Word Comparison

Found an interesting web page that compares many words between, English, Tagalog, Ilokano, Cebuano, and several other languages. Go take a look, and bookmark it for future reference.

Link

Weekly Vocabulary

Filipino hero Jose Rizal spoke over 10 languages, including Ilokano. For the most part he was self taught. The primary technique he used to amass such a knowledge of language was to learn 5 words a day, for a total of 1825 words a year! Considering that most languages use only 1000 words for 90% of all conversation, he would be considered fluent by most standards in less than a year!.

Dr. Rizal is a prime example of the importance of vocabulary. So to get your started on your way to learning I am providing you with a week's worth of words. Keep an eye out for patterns that will help you keep these words straight. Also don't forget about the mnemonics method we discussed earlier, it will help speed up the process. You can memorize these any order, so don't stress over the order I put them in.

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1. Ditóy- "here" close to speaker
2. Ditá- "there" far from speaker, close to listener
3. Idiáy- "there" far from speaker and listener
4. Daytóy- "this" close to speaker
5. Daytá- "that" far from speaker, close to listener
6. Daydiáy- "that" far from speaker and listener
7. Inumén- drink, noun
8. Baláy- house
9. Trabáho- work
10. Sáo- talk
11. Kótse- car
12. Eskuéla- school
13. Kanen- food
14. Kan- eat
15. Ala- get
16. Kuarta- money
17. Gatang- buy
18. Pan- go
19. Umay- come
20. Bigát- morning
21. Malem- afternoon
22. Aldaw- day
23. Rabii- night
24. Naimbag- good
25. Dakkel- big
26. Bassit- small
27. Napintas- beautiful
28. Naguapo- handsome
29. Nagasang- spicy
30. Natayag- tall
31. Banio- bathroom
32. Manok- chicken
33. Libro- book
34. Lalaki- male
35. Babai- female

There you go, a weeks worth of words to memorize. Of course you are not limited to just these 35, especially if there ones you already know. Learning a language is all about how much effort you put into it. Good luck!

Until next time, ditakayon.

Quick Guide to Identifying Words

Ilokano is one of those nice languages that makes identification of words somewhat easy, especially in writing. If you are following the Barry Farber method of language learning then chances are you have begun to read something in Ilokano. Today's post is just a quick, rough guide to identifying what a word might be when reading.

First are the verbs. The things to look out for to identify verbs are:

• Ag- : agbasa, agadal
• Ma- : maturog
  
• Mang-: mangala, mangan
  
• Um- or -um-: uminom. gumutang

Next are adjectives, many will start with "Na". So if a word starts with "na" and comes before a noun then there is a good chance it may be an adjective.

Last are places. Ilokano is unique in that most verbs can be converted into a place.

• Pag- -an: pagbasaan, pagadalan
• Pang- -an: pangalaan, panganan

This is far from a definitive list of identifiers nor is it absolute. There are many words that do not fit nicely into these rules, as well as instances where these rules won't apply. This is simple a quick rough guide for helping you identify certain words.

Introduction ni Manang Gigi

Siak ni Gigi, maysa nga naiyanak ken dimmakkel iddiay Pilipinas. Ilokano iti umuna nga naadal ko nga sao. Tagalog ken English iti simmaruno. Maysaak met nga editor ditoy Ilokano Learner Blog.
I am Gigi, one who was born and raised in the Philippines. Ilokano is the first language that I learned. Tagalog and English were next. I am one of the editor here at Ilokano Learner Blog.

Highlight the empty space above to translate the above message.

Hopefully, based on what you have learned so far, you were able to translate the short message I have for you. Along with J Puraw, I will be posting the advanced lessons on learning the Ilokano language. If you have any questions on any of our lessons, don't be shy, feel free to comment or send us a message. That is why we are here, to help others learn Ilokano.

Ilokano Song

One of favorite Ilokano songs is Pananwenen by Noel Cabangon. Only version I could find on YouTube to share was this one with someone's family pictures it would appear. You don't have to watch the video, but at least listen to the song. See what you can identify.

Hope you enjoy it.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Food

A big part of learning Ilokano is learning the culture behind the language. An important part of learning the culture is embracing the food. Nothing will help spark a conversation like eating new foods.

So here are some popular Ilokano foods to look out for, and try at least once. You might even like them.

1. Pinakbet- A cooked vegetable medley with strong flavors. The bitterness really comes out in the Bittermelon as well as the eggplants, peppers, okra, tomatoes and beans. All that accented with ginger and bagoong. The overall dish is cooked until slightly dry. A must try for those who love vegetables.

2. Dinengdeng- Similiar in ingredients to Pinakbet, except soupy. I personally love this when mixed with rice.

3. Pinapaitan- A dish that has some variation, but is guaranteed to have the intestines of some animal. Similiar to Mexican menudo. Often cooked with bile, which is wonderful at adding flavor as well as tenderizing the meat. One of my personal favorites.

4. Tinubong- A desert made from coconut, bamboo, and rice. Cooked inside bamboo stalks this is a great snack. A true specialty of Ilocos.

Future posts will contain more foods, as well as recipes. Not to mention the all important words and phrases needed to order such food.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Almost

Looks like the transition went pretty smoothly, except for my Header. I'll work on that and should have a new one up soon. Thank you for your patience.

Temporary Downtime

Gonna try to update the template. This may cause some temporary lack of access to the blog, as well as loss of some of my widgets. I hope to get this done quickly, if the site is messed up, come back in 10 minutes. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Counting part 2 Larger Ilokano Numbers

Due to the popularity of the last post on numbers and counting I've decided to go ahead and finish showing the Ilokano counting and numbers.

What you need to know first is the basics of numbers. We covered 1-10 in the last lesson, these also act as the prefixes for all future numbers. With the exception of "sanga" which is used instead of "maysa" to denote 1. Next we will cover the suffixes for bigger numbers.

###	Ilokano Suffix
1	None
10	pulo
100	gasut
1,000	ribo
10,000	laksa
1,000,000	riwriw

From here it is just a matter of plugging in the correct base word to get the desired numbers. Here are some examples:

123- sangagasut ket duapulo ket tallo
4432- uppat a ribo ket uppat a gasut ket tallopulo ket dua

Notice how the linker "a" is used whenever the base number ends in a consonant. You only have to use this for 4 (uppat), 6 (innem) and 9 (siam).

Here are a couple more for you to try. I'll give you the number, and hide the correct answer. Just highlight next to the number to reveal the correct answer.

387- tallogasut ket walopulo ket pito
21- duapulo ket maysa
42109- uppat a laksa ket duaribo ket sangagasut ket siam
4288- uppat a ribo ket duagasut ket walopulo ket walo

Hopefully you got those right. The next numbers lesson will focus on Spanish numbers for money and time. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Related Posts: Numbers and Counting

Numbers and counting

Here is a quick lesson on numbers. Don't be surprised to come across Ilokano, Tagalog, Spanish, and English numbers. For general reference Ilokano numbers are used for small amounts, whereas Spanish is used for larger numbers as well as telling time (which we will cover later).

Here is a quick reference chart for you that compares Tagalog, Ilokano, and Spanish.

###	Ilokano	Spanish	Tagalog
1	maysa	uno	isa
2	dua	dos	dalawa
3	tallo	tres	tatlo
4	uppat	cuatro	apat
5	lima	cinco	lima
6	innem	seis	anim
7	pito	siete	pito
8	walo	ocho	walo
9	siam	nueve	siyam
10	sangapulo	diez	sampu

These few numbers will get you by in most cases where you would use Ilokano numbers. For anything above ten just take the group of ten (sangapulo, duapulo, etc) throw in a "ket" (and) then the next number (maysa, dua, etc).

Here are some examples:
23- duapulo ket tallo
58- limapulo ket walo

I'll cover bigger numbers in a later post. For now just get the basics.

Here is a site a good site that has Spanish numbers, it would be a good idea to learn them as they are more common for bigger numbers. A nice list of Spanish numbers with "Ilokano spelling" can also be found in the back of Dr. Rubino's Ilokano book.

Practice your counting and you will be ready to ask for prices, as well as tell time and have general conversation. Remember there is no shame in using your fingers when you are learning to count. People will still be impressed that you are learning.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Ilokano Learner Store

We've set up a store where you can get the books we've referenced as well as some other Ilokano gear. Check it out, if there is something you would like us to add to the store feel free to leave a comment and let us know.

Ilokano Learner Store

Thanks!

Edit: Added a link under "Getting Started" on the right. Just click on the book and it will take you directly to the store.

Mnemonics for language learning

One of the techniques Barry Farber lays out in his book for learning a new language is mnemonics for vocabulary. Mnemonics are unique way of attaching meaning to words to make them easier to remember. You do it by slightly changing the word into something familiar and thus making it quicker and easier to recall. If this sounds slightly confusing here are some examples.

Agsala - to dance

First we take agsala and find a word that sounds similar, I chose excellent. Next we have to connect the two words. For me I put on the heaviest spanish accent I could muster and declared my self "The most excellent dancer in the world, beating everyone at tango and the waltz." By doing this excellent sounds more like agsala, also it connects it and dancing together.

So when I think of dancing I think excellent dancer which leads to agsala.
Dance-> Excellent-> Agsala

See how that works? The more bizarre, outrageous and crude the image the easier it is to remember. Let's try another one.

Tiendaan- store

This time I break the word down into parts to make it easier. Tie-n-daan, from this I get the words Tia and Dan, two names. Now I put that into a sentence to connect them to store.
Tia and Dan went to the store. Tia and Dan are now connected to store.

Store-> Tia and Dan-> tiendaan

Try it with some other words. This is not just reserved for English speakers, if Tagalog or Cebuano is your native language then find words that you can use the same techniques on. Just remember that vivid, bizarre and crude images work the best. If my examples don't work for you try some of your own. They only have to work for you.

For more information on this system check out Barry Farber's book as well as Buildyourmemory. com.

Try to aim for about 10 words a day using this technique and you will amass a sizeable vocabulary in no time.

One more tip for those who already speak another Filipino dialect, look for words that are very close to each other. Examples for Tagalog/Ilocano are To Sleep-maturog and matulog, also To Study-agadal and pagaral. This should speed up the learning a bit for you.

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and we will answer them. Also don't forget to subscribe to our RSS Feed to stay up to date with the latest here.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

You might be Ilokano if....

Here's a few things that you need to know about Ilokanos. However hilarious you might find them to be, it's the inevitable truth. Enjoy!

1. You might be ilokano if....your favorite food is pinakbet, pinapaitan, and dinardaraan.
2. You might be ilokano if....you eat with one leg propped up with your elbow resting on top of it.
3. You might be ilokano if....your favorite cocktail is basi (sugarcane fermented wine)
4. You might be ilokano if.....you put bagoong (fish sauce) in everything you eat.
5. You might be ilokano if.....you dip you bread in your coffee.
6. You might be ilokano if.....your daily footwear is tsinelas (slippers) becoz shoes are for special events only.
7. You might be ilokano if.....your nick name is "Mulagat"(Wide-Eyed - never miss a thing).
8. You might be ilokano if.....all your kitchenware has your name written in the back with a permanent marker. Note: Same goes with your underwear.
9. You might be ilokano if.....your raise chickens or goats in your backyard for personal consumption
10. You might be ilokano if.....your luggage is full of dried pusit (squid) and kankanin(baked rice goods) from your trip to the Philippines.
11. You might be ilokano if.....the first song you learn as a kid is "Manang Biday"
12. You might be ilokano if.....you refer to someone older as "Manang" or "Manong"
13. You might be ilokano if.....you say "Ay Sus!" over 10 times a day
14. You might be ilokano if.....your grandmother smokes cigar with the lit end in the mouth.
15. You might be ilokano if.....there is a set of giant wooden fork and spoon hanging on your wall
16. You might be ilokano if.....if you read "Bannauag" or "Liwayway" Magazines
17. You might be ilokano if.....if your favorite fish is karing (dried salted fish)
18. You might be ilokano if.....if your favorite snack is kilab-ban! (left overs)
19. You might be ilokano if.....if you eat all fruits with salt and vinegar
20. You might be ilokano if.....if machetes are the only knives you own.

Well, we will stop there...Hope you had a good laugh. Be warn, these are all quiet true. For more of "You might be Ilokano if...." commentaries, click here. Every now and then, taking a break from the intense studying of the Ilokano language, I'll post these cultural facts and commentaries to break the monotany of studying.

Ala ngaruden! Innakon.

Keep up to date.

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Titles

Nothing came as more of shock for me, than to discover that everyone in the Philippines has a title. Often these titles are family titles like aunt, uncle, brother, sister, but that the people we apply these titles too are not necessarily family. With respect of real importance, it is necessary to get these titles correct. So tonight's post is dedicated to different titles and who you should apply them too.


Only two titles must be family, mother and father.

Nánang, Inang- Mother, can also be used with Mother-in-law and possible your grandmother.
Tátang, Ama- Father, same rules as Mother.

The rest can cover both family and non-family.

Lólo, Lélong- Grandfather, or males around the same age as your grandfather. Especially relatives.
Lóla, Lélang- Grandmother, same as above.
Ápong- Grand parent
Ápo- Sir/Ma'am.
Nínang- Godmother
Nínong- Godfather
*Ikit, Tia,Títa, Bápa, Nána- Aunt, or any female around the same age as your parents or in the same generation.
*Uliteg, Títo, Táta- Uncle, same rules as Aunt.
Mánang- Older sister, family or any female older than you, but to young to be Aunt.
Mánong- Older brother, same as Manang.
Áding- Younger sibling, or anyone younger than you.
Balásangko- My young lady.
Barok- My young man.

*Due to the wide variety in terms with Aunt/Uncle it best to ask how to address someone if not sure. My parents generation is referred to as Uncle whereas me nieces and nephews call me Tito. I should also note that it is possible for you to address someone younger than you as Aunt or Uncle. With large families many times the oldest child has children before their youngest sibling is even born. Case in point, my 28 year old uncle and his 30 year old nephew.

When in doubt ask. In fact here is how you ask.

Ania ti awagko ken sika? Uncle wenno Títo wenno Mánong wenno Mánang.....
What do I call you? Uncle or Tito or Brother or Sister......

Don't actually ask it that way unless you are darn certain they will get the joke. And no, do not refer to baklas as females unless they tell you too.

Hopefully this helps you in addressing people. Respect is a big thing in the Philippines so it pays to get it right.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Common Phrases

As promised here are some common phrases. These can get you by in the most basic of conversations, as well as really impress your Ilokano friends and family with you learning.

Questions- you should be prepared to ask and answer these.

1. Taga-anóka(yo)? - Where are you from?
2. Ania ti náganmo/yo? - What is your name?
3. Ania ti trabáhom/yo? - What do you do(work)?
4. Papanám/Papanányo? - Where are you going?
5. Ania ti órasen? - What time is it?
6. Ayánna ti bánio? - Where is the bathroom? ( I know it's cliche, but it really is important to know)
7. Sínoka(yo)? - Who are you?(To Americans this sounds rude but it really isn't)
8. Ammóyo ti Inggles/Ilokano?- Do you speak English/Ilokano?
9. Kumustáka(yo)? - How are you? (Click for more greetings)
10. Síno?- Who?
11. Ania?- What?
12. Sadino/Ayánna? - Where?
13. Ania kunam/yo? - What did you say?

Answers- These are the basic format for answering the above questions.

1. Taga-______ak. - I am from __________.
2. _____ ti naganko. - __________ is my name.
3. _____ak.- I am a(n)_________. (In a later post I will put Ilokano version of many jobs, just think Spanish and you will get pretty close.)
4. Idiay laeng.- Just over there. (You can use this if you don't actually want to say where you are going.)
5. Ala(s) ______ y _______. - Time is the same as in Spanish(Covered in a later post)
6. With any luck when you ask about the bánio someone will point, most likely with their lips.
7. Siák ni ________. - I am ________. (Note the difference between it and number 2.)
8. Wen/Saan-Yes/No
9. Naimbág laeng. - Just fine.

Miscellaneous

Wen- Yes
Saan/Haan- No
Awan - None (Unlike English, when asked if there is something you must say "none" instead of "no.")
Bunbuntugam ti agsao. - Speak slower.

These phrase will go a long way towards getting you started. Memorizing these, and saying them properly will not only get you going in Ilokano, but will also greatly impress others when you use them correctly. Good luck.

Ditakayon. - Goodbye

Greetings

One of the best ways to make a good impression with your Ilokano is by getting the greeting correct. Note on the following I will show a stress mark to help with pronunciation, but it will not normally show up when you read in Ilokano.

First you have the super basic:

Kumustá (informal)
Kumustáka (informal)
Kumustakayó (formal, plural)

These are borrowed from the Spanish " ¿Cómo está?" which literally means "How are you?" If you look back at the last post on suffixes you will see where the differences come from between the three.

Next is a greeting more akin to what English speakers are used too. It is basically "Good ________."

Naimbág __________.

Naimbág a bigát-Good Morning
Naimbág a malém - Good Afternoon
Naimbág nga aldáw - Good Day
Naimbág a rabií - Good Night

For proper respects each of these should be followed by the correct suffix (mo,yo,m) as well as the name or title of the person you are addressing(Mis, Sir, Nanang).
Example. "Naimbág a bigátyo, Mis."

You may have noticed that the linker preceeding "aldaw" changed from an "a" to "nga." This change is made whenever the linker comes before a word starting with a vowel.

Hopefully this gets you a good headstart in greetings in Ilokano. The next lesson will be over more common phrases you are likely to come across.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Personal Suffixes

Any student of Filipino languages will quickly notice the variety of prefixes and suffixes in the many languages. Ilokano is no exception to this rule. Today's lesson will cover many of the common suffixes you will come across in regards to people and possession.

First is what Precy Espirtu refers to as the KO set. These are commonly used to show possession of something.

I - -ko, -k
You - -mo, -m
He/She/It- -na
We (2)- -ta

We (excluding listener)- -mi
We (including listener 2+)- -tayo
You (plural and/or formal)- -yo
They- -da

Examples of these are:
Sapatosko- My shoes.
Librom- Your book.
Balayda- Their house.

You will often notice when Ilokanos are speaking to someone older or in a respectful position they will use the plural "yo" instead of the singular "mo." This is a sign of respect and should be use when in doubt as to not offend anyone.

Another common set of suffixes is referred to as the AK set. These are subject pronouns that identify who is being described or is performing the action.

I - -ak
You - -ka
He/She/It- iso, isuna, left out
We (2)- -ta

We (excluding listener)- -kami
We (including listener 2+)- -tayo
You (plural and/or formal)- -kayo
They- -da

You may notice that when refering to a third person's actions the suffix may be left out. This will be covered in more detail in a future post.

Examples:
Mapanak gumatang ti sapatos. - I am going to buy some shoes.
Amerikanoka. - You are American.
Taga-anokayo? - Where are you from?

By learning these few suffixes you will have a firm foothold in identifying who and what are being spoken about during conversations. It's best to learn these early on as they will come up in most conversations you will have.

Until next time. Ditakayon.

Long time no post

Kumusta kayo. Sorry for the break in the posts. My Ilokano learning kind of fell off track, so the blog did too. Shortly though I will be revitalizing it and posting more. In the mean time here is a tourism video from Ilocos Sur to get you by.

Not really any Ilokano in there, but some nice views of one of my favorite places on earth.