THE interesting thing about understanding the iTaukei language is that two people can speak and use that form of language, without other people ever knowing what they are talking about. This form conversation is often used by adults who know that their children or the young ones are listening.
Certain figures of speech are used to describe character or how people behave.
In Part 3 of this series, we will look at the form of language used to describe personal attributes.
Information below is sourced from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Institute of Language and Culture.
Rere vaka uga (fearful like the hermit crab)
According to online reports, uga is a type of a hermit crab that is a “decapod crustaceans of the superfamily Paguroidea”.
Whenever it feels the vibration on the beach that is a sign of a predator whether it’s other marine creatures or human activity approaching, the hermit hides itself in its shells.
But when there is peace with only the winds whistling and the waves crashing on the shoreline, the hermit comes out of its shell.
It is known as uga in Ovalau, Koro, Wailevu and Savusavu, people of Vatulele call it manimani while on Kadavu, it is known as kasikasi.
The term fearful like the hermit crab or rere vaka uga, is used to describe a cunning and shy person.
Whenever no one is around or in the company of friends, the person is often very talkative, brave and bold but in the presence of elders, chiefs or others, is silent and hardly speaks or is very shy.
Bau vakamasimataka nomu/nona vosa (put salt in his/her/your words)
Food without salt is tasteless, therefore when salt is added it gives that extra mouth-watering taste.
The term is used a lot to a person who will be presenting during a traditional function, or it is also used when a young man is preparing for his first date.
“Nanuma ni o sa tubera tiko na tabua mo vakamasimataka na nomu vosa” (Remember when presenting the whales tooth, put salt in your words).
“Gauna drau sa veivosaki kina kei koya, mo vakamasimataka nomu vosa” (When talking to her, remember to put salt in your words).
Literally, that is impossible, but in a traditional presentation the salt here is a metaphor to describe those figures of speech that people love to hear, but on a date or relationship, salt here refers to those sweet words used to express feelings.
Koya e bera e soqova na loa
The phrase when directly translated means, he that is late will sail during bad weather.
Sailors, when they see dark clouds hovering over the horizon know it signals bad weather, so they try their best to reach the shore before the rain.
Whichever boat is late is sure to remain sailing when the heavy downpour occurs.
The term is used to describe a person that is always late or the last in doing everything.
In the past if children are late to school or to church, they are always punished, but before they are punished the term is always used “kemuni kila koya e bera e soqova na loa” (you know very well he who is late will sail in bad weather).
The term is also used to warn a person who does not care about anything, neither about preparation, that there are consequences to complacency and negligence.
Vudi kasiraki
A vudi kasiraki, is a well-looked after and prepared vudi plant or vudi plantation.
Farmers ensure the plant or plantation is free of weeds and the old leaves are taken away, giving the plant a presentable look.
By doing this, it ensures the vudi plant grows healthily and is one of the sweetest plants when harvested.
This term vudi kasiraki is used to describe a person that is well mannered, nicely groomed, with pleasant characteristics and delighted by everyone.
Kana cuva o vada
The term when directly translated means, let the maid eat. The maid in this context means those that look after old people and widows. It is said they must have their dinner before it’s dark, because by nightfall, they cannot eat because it is too dark.
The phrase kana cuva o vada is used to describe the evening sky, when the moon is up, yet dark clouds block it, thus there is darkness.
Vodo waqa ni Verata
The phrase literally means onboard the boat of the people of Verata.
The vanua o Verata was known to have one the country’s most fierce warriors. In the olden days, warriors of Verata when returning from war would signal their victory by a massive celebration and shouts of joy. The men would pride themselves for overcoming an enemy.
This term vodo waqa ni Verata is used to describe a person that prides himself with his achievements and boasts his success.