Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
BookumBilaMiskito
AbouttheProject
ResearchfortheLonelyPlanetNicaraguaElSalvadorguiderequiredmetoinvestigate
enormousandlittleexploredeasternexpanseofNicaragua,sometimesreferredtoasthe
Mosquitia.TheMosquitia,whichalsoincludestheHonduranAtlanticCoast,hasaverydifferent
historyandculturethanthemuchmorethoroughlyHispanicizedPacificCoastofCentral
America.
ThePacificsideisdryer,andwasthereforeeasierforEuropeancoloniststosettleandsurvive
thantheswampy,malariariddenjunglesoftheindigenouscontrolledeast.Withthehelpof
pirates,oneIndiannation,todaycalledtheMiskitos,managedtoresisttheSpanishincursion
andretaincontroloftheMosquitiawellintothe19th century.Indeed,since1987theNicaraguan
Mosquitiahasbeenlegallymanagedastwolargelyindependentprovinces,theRAAN(North
AtlanticAutonomousRegion)andRAAS(SouthAtlanticAutonomousRegion).
AlthoughSpanishistheNicaraguasofficiallanguage,CaribbeanEnglishisstillspokenin
throughouttheregion(andremainstheprimarylanguageoftheCornIslands),whileseveral
indigenouslanguages,includingMayangna(Sumo),RamaandvariousCreoles,alsosurvive.
ButMiskitoremainsthemostwidelyspokenindigenoustongueinNicaragua,andmanypeople,
particularlythoseinruralareas,speakitexclusively.IwantedtolearnenoughMiskitoto
navigatethesesmallvillageswhileonthejob.
Happily,oneofmycoworkersatHotelLiberiainCostaRica,MiskitoIndianJonnyNixon,could
notonlyfixjustaboutanything,butwasalsowillingtoteachmealittleMiskitoduringhis
downtime.Wehadsomuchfunthatmygoalofbuildingasmallphrasebookquicklygrewoutof
control.Thislittlelexicon,whichfeaturesthedialectofthetonguespokenintheBluefieldsarea,
istheresultofthoselessons.
PleasekeepinmindthatIamnotaprofessionallinguist,ormuchofanythingelseforthat
matterheck,youmaynoticethatSpanishisntevenperfect.IfyoudospeakSpanish,theres
actuallyabetterfreeMiskitodictionary***
http://rds.org.hn/docs/listas/moskitia/diccionario/diccionario.html***availableonline,compiledby
oneDr.DaniloSalamanca,whichalsousesonthedialectofMiskitospokeninsoutheastern
Nicaragua.Ifyourearefeelingreallyambitious,youcouldtakeclassesfromProfessorDionisio
MelgaraBrown(brownmelgara@hotmail.com,inSpanishonly),whorunstheMuseoAuka
TangkiinWaspm,Nicaragua,closetotheHonduranborder.Healsosellshiscomprehensive,
selfpublishedDiccionarioPrcticoEspaolMiskito(US$18)andaworkbookofgrammar
exercises,AprendamosElMiskito(US$7.50)atthemuseum.
AShortHistoryoftheMosquitia
ThisarticlewasoriginallypublishedinLonelyPlanetNicaraguaElSalvador
SomelegendssaythattheMiskitoNation,whichfortwocenturiescontrolledmoreterritorythan
any other indigenous group in American history (other than the Mayans), originated in the
MiskitoKeys.ThesmallgroupofislandsfirstappearedonaEuropeanmapin1630,labeledthe
MusquituIslands,'14leaguesfromCabodeGracias,'wheretheMiskitosfirstmadecontactwith
pirate captain Sussex Camock in 1633. Following an alliance with the pirates, who used the
naturaldeepwaterporttorelaxbetweenraidsontheSpanishtreasurefleet,theMiskitostook
controloftheentireMiskitoCoast,fromNorthernHondurastowellintoCostaRica,thebulkof
whichistodayknownastheMosquitia.
The Miskitos quickly grasped the potential for firearms, and in return for the new technology
aidedinthesackingofSpanishstrongholdsupanddowntheRi\'oSanJuanandRi\'oCoco.In
1687,theEnglishmonarchywaspleasedenoughwiththeirnewalliestohelpfoundtheMiskito
Monarchy,asystemofgovernmentthatwouldendureintothe19th centurydescendentsofthe
MiskitoRoyalFamilystillliveintheregionssurroundingWaspm.ButwhentheBritishbrought
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 1 PaigeR.Penland
one of the Miskito Kings to England, to learn more about his English benefactors, the young
manstutorsweresurprisedthathelookedmoreAfricanthanIndian.
Miskitoculturehashistoricallyembracedoutsiders,andnotalwaysfiguratively.Mosttracetheir
obviously African roots to a Portuguese slave ship that wrecked on the keys in 1640, though
waves of escaped slaves, pirates of African descent, and West Indian banana workers are
almost certainly part of the mix. Other important outside influences include the German
Moravian church, whose missionaries arrived in 1849, and built pretty redroofed wooden
churches that are now at the physical and cultural heart ofmost Miskito communities. To this
daymanyMiskitofestivalsandhandicraftshaveadistinctlySaxonflavor,nottomentionplenty
ofblueandgreeneyesinthecrowd.
The Mosquitia did not submit willingly to Nicaraguan rule 1894, so the Spanishspeaking
government sent in troops that could hold major cities, but never penetrate the fiercely
independent smaller towns. The Miskitos discontent at their domination by the 'Spaniards' in
ManaguawasbroughttoaheadbyoneofthemosthorrificchaptersofSandinistarule.
USbackedNicaraguandictatorAnastasioSomozahadbeenpopularsince1960,whenstarving
Miskito refugees pouring into the country following a bloody border dispute with Honduras.
Instead of turning the starving and destitute illegal immigrants away, as some Nicaraguan
politicians had wanted to do, President Somoza ordered houses and Moravian churches built.
Fortheremainderofhisrule,Somozawouldrandomlyappearonthecoastforenormousfree
barbecueparties,enjoyingtheoneregioninNicaraguawherehe waspopularenoughtorelax
without worrying about being assassinated. This was despite an apartheid system that the
Somoza government maintained, which required Miskito workers have a special, difficultto
obtainpassportbeforetravelingtoPacificsideofthecountry,wherethejobswere.
Thus,whentheSandinistarevolutionmarchedtriumphantlyintoManaguain1979,theMiskitos'
loyalties were split. Many of themjoined MISURASATA (MISkito, SUmo, RAma, SAndinista &
AslaTAlanka),anindigenouspoliticalpartyfoundedbytheFSLN(SandinistaNationalLiberation
Front).Thesevolunteers were eager to help with the nationalliteracycampaign, among other
admirable projects that promised to improve the areas woefully substandard education and
infrastructure.
Literacy workers were soon informed, however, that the Sandinistaled government had
decreedSpanishasNicaraguas sole,officiallanguage.MoreMiskitosstillspokeEnglishthan
Spanish, and they were furious that their own indigenous language had been completely
sidelined. Then, adding more fuel to the fire, the FSLN declared the Mosquitia's natural
resources to be public property, 'to be exploited efficiently and reasonably.' By Spanish
speakersinManagua,thatis.Tensionsbuilt.
At the same time, members of Somoza's defeated National Guard were regrouping in the
Mosquitia. The Sandinistas received intelligence that the soldiers would be meeting in San
Carlos,neartheHonduranborder,onDecember23,1981.FSLNleadershipassumed,probably
incorrectly,thatdissatisfiedMiskitoIndianswerealreadyworkingwiththehatedNationalGuard
toreturntheSomozadynastytopower.
Some7000Sandinistatroopsreceivedtheirorders:Evacuatethepeople,burnthehouses,kill
the animals, raze the farms and orchards, even destroy the wells. No one was given time to
pack or think, just flee the columns of smoke risingfrom the riverbanks, the squeals of dying
animals behind them. Every singletown on the Ri\'o Coco was burned to the ground, and no
oneknowshowmanyciviliansdied.ItisrememberedasRedChristmas.
Some 20,000 Miskito Indians became refugees, trying to eke out anew life Honduras, Puerto
Cabezas(nowcalledBilwi)andSanJose\'deBocay,mostfinallysettlinginwhat'snowknown
as Tasba Pri or 'Free Land,' theimpoverished string oftowns that cling to the rough dirt road
betweenRositatothePacificCoast.IfthemajorityMiskitoshadntpreviouslysympathizedwith
theNationalGuard,atthispointbackedbytheadministrationofUSPresidentRonaldReagan,
theydidnow.ThousandsofyoungmenandwomenjoinedtheContras,thirstyforrevenge.
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 2 PaigeR.Penland
After surveying the scorched earth theyd left behind, Sandinistas backpedaled, issuing
apologiesandevenofferingtomakeMiskitoanofficiallanguage,butitwastoolittle,toolate.
The region became the center of the Contra insurgency, with multiple USrun military bases,
landingstripsandathrivingcocainetradethatpaidformuchoftheoperation.
After the Contras lost US support, in the wake of the IranContra Affair, Miskito soldiers and
politiciansagreedtobeginpeacefultalkswiththeSandinistaledcentralgovernment.Managua
passed National Autonomy Law in 1987, which granted the RAAN and RAAS nominal
independence, but in reality continued to allow the central government to exploit the region's
natural resources but without any legal responsibility to help build infrastructure.
Unemployment hovered at 50% for a decade, and the region remained the poorest in the
nation.
YATAMAwasbarred,however,fromparticipatinginthe2000electionsbecauseofThePact,an
agreement between Sandinista Party strongman Daniel Ortega and disgraced former Liberal
Party (which represents most nonNative former Contras) President Arnoldo Alemn that
effectively limits Nicaragua to a twoparty system. YATAMA called on its constituency to
abstain, and the Sandinista candidate actually became mayor of Bilwi/Puerto Cabezas.
YATAMA took their complaints to the World Court, which ruled in 2003 the elections were
indeed tainted. In 2005, YATAMA returned to the ballot and won the mayorships of
RAANsthreelargestcities,Waspa\'m,PrinzapolkaandBilwi.
AbouttheLanguage
Miskitoisamixtureofatleastthree,probablyfour,differentlanguages.EnglishandSpanish
speakerswillfindlotsoffamiliarsoundingnouns,generallydescribingmorerecentlyintroduced
items,suchastrukforcar,orkeisoforcheese.Therearesomeinterestingsideeffectsofthis
linguisticoverlap,forinstancebicho,aSpanishwordforsmallinsect,isusedinMiskitoasa
racytermforfemalegenetalia,probablybecauseofitssimilarilytotheEnglishwordbitch.
MostMiskitowords,however,areinaverydifferentlanguage,assumedtobetheoriginal
indigenoustongue.Almostcertainly,giventhenumberofAfricansslavessettledhere,some
wordsareAfricaninorigin.Moreover,MiskitodoesntresembleSpanishorEnglish
grammaticallyatall,relyinginsteadonavarietyofsuffixestoperformjobsweassignto
modifiers,pronounsandadjectives.MiskitoalsoeschewsLatinconventionssuchassexesfor
inanimateobjectsandthesubmissive/dominantformsofyou(tu/ustedinSpanish).
Pronunciation
A,asinaunt,tia,andlala(money)
Ai,pronouncelikethelongiinkite,theayinhayoraisaba(adios,goodbye)
Ei,asinfreight,thefirsteinespaol,orteim(tiempo,time)
I,asinmini,listoormiriki(gringo,tourist)
O,asintoe,dedoorrom(habitacion,room)
U,asinblue,azulorkupia(corazn,heart)
BisverysimilarinpronunciationtoP
CisusedonlywhenIforgottouseK,andrepresentsahardksound
K,whenattheendoftheword,maybepronouncedveryquickly,likeahardstop
PisverysimilartoB
Sisveryclosetozsometimes
TcansometimesbeveryclosetoK
WdoesntreallyhaveaequivalentinSpanishorEnglishtheresasoft,ofteninaudibleoin
frontofit,similartoowl.Thuswan(querer,want)cansoundmorelikeowan,whichcanbe
confusing.Ow(si,yes)shouldprobablybewrittenasjustawusingmytransliteration,but
thatlookedweird.
Xispronouncedratherlikeksh
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 3 PaigeR.Penland
Suffixes&Prefixes
AlthoughImstillnotclearonexactlyhowallthesuffixesandprefixeswork,theyseem
grammaticallymuchmoreimportantinMiskitothanineitherSpanishorEnglish.Hereareafew
ofobservations.
Suffixes
aba(esta[cosa],this[thing])Addedwhenyouwantaspecificitem.Bukbribalissimply
Traigameunlibro,orBringmeabook.Bahabukababribal,ontheotherhand,becomes
Traigameestelibroalla,orBringmethatbookthere.
cam/cana(suyoyoursortheirs)Thisisaddedtosomethingtoindicatethatitbelongsto
someoneelse.Nahabookumcana,Estoessulibro,thisisyourbook.Imnotsurewhenthe
differentvariationsareused.
ka(masqueuna[cosa],morethanone[thing])Thisisanalogoustothesaddedontoplurals
inbothSpanishandEnglish.Kapika(cafs,coffees)andsapka(tiendas,shops)illustratethe
rule.
kei(mio,mine)Indicatespossession:romkeimihabitacin,myroom.Ifthisdoesntsound
nice,youcanaddthesynonym,tei
plika(loquienhacealgoonewhodoessomething)Thisistackedontotheendofanounto
indicatethepersondoingit. Wak(trabajowork)becomeswakplika,trabajadororworker.
ra(algoquequiere,somethingdesireable)Thisisusedwhenyouwantsomethingspecific,and
youwantitalot.Yanwanschnabot,translatesasQuieroencontrarbarco,orIdliketotake
aboat.YanWanschnabotraismorelikeNecesitoESTEbarcoorIneedTHATboat!
sa(algoqueestaaqui,peronoestaalla,somethingthatshere,andnotthere)
taki(salir,toleave)Thisistackedontosomethingthatsinmotion,orabouttobe.Mannuapo
diateimbustakisapa?, Aquehorasaleelbus?orWhattimedoesthebusleave?This
workswithduritaki(barcosaliendo,boatthatsleaving)orpleemtaki(avionsaliendo,plane
thatsleaving),butitseemstoneedthemodifiersapa(dondeestaalgo,wheresomethingis).
tei(mio,mine)Indicatespossession:Kapiteimicaf,mycoffee.Ifthisdoesntsoundnice,
youcanaddthesynonym,kei
um(esta[cosa],specificthing)Thisalsohelpsstressthatyouretalkingaboutaspecificitem:
Yanbukumdaokisnamirikiuplicanani,EstoytrabajandoenunaguiaporviajerosorIm
workingonaguidebook.Bukum(estelibro,thatbook)indicatesthatitsspecificallyabookfor
tourists(literallythepeopleoftheAmericans,whichIthinkisfunny).
ya(mio,mine)Thisindicatesownership(atleastmostofthetime),notonlyliterallyaswith
duriya(mibarco,myboat)butalsometaphorically,asinwapawaya(micaminata,mywalk).
Otherinterestingpossessivesincludebili/bila(mi/suboca,my/yourmouth) kaigma/utenkaigma
(mi/sunariz,my/yourmouth)naipa/nampa(mi/sudientes,my/yourteeth).Alsoseewuten.
Notethatthelocationwhereanactiontakesplacecanbetackedontoaverb.Naha
kabukanarasipsnaestabaya,podrianadaraquienelmar?ormayIswimhere,inthe
ocean?isacompoundofkabu(mar,ocean)andkanara(nadar,toswim).Nahalagunkanara
sipsnaestabaya?forexample,meanspodrianadaraqui,enellago?ormayIswimhere,in
thelake?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 4 PaigeR.Penland
Prefixes
Baha(esta[cosa],that[one])Thisisaverycommonsignifier,andseemstobethemostpolite
onetousewithpeople,suchasbahamerca(estamujer,ellathatwoman,her)and
bahawetnika(estehombre,elthatman,him).
Uba(mucho,muylots,very)Whenthisisaddedtoanoun,itsignifiesthatitishavinganaffect
onalargerenvironment.Forexamplelapta(sol,sun)becomesubalapta(claro,sunny)
payaska(viento,wind)becomesubapayaska(ventoso,windy)anddamnei(dulce,sweet)
ubadamnei(muydulce,verysweet).
Wuten(deel/ella,his/hers)Indicatesownershipbyathirdparty:kupia/wutenkupia(mi/su
corazn,my/theirheart),klukia/wutenklukia(mi/suestomago,my/yourstomach).
Possession
Severalsuffixesandprefixesindicatepossession,includingcam/cana(detu/usted/ustedes,
your/their),ya/tei/kei(mio,mine)andtheprefixwuten(suyo,his/theirs).Spanishspeakers
shouldnotethatMiskitodoesntuseasingleverb(tener)toindicatebothpossessionofobjects
andfeelings(tengosed).Instead,brisna(tengo,Ihave)isusedforphysicalobjects,while
aidoksa(tengo/siento,Ifeel)coverstheephemerals.Herearesomeexamples:
Formingnegatives
Theeasiestwaytoformasimplenegativeisbystatingthepositivesubjectwithoneorseveral
ofnegativewords,includingapia(no,no),apu(nunca,none),saura(mal,bad),sip(nose
puede,cant)orcrabas(nosepuede,cant).Amoreadvancedwaytomakeanegativeisby
changingverbendings.Herearesomeexamplesusingkaikisma(conocer,toknow):
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 5 PaigeR.Penland
VerbConjugation
Iamnotalinguist,andthereforenoskillsetforpullingapartgrammaticalstructuresand
identifyingrules.Regardless,herearesomeconjugationsofusefulverbsinsimplepast,
presentandfuturetenses.Verbsaparentlyhavethreeformsforeachtense,whichIhave
abbreviatedtoY/Y,M/MandM/W:
Yan(Iyo)andYananei(wenosotros),oftenendswithna
Man(youtu,usted)Mananei(yall,ustedes),oftenendswithma
Bahamerca/Bahawetnika/BahatuktikaMercananei/Werinanei(she/he/it,ella/el
ellas/ellos,they)
Herearesomeverbs:
Aidoksa (sentir,tofeel)
Brisma(tener,cobrartohave,charge)
Diaya(hacer,tomar,bebertomake,take,drink)
Dowkisna(hacer,todoormake)
Wan(querer,necesitarwant,need)
Wiya(irtogonotethatitisveryregular)
Youcanformanotherfuturetense,apparentlyindicatingalevelofuncertainty,bysimply
indicatingafuturetime,forexampleyowka(maana,tomorrow)orwikwala(semanaproxima,
nextweek)infrontofthetheverb:
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 6 PaigeR.Penland
Manyowkaklibaleisma Vaaregresar Youllbeback
tomorrow
PHRASEBOOK
PalabrasImportantes,KeyWords
AlsoseePlaticando/MakingSmallTalk,later.
Ow Si Yes
Apia No No
Plees porfavor please
Help! auxilio! Help!
Plum(Food,Comida)
AlaMesa,AttheTable
Atkisa especialidad specialty
Brunahuni! Querico! Howdelicious!
Damnei dulce sweet
Dikwa olla bowl,kitchen
Diunarpata almuerzo lunch
Kapidia desayuno breakfast
Metch fosforos match
Owgunei rico delicious
Painpis Buenprovecho Bonappett
Pata comida food
Pees comer toeat
Picante picante spicy
Plitka platos plates
Plum comida food
Preiskaaix lacuenta thebill
Sopa copa cup
Tispun cuchara spoon
Tootnipata cena dinner
Tiru cuchilla knife
Triso tenedor fork
Utla taza cup
Yanwarudizna Estoybebiendo Imdrinking(alcohol)
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 7 PaigeR.Penland
Yanblazna Estoyborracha Imdrunk
EnlaCarta,OntheMenu
Aiya maiz corn
Aman tostada toasted
Bir cerveza beer
Brid pan bread
Chocolatei chocolate chocolate
Danlei miel honey
Fruta fruta fruit
Hamon jamon ham
Inska pescado/pez fish
Kalila pollo chicken
Kalilamahabra huevosdegallina henseggs
Keiso queso cheese
Kiskan frito fried
Kitkumans postre desert
Lat manteca,aceite butter,oil
Lobsta langosta lobster
Mahabra huevo egg
Papas papas potatoes
Piper pimiento pepper
Plumandia comidabebe babyfood
Reis arroz rice
Reisanbins arrozyfrijoles rice&beans
Shugar azucar sugar
Yehura yuca yucca
Wina carne meat
AntesdelaMesa/PriortoReachingtheTable
Aikaya cosecher toharvest
Alcaya cazar hunt
Beep vaca/ganado cow(istheroot
sheep?)
Bookit lata can
Bookitkwakaiya abriadordelatas canopener
Bridakisabriska pandera bakery
Huico cerdo pig
Inska pez fish
Inskapain pezutil ediblefish
Kalida granja farm
Mancaya sembrar toplant,sow
Mankisa granjera farmer(female)
Sap tienda,pulperia shop
Shugar azucar sugar
Sula venado deer
Wetnadiaramankisa granjero farmer(male)
Yanwalwinakalilapias.
Soyvegetariana.
Imavegetarian(literally,Idonteatmeatandchicken)
Yansiknesbrisnamango/mani
Tengoalergiaamango/mani
Imallergictomangos/peanuts
Manunapuansaradondeplumatkisapa?
WherecanIbuyfood?
Dondesevendencomida?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 8 PaigeR.Penland
Hotel(Hotel,Hotel)
InmanyMiskitovillages,therewontbearealhotel,perse.Butyoucanalmostalwaysfind
someonewillingtorentyouaroom,orevenletyoustaythereforfree,justbecauseyoullbe
thesubjectoflocalgossipforthenextthreemonths.IntownswithalargeMayangna
population,youllprobablybeinvitedtosleepinthetownhallfreeofcharge,thoughitsalways
politetotip.
Manailwishotelansarabarsa?
Podriadecirmeadondeestaunhotel?
Couldyoupleasetellmewhereahotelis?
Monin,escyusaman.Diapriesbrismacuartocanatimiakumi?
Hello,excuseme.Howmuchisaroom?
Buenosdias,disculpe.Cuantovaleunhabitacion?
Manuapoansarapleiskibarsarayapaya?
Hayunalugarparadormer?
Isthereaplacetosleep?
Narapleiskumapocualatuskaya
Haylugarparalavarropas?
Isthereaplacetowashclothes?
Sipsnadikwabayusmunaya?
Podriausarlacocina?
MayIusethekitchen?
Bahahotelkacowsirpar/tara?
Hayunhotelmasbarrato/grande?
Isthereabigger/cheaperhotel?
Yanyowkatakashkeisnanahahotelpain.
Maana,voyaquedarmeaestehotelbonito.
Tomorrow,Iwillstayatthislovelyhotel.
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 9 PaigeR.Penland
Transporte/Transportation
Aeroplan espacio outerspace(notypo)
Baisical biciceta bicycle
Bot barco bigboat
Buskabaplikisna estacionautobus busstation
Duri barcopequeo Smallboat
Kaiyikiwas Quetevayabien Haveagoodtrip
Licien permiso license
Pleem avion airplane
Takiwas Buenviaje bonvoyage
Tren ferrocarril train
Truk auto/camion car/truck
Trukwakailicien permisoamanejar driverslicense
Yabal camino road
Directionals
Ansa donde where
Kato adonde where
Laihurasa lejos far
Lamara,Lamarasa cerca near
Aikam izquierda left
Smiskam derecho right
Tresh directo straight(ahead)
Dimibal,dims(informal) entre between
Wala otrolado otherside
Porala porarriba uphill,upstairs
Ouna despues after
Poralaouna voyporarriba Imgoingup
Poralaouma vaporarriba Youregoingup
Mayara porabajo downhill,downstairs
Mawanarasa enfrente infront
(Sapka)ninarasa detras(lapulperia) behind(thestore)
Aikamseitrasa Dobleizquierda Turnleft
Smiskamseitrasa Doblederecha Turnright
Treshwas Vapordirecto Gostraightahead
Nawinalihurasa? Estalejos? Isitfar?
Nabunalamarasa? Estacerca? Isitclose?
Sipsnawapawaya? Puedocaminar? CanIwalkthere?
Yabalkabaiyawala. Estaenelotroladodelcamino. Itsontheothersideof
theroad.
Bahasapkaounabailawalara
Estadespuesdelpulperia.
Itsaftertheconveniencestore.
Bahawatlamawanarasa
Estaopuestodelacasa.
Itsoppositethehouse
Escyus,mansipsmailpeimonaya?
Perdon,puedeustedayudarme?
Excuseme,butcouldyouhelpme?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 10 PaigeR.Penland
Mannuapodiateimbustakisapa?
Whattimedoesthebusleave?
Aquehorasaleelbus?
Mannuapodiateimduritakisapa?
Mannuapodiateimpleemtakisapa?
NapkeisipsnagwaiyaBonanza?
ComosevaaBonanza?
HowdoIgettoBonanza?
Pleiswallasipsnakeiwiya?
Hayotramaneradeiralla?
Isthereanotherwaytogetthere?
Nahayabalkaansakatoaoya?
Dondellegeestecamino?
Wheredoesthisroadarrive?(InsteadofWheredoesitgo?)
Pleeskumbarsekeibaisicalrinmonaya?
Haylugarparaaquilarbicicletas?
Isthereaplacetorentbikes?
AroundTown
Apis oficina office
Banco banco bank
Koreiyo correo postoffice
Direksion direccion address
Market Mercado market
Polis policia police
Skool escuela school
Suwatla(su) cine cinema
Telecor telefono telephone
Turistaapis oficinaturistica touristoffice
Diateimcuacansa? Aquehoraestaabierta/o? Whendoesitopen?
Diateimprakansa? Aquehoraestacerrado/a? Whendoesitclose?
Diasipsnadowkayatimia
Hayalgoparahacerenlanoche?
Isthereanythingtodotonight?
Natimiadiabarsa?
Algopasarahoynoche?
Isanythingontonight?
Diadowkeismanatimia.
Quehaceustedestanoche?
Whatareyoudoingtonight?
Haybapayadimiadukiara?
Senecesitapagarparaentrar?
Isthereacovercharge?
Iglesia/Church
Bibil Biblia Bible
Daiwan Dios God
Evangelika Evangelica Protestant
Kiatelik Catolica Catholic
Pasil Sacerdote Preacher
Preisawatla iglesia church
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 11 PaigeR.Penland
Narapreisawatlakumlamaraapua?
Heyunaiglesiacerca?
Isthereachurchnear?
Banco/Bank
Cuacansa abiert/a open
Prakansa cerrado/a closed
Dalas dolares dollars
Lala dinero/plata Money
LalaMiriki/Dolah dolares USdollars
Sismonaya cambiar(plata) change(money)
Anyminit cajeroautomatico ATM
Sipsnasismonaya(lala)? Puedocambiar(dinero)? CanIchange(money)?
Ansaradalassismonayasipsna?
Dondesepuedecambiardolares?
WherecanIchangedollars?
Shopping
NakiPries? Cuantovale? Howmuchdoesthat
cost?
Problemas/Problems
Amisa fuego! Fire!
Aimplikida ladrn thief
Belsa bolsa purse,pocket
Liar abogado lawyer
Mochila mochila backpack
Pors billetero wallet
Polis policia police
Pulismitaaitakaskansa Estoyencarcel Ivebeenarrested
Yandiaranoapo Nolohize Ididntdoit.
Yanporskitikri perdimibillete! Ilostmywallet
Yantiburisa estoyperdido Imlost
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 12 PaigeR.Penland
Was! Vengase! Goaway
Uplika(People/Gente)
Almo adulta adult/oldfemale
Bahamerca estamujer thatwoman(her)
Bahamercapain buenamujer goodwoman
Bahatuktika estacosa thatthing(it)
Bahawetnika estehombre thatman(him)
Bahawetnikauyapainapia hombrehorrible reallybadguy
Bas jefe chief,leader,boss
Dalenki novio/a boyfriendorgirlfriend
Dama adulto adult/oldmale
Delen amor darling
Escritor escritora writer
Miriki gringo/turista American/tourist
Pana amigo friend
Painiki amigo friend
Skuluplika estudiantesmasviejos olderstudents
Skultuktika estudiantesmasjovenes youngerstudents
Uplika gente person
Uplikanani gente,pueblo thepeople,elpueblo
Waroplika soldado soldier
Wehili,yanwehili enemigo,mienemigo enemy,myenemy
Yan Yo I
Familia,Family
Yanmamiki madre mother
Yanpapiki padre father
Lekra hermano brother
Muiski hermana sister
Tuktansirpei bebe baby
Suaplupia bebepequeito reallylittlebaby
Tuktan nino child
Nahabelbika estabebe thisbaby
Lukpa hijos kids
Lupiam mihijo myson
Lupi mihija mydaughter
Lanka hermana sister
Manuka hermano brother
Muliya suegra motherinlaw
Dapnei suegro brotherinlaw
Lankabrisma? Tieneustedhermana? Doyouhavesisters?
Manukabrisma? Tieneustedhermano Doyouhavebrothers?
Manmarid? Estaustedcasada Areyoumarried?
Yanmeidin/hweknaapo Noestoycasada Imnotmarried
(literally,Idonthaveawoman/man)
Lupkaanbrisma?
Cuantoshijostiene?
Howmanykidsdoyouhave?
ElCuerpo,TheBody
Bili boca mouth
Dukiemtara organosfemininos femalegenetalia
Kiyaima oreja ear
Kleska hombros shoulders
Kluki estomago stomach
Kuhumi rodilla knee
Kupia corazn heart
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 13 PaigeR.Penland
Laimadusa pechos breasts
Leila cabeza head
Leilamalbra cerebro brain
Leima cuello neck
Naigra ojo eye
Naipa dientes teeth
Maiwan cara face
Maibra organosmasculinos malegenetalia
Milte mano hand
Milteki lasmanos bothhands
Mini pie foot
Descripciones,Descriptions
Baiwan flaco thin
Batana gordo fat
Bindowkisa ruidosa noisy
Mantarasamba emocional emotional,upset
Paisa tuanis sweet
Pini claro lightcomplexion
Siksa negro darkcomplexion
Sirpi bajo short
Srinwaskira perezoso lazy
Suso disnudo naked
Tada hermosa beautiful
Ubalowisma celoso jealous
Yadi alto tall
Actividades,Activities
Pulisma jugar play
Practis practicando practice
Wopayo caminando hiking
Beisbal beisball baseball
Futbal futbal soccer
Surfing surfing surfing
Aisikeikisma leyendo reading
Kesobaya viajar travel(literally,to
pass)
Yanmanegualpulayawansma?
Quiereustedjugarconmigo?
Wouldyouliketoplaywithme?
Politics
Democracia democracia democracy
Drogas drogas drugs
Economia economia economy
Educacion educacion educations
Imsa egalidad equality
Libaska(bas) surcodelagua watersource
Naturaleza naturaleza nature
Politic politicas politics
Sindicato sindicato union
Ulbesma vota youvote
Warakapo disempleo unemployment
Warailal empleo employment(lotsof
work)
Mandialookismanahogobierno?
Quepiensedelgobierno?
Whatdoyouthinkofthegovernment?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 14 PaigeR.Penland
Manyadukiaraulbesma?
Porquienvaavotar?
Whoareyougoingtovotefor?
NahaBluefieldsracontaminaciondukiaapukinara?
HaymuchocontaminacionenBluefields?
IsBluefieldsverypolluted?
Nature/Naturaleza
ThissectionfeaturesmyfavoritephraseintheentireMiskitolanguage:
Nahacasabriakanaslilmaailal
Theskyisfullofstars
Elcieloestallenodeestrellas
Geography
Ahuya arena sand
Ankisa derromoto landslide
Bocana catarata waterfall
Cabumutara bahia bay
Ilaila lugardeceros placeofhills
Iltara volcn volcano
Isla isla island
Kabu mar ocean
Lago lago lake
Li agua water
Lilapta aguestermales hotsprings
Nahacos lacosta thecoast
Playa playa beach
Tabukatara lamarea tide
Prizcamku teritoria territory
Tabowkiya sendero trail
Tasaba Tierra (planet)Earth
Tatara montaa mountain(non
volcanic)
Tingni rio river
Tingnisirpei arroyo creek
Untatara bosque forest
Uwalpa piedra rock
Wapiwaya caminar,sendero towalk,alsotrail
Weather
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 15 PaigeR.Penland
Other
Cielo cielo sky
Dreipapa lodo mud
Dus plantas plants
Ilili tiburon shark
Kahabrika cielo heaven
Kasabrika cielo sky
Kati luna moon
Katinatara lunallena fullmoon
Katipain lunaBuena goodmoon
Lapta sol,caliente sun,heat
Manikum sombra shade
Marked sealado marked
Najaduskinasika plantasmedicinales medicinalplants
Natnawiranani aves Birds
Powta lea firewood
Reep ola,recasa current,riptide,wave
(notethattherootmayberiptide)
Rwa perico parrot
Sililma estrella star
Tairi zancudo mosquito
Uros monos monkeys
Markedparlapinzakeekilbitabowkiya?
Estaelsenderobiensealado?
Isthetrailwellmarked?
Danomitebarsakei?
Hayminas?
Aretherelandmines?
ManlookismanahapleeskanadiariaSaurabarsakei?
Isthisareadangerous?
Estaestazonapeligrosa?
Bocanabarsapa?Nuapuamsarabocanabarsapa?
Dondeestalacatarata?
Whereisthewaterfall?(Youdontknowwherethewaterfallsits?)
Mannuapuansarapleeskumbarsapaturistauplikadukiara?
Nohaygentequepuedeestarcomoguiaparalosturistas?
Youdontknowwheretheressomeonewhocanguidetourists?
Yansipsnanakinahapleeskanadimeiya?
Podriaentrar?
CanIgothere?
Nahalipain?
EstaestaaguaBuena?
IsthiswaterOKtodrink?
Wapiwayapainsakeproblemaapu?
Estaelsenderoseguro?
Isthepathsafe?
Sipsnamanprizcamkunueewaiya?
Podriapasarsupropiedad?
MayIcrossyourproperty?
Nahapriskanasipsnayanyawaiya.
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 16 PaigeR.Penland
Estaseguroanadaraqui?
Isitsafetoswimhere?
Nankabucanaraouyareepapu?
Haycorrienterecasaaqui?
Arethereriptideshere?
Teimkanapaisakinara?
Comoeselclima?
Howstheweather?
AttheDoctor
Aksidentei accidente accident
Amandekeimar quemarse burn(yourself)
Antibioticas antibioticas antibiotics
Asma asma asthma
Blaaidoksa mareada dizzy
Blin ciega blind
Diabetika diabetica diabetic
Docta doctora doctor
Infeksion infeccion infection
Kana cargar takeabowelmovement
Klahui dolor pain
Klaweisna dolor pain
Klekwan herida wound
Kwihirasapatbaikan embarasada pregnant
Lasaprukisa epileptica epileptic
Latwan dolor pain
Leila siento Ifeel
Leilaklahui dolordecabeza headache
Mini pie foot
Minikliban pietorqueda sprainedankle
Miti mano hand
Mitikliban manotorqueda sprainyourwrist
Naipaklawisna dolordedientes toothache
Pastiya pastillas pills
Patbaikan darunluz togivebirth
Reglas reglas menstruation
Smit sorda deaf
Taiya piel skin
Taiyanari rascos itch
Taiyasiknes enfermedaddepiel rash
Taiyaubanari muchosrascos reallyitchy
Tos tos cough
Ubaamori quemadelsol sunburn
Unta oreja ear
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 17 PaigeR.Penland
Siknesow Estoyenferma Imsick.
Diasipsnadowkaiyakanacrahabaiya
Tengoasientos
Ihavediarreah
Nahamedisinadukia
Estoesmimedicinanormal
Thisismynormalmedicine
Yancitadoctorbrisna?
Podriahacercitaconeldoctor?
CanImakeanappointmentwiththedoctor?
ImportantQuestions
Akia Cuando? When?
Ansara Donde? Where?
An Cuanto? Howmany?
Anza Cual? Which?
Aula Adonde? Fromwhere?
Dia Que? What?
Diamon? Porque? Why?
Diamuni Porque? Why?
DiaPreis? Cuantovale? Howmuch?
Diateim? Quehoraes? Whattimeisit?
Diatrabil? Quepasa? Whatsup?
Trabil loquepasa whatshappening
(althoughtherootisobviouslytrouble,butinMiskito,itisntnecessarilynegativeatall)
Naki Como? How?
Sipsna? Podria? MayI?
Ya Quien? Who?
PlaceNames
Alamikamba Muelle Dock
Bambana DedondesonlosMayangnas/Sumos Wherethe
Mayangna/SumoIndiansarefrom,sometimescalledMucuswan
(Laguna)Bismuna TrasdelosPinos ThroughthePines
Kruta ketisque Astarchyvegetable
similartoyuccaandusedassoup
Leimus Limones Limes
Maniwatla CasaNueva NewHouse
Prinzapolka LagoGrande BigLake
Saslaya Riolargo LongRiver
Sinuna LugardeMinas Placeofmine(like,for
gold,notlandmines)
Tuapi MontaaGrande BigMountain
Wawa Puente Bridge
Waounta LugardeYuca PlaceofYucca
Waspum PlayaGrande BigBeach
Yaoya Cienaga Swamp
Colors
Andeis naranja orange
Blu azul blue
Buni verde green
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 18 PaigeR.Penland
Cafei caf brown
Pin blanco white
Poni rojo red
Sacamdei gris gray
Sixa negro black
Sixaponi morado purple
Sunny(perEnglish) Amarillo yellow
Time
ThedaysoftheweekareinSpanish,althoughtheEnglishnamesarealsowidelyused.
Months,withtheexceptionofJulio,arealsoinSpanish.JulioispronouncedasinEnglish,
July.AlsonotethatMiskitosusetheoddanglotermoclocktoindicatetime.
Mandiadikabalramnara?
Quediallego?
Whatdaydidyougethere?
Mannowhalabalreinara
Ustedllegoayer
Yesterday,youarrived
AkyasipsmabalayaSundaybaleisna
Llegadomingo.
ComebackSunday.
Akeyamanikambrisna
Cuandoessucumpleaos?
Whenisyourbirthday?
Diateimwalprowbia?
Aquehoraquiereustedencontrar?
Whattimewouldyouliketomeet?
Counting
Intheoldsystem,youdbasicallyaddmachitbeforethenumberinEnglish:machitwon,
machittu,machitfifty.Thesystembelowismorecommontoday.
1. Kumei
2. Wal
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 19 PaigeR.Penland
3. Iyumpa
4. Four(alsowalwal,2+2)
5. Pai
6. Six
7. Seven
8. eight
9. nine
10. ten
11. lem
12. twelve
20.twenty
100.hunded
Platicando/MakingConversation
Apia No No
Aisabi Adios Goodbye
Baldimis paseadelante comein
Dingkepali Gracias Thankyou
Diraapia denada Yourewelcome
Escyuz Disculpe Excuseme
GoodNight buenasnoches GoodNight
Ius porfavor please
Moning Buenosdias GoodMorning
Nakisma? Comoesta? Howareyou?
Naksa Hola Hello
Ninandia? Comosellama? Whatisyourname?
Ow Si Yes
Plees porfavor please
Smikasmoke vamosafumar(mota) Letsgosmoke
Ubadinkeipali Muchisimasgracias Thankssomuch
Widiius sientase Pleasesitdown
Escyuzman,nuapoyaispelAiseeSapa?
Excuseme,butyoudontknowanyoneherewhospeaksSpanish?
Perdon,perohayunapersonaquehablaespaolaqui?
ManMiskitouyaaiyisaras.
NohablomuchoMiskito.
IdontspeakmuchMiskito.
Mansipsmatowaayaisaya?
Podriahablarmasdespacio?
Couldyouspeakmoreslowly?
Escyus,mansipsmailpeimonaya?
Perdon,puedeustedayudarme?
Excuseme,butcouldyouhelpme?
Mansipsnalilikammumsacaya?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 20 PaigeR.Penland
Podriasacarunphoto?
MayIpleasesnapaphoto?
Yankisaduriaisaya
Vamosaplaticar
Letschat.
Dingkepalimanyangaraturiaisisma
Graciasporhablandoconmigo.
Thanksforchattingwithme.
Mandialekshma?
Quesegusta?
Whatdoyoulike?
Diateimwalprowbia?
Aquehoraquiereustedencontrar?
Whattimewouldyouliketomeet?
PalabritasUtiles/MeaningfulModifiers
Thelittlewordsthatmeansomuch.
Manyangualwapayawanshma?
Quiereustedcaminarconmigo?
Wouldyouliketowalkwithme?
Tamao,Size
Ailal mucho lots
Cow ms,grande more,big
Cowwan ms,porfavor mayIhavemore
Diarakum algunos(cosas) some(things)
Nani mucho, mas lots,more
Nisibi menos less
Lisibi(ouidalupia) poquito alittlebit
Paliba algogrande it,whenitisbig
Tara grande big
Uba mucho very
Ubasirpe muypequeo verysmall
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 21 PaigeR.Penland
Ubatara muygrande verybig
Uya mucho much
Ubicacion,Location
Apu notengo Idonthave
Bucarasa Estaaqu Itshere
Baha este this,the
Bahadukia estacosa thatthing
Barsapa dondeesta whereitsits
Barsa es,esta itis
Barsakei hay,estaaqui itexists,itshere
Bilalasakei adentro inside
Bukra poralla overthere
Bukrasa allaesta thereitis
Dowkaya aqui here
Kana ese this
Kanara aqui here
Kilbi el the
Na ese this
Naha eso this
Nara aqui here
Narasma estaaqui itshere
Pleiskana,pleiskum lugar place
Yannaraapiasna Noestoyaqu Iamnothere
Yannarazna Estoyaqu Iamhere
Narasa aquesta Itshere
LasSobras,Leftovers
VerbasSobras,RandomLeftoverVerbs
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 22 PaigeR.Penland
Estabaya nadar swim
Guaya va go
Implikisa robar tosteal,cheat
Kayikisma conocer know(personorplace)
Kailmakalkaiya gritar toyell
Kailwan romper,roto tobreak,broken
Kaiyekibas cuidado! takecare,watchout
Kaiyiki cuidar tocare
Kisomei Besame Kissme
Leik gustar Like
Lookisnapain Recuerdobien. Irememberwell
Manlei gustas youlike,enjoy
Manlookisma? recuerdas? Doyouremember?
Mans poner toput
Manuapo nosabeusted youdontknow
Mayalkaya tomar take,ingest
Meeta(manmeeta) (me)diga tellme
Monaya aquilar torent
Munaya hacer todo
Nuapo nosabeusted Youdontknow
Nuiwaiya pasar topass
Nusna saber toknow(information)
Padenmolesna castigar topunish
Priskulekshna Megustafrescos Ilikesoftdrinks
Priskulekshma Tegustasfrescos Youlikesoftdrinks
Prowbia encontrar tomeet
Puleiya jugar toplay
Rin aquilado rent
Sacaya sacar totake
Saros hablar(mucho) tospeak(alot)
Sipsna poder Tobeable
Sipsnakei sisepuede youcan
Takaskisma vivir tolive
Takashkeisna quedarse tostay
Towlkaya andar toride
Towxna ando are
Turiaisisma hablar,platicar talk
Walaya estoyescuchando Imlistening
Wan querer towant
Wal ir togo
Walproweisna encontrar tofind
Wapaya caminar towalk
Wartakisna/ma trabajar work
Wetnawayapisa hacersexo tohavesex
Aituwisa joder tofuck
Wina estar tobe(inaplace,
usually)
Yanayatibwaiya olvid Iforgot
Yanescritor Yosoyescritor/a Iamawriter
Yankaikisna conozco Iknow
Yanlookisna recuerdo Iremember
Yanmakaweishna mevoy Imleaving
Yannajaradowkridowkeisna Lohize Imadethat
Yanplumdowkeisna hagocomido Immakingfood
Yanplumnajarabrisma Teniacomida Ihadfood
Yanusna entiendo,yos Iunderstand,Iknow
Yawaiya nadar toswim
Yus usar use
PalabrasSobras/OtherHomelessPartsofSpeech
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 23 PaigeR.Penland
Allthewordsthatwouldntfit!
OracionesExtraos/PhrasesThatJustDidntFit
Manlookismakitasbaraouinapleiswalaraliepdukierabarsakei?
PienseustedquehayvidafueradeTierra?
DoyouthinkthereslifeoutsideofEarth?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 24 PaigeR.Penland
Manlookismapreiskumbarsakeidiarasaouradowkiba?
Haylugaresdeespiritusmalos?
Aretherehauntedplaces?
Manlookismanaspiritsaura/pain?
Creeustedenmagicabuena/mala?
Doyoubelieveinblack/whitemagic?
Bahamercaaetnikisa
Lamujerestacostada
Sheislayingdown.
Bahawetnikaboanza
Elhombreestaparado
Heisstandingup.
Yanwapayawanschna.
Iwanttowalk
Quierocaminar.
Mirikiuplikananeenarabalisake?
Domanytouristscomehere?
Haymuchosturistasaqui?
Mirikiuplikanalinaraaulateim
Cuandogringosvienenaqu,dondevan?
Whentouristscomehere,wheredotheygo?
Yanwartakitowxna
Andotrabajando
Iamworking.
Yanbookumdaokisnaturistauplicanani.
Estoytrabajandoenunalibroparaturistas(gringos).
Imworkingonaguidebook.
Yanmirikipriskaraowunabarei
VinedelEEUUparatrabajar
IcamefromtheUSAtowork
Manbriweismabicyclehotelwuna.
Tomalabicicletadelhotel.
Youtookthebicyclefromthehotel.
YanBetowalpaniki.
Betoesmiamigo.
Betoismyfriend.
YanBetodukierawartakisna.
TrabajoporBeto.
IworkforBeto.
YanBetowalwartakisna.
TrabajoconBeto.
IworkwithBeto.
Yancigarettediayasipsna.
Podriafumaraqui?
CanIsmokehere?
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 25 PaigeR.Penland
Tweevaansaratatkisa?
Dondesevendemarijuana?
Wheredotheysellmarijuana?
ManCostaRicakeiyikisma?
ConocesCostaRica?
HaveyoubeentoCostaRica?
YanCostaRicadimisina.
VivoenCostaRica.
IliveinCostaRica.
Yankilibitowkisna
Yosoyviajera
Imatraveler(literally,Imjustpassingthrough)
Negociodukiaradowkisna
Estoydeviajedenegocios
Imhereonbusiness
MiskitoPhrasebookProject 26 PaigeR.Penland