Comment by Qristina Zavačková Cummings on January 8, 2014 at 14:54

In Ron Lee's "Das Duma Romanes" book he utilizes many of the base Romani words, especially those present in North American varieties of the language. I am not sure that there is a definitive list of all the words that are present in all dialects (I know that numbers are, as are many words for common animals, body parts, and emotions). Even then, many words are sounded similarly although they may appear differently in any lexicon (for example, the word "understand" can be spelled 'akharel', 'hakjarel', axaljol', 'hajol' and 'hajevel'. When spoken, there is not that much difference between them.

I'll look around and see whether I can find any such list. I know that Yaron Matras and Ian Hancock both have books that deal with Romani linguistics (such as "Romani a linguistic introduction" which talks about some of the similarities between dialects - including, I believe, some of the commonly shared words).

Comment by Niko Rergo on January 8, 2014 at 19:02

Mishto san (Good you are - it's one traditional greeting) , Kortni. Knowing words doesn't mean to speak (I know many German but can't speak, e.g.). Could you precise what's your need?

Niko

Comment by Courtney Cannon on January 8, 2014 at 20:53

Thank you all for your responses; I'll check with my library.

Latcho dives, Niko--I'm suffering from 'use it or lose it'.  At one point, about ten years ago, I knew the basic words common to the different dialects of the chib, but I've forgotten the majority, aside from pleasantries.

Sadly, I am not one of those people who is capable of learning a new language, in terms of structure and verb tenses and things (I have a logic disorder and  failed Spanish spectacularly in school); I'm just hoping to regain what I've lost. 

Finding a word list somewhere would be excellent, if such a thing exists.  I know enough not to ask for the Sintitikes version, but the foundation words seem the same regardless.

Buht bakht,

C.

Comment by Niko Rergo on January 8, 2014 at 22:26

It'll be better you learn (re-learn) phrases. Let's start:

KamAv te dikhAv (xav, p'jav, sovAv, dzhav) = (I) want to see (eat, drink, sleep, go).

KamEs? (Do you) want?

Na = ni = chi kamav - No want (= I don't want)

Sar bushOs? = How (do you) name yourself (= How is your name)

Me sim = som = hom = hum Kortni (I am Kortni).

Sar san? How (you - singular) are?

Tehara maj avela = Tomorrow more will be (= to be continued)

Comment by Courtney Cannon on January 8, 2014 at 22:40

Thank you!  I'll write those down.   Memorization is the way I learn best.  I'm grateful.

Comment by Niko Rergo on January 12, 2014 at 11:45

Sar san, Kortni? ZuralI san? SastI san? (capital I =  stressed sound [i]). The both means the same: Healthy are (you)? Sasti = sastivEsti (these are intechangeables). The final -i shows the feminine gender.

MishtO sim, neis tUke -for the both genders = Well am, thank you to (i.e. to you, where tu = you, and -ke is the Dative affix)

Maj avela, Niko

Comment by Kristina Burbank on January 14, 2014 at 5:32

Life is for learning. Yes, I am writing it down too.

Thanks for the questions and the lessons, you all.

Comment by Stoimen on January 14, 2014 at 12:23

Many thanks, Niko! I hope you will have time to inform us in the Literature Group on the work you are realizing, with the help of your daughter. I am sure people will be delighted and grateful!

Comment by Kristina Burbank on January 20, 2014 at 6:34

Khetanes, len sama pe tomende telajratjako!

Comment by Kujtim on March 1, 2014 at 13:30

Te oven baxtale savorre!

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