Basic Conversation

Greetings

Hello

The two basic ways of saying 'hello' are the formal 'pa shanche ki' and the informal 'shandi'. The other common greeting, 'shandi ay', is literally 'hello again'.

To politely interrupt a person, or to get their attention (English 'Excuse me') the phrase 'paadana dy' (or 'pa adana dy', literally 'I must become inconvenient') is used.

Who Are You?

The sentence 'ki da?' (who are you?), is never used in polite speech. In fact, the word 'da' (who) should not be used to refer to any person who is present (using 'da' in the person's absence is fine). To inquire as to somebody's identity, we say 'What are you called?'. The common way to do this is with the verb 'oiache' (to be called), hence 'who are you?' becomes '(ki) oiache la?' (what are (you) called?). The other way is to use the word 'j'ta?' (is called what?), 'ki j'ta?' (what are you called?). The difference between the two is that of rank or maturity. 'j'ta' tends only to be used by and to children and it is considered highly condescending to use 'j'ta' between adults (when referring to people, that is. 'j'ta' is always used to ask the name of an object or place).

Introduction and Address

'oiache' is also used to introduce oneself or somebody else, 'ira oiache sisari' (this is Sisari).

The standard response, after having been introduced to somebody (equivalent to English 'Pleased to meet you'), is 'vi naan rendi'. The general meaning of this phrase is 'may we be friends'.

As has been mentioned on the Kardii grammar page, it is polite to refer to the person you are speaking to in the third person.

Small Talk

First of all, don't say 'How are you?'. To a Shela, inquiring after a stranger's health would seem invasive. It is common to initiate conversation with '(ki) lache?' (what are (you) doing?, what is happening?) or '(ki) lacha' (past tense of 'lache'). One's current errand is a common topic for discussion with a stranger.

The phrase 'ty ki i la?' is literally 'what is it with you?'. Its usage is equivalent to English 'What's the matter?' or 'What's wrong?'. It can be used to follow up a greeting, even to a stranger.

Giving and Receiving

The polite way to ask for something is to use the phrase 'pa may maan invache ...' (I would be happy to have ...). It is a little less polite to say 'm'p'tiijje ...' (please give me ...), less polite still to say 'm'p'tiike ...' (give me ...) and somewhat rude to say '(pa) teskache ...' (I want). 'm'p'tiike ...' is fine between friends, while '(pa) teskache ...' is most often said by a master to a servant.

When offering something, the word 'tepiijje' (please accept) is said.

Asking the Price

The Kardii equivalent of 'how much is (this)' is 'tekhiijje (lo)'. The verb 'tekhii' means 'to place a value/price on', 'tekhiijje ...' is 'please place a value on ...'

Thankyou

The Kardii 'thankyou' is 'sh'kirra'. The standard response (you're welcome) is 'vin kela ki' (for your smile). In a buying/selling situation, 'vin kela ki' can also mean 'there is no price' or 'it's free'.

Apologies

The Kardii word for '(I'm) sorry' is 'tiicha'. This can be emphasised by extending 'tiicha' to become 'vi naan tiicha'. Both these phrases derive from the sentence 'vi naan pri tuii iicha' (if only it had not been done), which is still occasionally used in Kardiifa. 'tiicha' is used to express regret for something one has done, and also to express sympathy for another's shortcomings.

Parting

The common Kardii 'goodbye' is 'vi naan tah' (may there be kindness). Alternatively, the phrase meaning 'good luck' may be used as a farewell. This is 'vi naan miska' (may there be light), which can be extended to become 'vi naan miska vin j'taachi ki' (may there be light in your soul).