THE use of figure of speech in the iTaukei language as mentioned in the past was used to describe character, places or things.
This week, we take look at similes and metaphors used by the iTaukei to describe people, some may have funny and very interesting meanings.
Information in this article was sourced from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs’ Institute of Culture and Language.
Voleka na vanua e buli kina na matau (Near the place where the axe is made)
In the olden days, indigenous Fijians used stone axes but this term originated from the introduction of the axe that is being used nowadays and not the stone axe that was used during the tribal days.
Since its early introduction, indigenous Fijians at that time did not know where the axe was made from, thus the origin of the term.
The term is usually used to respond to someone who is wondering where a person has gone to, but no one knows where that person is headed or his or her destination.
For example: E lako ivei o Tomu? (Where did Tomu go?)
Answer: Voleka na vanua buli kina na matau. (Near the place where the axe is made).
Meaning no one knows where Tomu went to.
Sa coka na dabea
The dabea is the moray eel. The term “sa coka na dabea” when directly translated means “when the moray eel glides past”.
It is during this movement deep in the ocean that the moray eel gives out different colours, so beautiful, from sky blue to brown with yellow and black spots like a leopard’s skin.
This term is used to describe a perfect and beautiful sunset garlanded by crimson skies. It can also be used to describe a job well done.
For example: If someone asks, “Vacava na cakacaka e dai?” (How was work today?)
Answer: “Vaka ga e coka na dabea” (Just like how the moray eel glided)
Meaning it was a good day at work.
Answer: “Sa vaka e coka na dabea na dromu ni siga” (The sunset was just like the moray eel, when it glides)
Meaning it was a beautiful sunset.
Ai vakamate na tu lala
The term literally means taking advantage and doing whatever you want when the superiors or person in leadership is not around.
The term is used a lot to refer to students who take advantage, often making noise when teachers are not around.
It is also used when someone tries to signal that they cannot be in the same house as another person. Reason being they cannot do as they please when the other person is around.
Sa dulu na vuata
Dulu when directly translated means plenty and vuata is fruits.
Quite usual during seasoning, for example, mangoes. Children will go picking mangoes and not all the mangoes picked are fully ripe. So once they return, everyone waiting will go for the ripe mangoes.
Once it’s all eaten, then people will turn to the not so ripe ones. It is the moment of turning to the not so ripe ones that is the origin of this term.
During a feast the best food is prepared for the guests and the visitors, and there will also be food set aside for the hosts but usually it is not of the same quality as the food prepared for the visitors.
However when the visitors are still eating and a particular dish or food has run out the term is usually, for example, “Me tawa tale mai na veleti ni vuaka” (Refill the plate of pork).
Answer: “Sa dulu na vuata”
Meaning they have run out of pork or whatever that particular dish, or the food for the visitors is finished and now they are being served food which is usually set aside for the hosts.
Vinaka vaka niu (As good as the coconut)
The coconut in iTaukei society is known as the tree of life. This is because everything about the coconut tree is useful. From the leaf to the coconut husks, shell, juice and flesh.
The term is used to describe something that is perfect. It can be a feast, an occasion, a game or a field trip.
For example: “Qai vacava na soqo?” (How was the function?)
Answer: “Vinaka saraga vaka niu” (As good as the coconut).
This means it ran smoothly and there was no trouble.
Vakataba ni uto
When directly translated means “just like the branch of the breadfruit tree”.
During breadfruit season, some branches do not bear breadfruit at all, thus the origin of this term.
This term is used to describe a person who usually does not contribute nor participate in family functions, but is just there to be seen.
Tube i su
The i su is a basket made out of coconut leaves. Tube i su means to hold or carry a basket.
The term is usually used to describe a person who does not participate in traditional presentations.
The person can be part of the group, but has no role to play during the traditional protocols.
Often it is used to pinpoint a commoner during a chiefly presentation.
For example: “Sega ni dodonu mo tubera na tabua, iko tube i su, sa tiko koya e dodonu me cakava qori” (You should not be presenting the tabua, as the person who should be doing that is there).
In other occasions, it is often used as a sign of passing on the traditional presentation to be performed by another person.
For example: “Tomu, iko vacabora na yaqona” (Tomu, can you present the yaqona).
Answer: “Au tube i su tokaga” (I will carry the basket).
Meaning either he cannot do it, or he is giving it to another person to do.
