OLUWATO B, YEAR 9

The new Academic Scholars and ‘Scholars-to-be’ were given a warm welcome from Mrs New on Tuesday 14 January. We were also introduced to some of the Sixth Form scholars: Mahi, Ash, and Kirat.

Mrs New gave a presentation entitled “Language and Thought”, introducing us to the language of Tok Pisin of Papua New Guinea. She taught us the difference between Pidgin and Creole languages.

We were enlightened about words in other languages for which English doesn’t have a transliation, for example:

• Schadenfreude (German) – a feeling of pleasure at others’ misfortunes
• Komorebi 木漏れ日 (Japanese) – sunlight filtered through foliage
• L’esprit d’escalier (French) – when you think of the perfect witty comment, but it’s too late to reply!

We were taught about colours and directions in other languages, and how language affects the way people think and view things.

Overall, it was a very interesting and informative presentation that we all really enjoyed.

Some examples of Tok Pisin...

...can you guess what they mean?

• Halo
• Halo olgeta
• Wanem nem bilong yu?
• Tenk yu tru
• Sori no gut
• Orait?
• Em hamas?
• Mi laik go long Airport
• Wantok