in trying to decide whether this worker has any mental problems or not... (so she can decide whether to continue employing her, or sending her back home, etc) Pls email me at vanteo@yahoo.com if you are able to help us... thank you so much!! :-)
Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:27:00 PM