Rasa Ardys-Juđka, Editor
Perspectives
Just recently I listened to a Lithuanian radio program over the web via my computer. Really interesting to be able to be tuned into a Lithuanian community so far away. At one point, the announcer said that they would have a mini-lesson in the Lithuanian language. Sentences were said and repeated. Very nice and useful. But I think they should also teach the "universal" Lithuanian language spoken by everyone from toddler to senior citizen.
This version uses little or "clipped” words, which may mean different phrases. Take for example, "nu" – pronounced…well…sort of like 'look' without the 'l' and the 'k' with an 'n'. This wonderful word has so many meanings with just the right emphasis.
"Nu!" – Usually stated after someone has said or done something shocking. Here you will have to use your imagination.
"Nu?" – Without saying, "Hey, what's happening?" or "What's new?", this nifty little word opens up many a discussion.
"Nu, nu, nu." – Used when chastising a child…or your husband, when he comes home with another power tool that doesn't have a project attached to it yet, but "it will come in really handy, promise".
"Nuuuu…" – You're in the midst of the best gossip you've heard in months and the only word you can utter in response to these shocking revelations is our quaint little word with a subtle, hushed elongation.
This next little word is fun because it can be used with a touch of drama. "Ai" is pronounced like the letter "I", with emphasis or elongation according to the situation.
"Ai!" – You've just experienced a paper cut, but want it to be known that extreme blood loss will be imminent if someone doesn't run and find a bandaid.
"Aaaai." – This rather new interpretation came to us via a 14 year-old, non-talkative Lithuanian girl who was visiting the U.S. for the first time. The only way we knew that she understood our explanations was if she would answer "Aaaai" and nod. We understood that this was the clipped version of "aiđku", (another quaint little word carrying loads of inferences) which means "obviously".
Other little words to be used at your discretion include "va!" – "there you go!"; "vot" – an assumed Russian language-influenced alternative for "va"; "đe" – "here you are."; "nugi!" – "unbelievable!"; "neva" – "as if…"; "navet" – "as though…"; "nei đis, nei tas" – "neither this, nor that"; "na" – "Why are we all just standing here? Have a seat."; "eik, eik" – "You're pulling my leg."; "nejau" – "You really didn't know?!"; and "ach, tu!" – said for mild disgust.
Va! And you thought the Lithuanian language was difficult to learn. Nu, nu, nu.
* Listen to www.thecityradio.com/wjcu to Cleveland's Lithuanian program Sunday from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M.