Enjoy your island trip more! The charm and usage of Ishigaki Island dialect "Yaimamuni
Table of Contents
- 1 Travel to Ishigaki Island will be more fun! Let's learn Yaeyama dialect "Yaimamuni"!
- 2 What is the charm of words passed down in Yaeyama? What is the charm of the language?
- 3 Let's learn the basic words of Ishigaki Island dialect!
- 4 Learn about the culture of Ishigaki Island Recommended Spots
- 5 You can experience the culture of Ishigaki Island! Recommended Tour
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ishigaki Island Dialect
- 7 summary
Ishigaki Island trip will be more enjoyable!
Let's learn Yaeyama dialect "Yaimamuni
Have you ever heard the greeting "Mensoire! (Welcome)"? The dialects and words spoken in Okinawa are collectively calledIsland Language (Shimakutouba)It is called "the
One of the Shimakutouba dialects (words) used in Ishigaki Island and other parts of Yaeyama is "Yaima muni (muni = word)".
This time, we would like to feature "Yaimamuni", which is a little fun if you know about it before your trip. This time, we will feature "Yaimamuni", which is a little fun to learn about before you travel. Welcome to the world of Yaimamuni!
◆Yamamuni, in ◆Yamamamuni.Greetings and conversationFor those who would like to
◆If you want to know about spots and tours where you can experience culture in Ishigaki Island.
Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island tours.
Tales passed down in Yaeyama
What's the fascination with words?
Yaeyama dialect (language) and Imamu are spoken not only on the main island of Okinawa but also on Ishigaki, Taketomi, Iriomote, and other islands.Each island is different.is the interesting part.
It is evident that each had developed its own unique culture.
Learn more about the dialects of the main island of Okinawa.
In addition, the language of Yonaguni Island does not belong to Yaimamuni.Yonaguni Language (Doonanimunui)It is considered to be a "good" product.
Held in Yonaguni Island! Click here for recommended tour ranking
History and Background of Yaeyama Culture
There are various theories about the roots of human habitation in the Yaeyama Islands, but from around 1500 until the beginning of rule by the Ryukyu Dynasty,Polynesia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan.They had a rich exchange of ideas, such as
It was not as easy to cross over to each island as it is today, and each island probably developed its own unique culture and language.
Even within Ishigaki Island, there are different dialects depending on the region.
Even within Ishigaki Island, there is a dialect!
For example.Shiraho dialect "shiisabumuni".There were also some words with the same nuance but different endings, such as "Kabira" and "Kabira dialect," to completely different words, and even though they lived on the same island, there were some scenes where they could not communicate.
Yaimamuni" as a crisis language and preservation activities
The number of speakers of both "Yaimamuni" and "Donanimunui" has been decreasing over the years, and UNESCO has announced that the number of speakers of "Yaimamuni" and "Donanimunui" has been decreasing.near-extinct languageand is designated as "the
Since the younger generation mainly uses standard Japanese, it is rare to hear yaimamuni in daily life.
However, voluntary groups of islanders with a sense of crisis are holding study sessions, disseminating information on SNS, and conducting other preservation activities.
Let's learn the basic words of Ishigaki Island dialect!
Start with greetings! Just by learning and using basic words, you can get much closer to the locals♪
Please feel free to try it out during your trip.
Thank you: Nifaiyu!
Good morning, good afternoon: Kuyonnaara
Good evening: Kuyonara
Taste the food: Oishori!
Good night: Yukuhyori
Can be used for sightseeing! Everyday vocabulary in Ishigaki Island dialect
Now, the application part. Here are some words that can be used for small conversations other than greetings.
Glad to hear it: Sanshan
Beautiful, beautiful (to others): Apparishan
Beautiful: Shisha (beautiful company)
Small: Geez!
Very, very much: Maru
Delicious: Mar-San
Frustration, anger: Wajiru, Wajiwaji
Slowly: Yonar
Difficulty: difficult to find a solution.
Excellent, good, fine: Joto.
Drunk: Bicha
Idiot: Fluffy.
Awamori (island sake): Shima
Chatting: Yuntaku
Yaimamuni's unique phraseology
Try to use Yaimamuni's unique saying, and you will feel more like an island♪
Yes, that's right.
I'll do it: Let's do it (not a suggestion or invitation, but a declaration).
It's hard work, isn't it? It's a big deal!
Learn about the culture of Ishigaki Island
Recommended Spots
On Ishigaki Island, enjoy sightseeing whileYou can also learn about the culture and history of Yaeyama.Here are some recommended spots!
Click here to see the ranking of popular Ishigaki Island tours.
Ishigaki Yaima Village
Ishigaki Yaima Village allows you to experience the traditional houses and culture of Yaeyama.Japan's southernmost theme parkIt is.
In the vast park, old private homes have been relocated to introduce visitors to the traditional way of life,Free Folk Music LiveThis is a place where both adults and children can learn about culture while having fun.
The Squirrel Monkey Park, where you can interact with cute squirrel monkeys, is also popular♪.
Access: 20 minutes by car from the city center
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (reception until 5:00 p.m.)
Fee: Adults 1,200 yen / Children 600 yen
Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum is,Yaeyama's history and culture are on display.Museum.
The museum exhibits tools of daily life, crafts, dialects, and island songs from the past, which makes you think, "Wow! I didn't know this culture existed! You will be interested in this culture.
You will see the scenery differently if you learn about the islanders' lifestyle and history before walking the streets!
Access: 1 min. walk from the Museum bus stop.
Business hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed: Monday
Admission: Adults 200 yen / Junior and senior high school students 100 yen / Elementary school students and younger free
Miyara-dennai
Miyara-donuchi (Miyara-donuchi) is,The only surviving samurai residence from the Ryukyu Kingdom period in Okinawa Prefectureand it is a place where the traditional architectural style is handed down to the present. It is also designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
The red-tiled roofs, large garden, and old-fashioned stone walls are very tasteful. You will feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Access: 5 min. walk from the city center
Business hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Admission: 200 yen for adults / 100 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students
Parking: None
Tang People's Tomb (Tang People's Tomb)
Toujinbaka is a Chinese-style tomb located on the west side of Ishigaki Island,Exotic Sightseeing SpotsIt is.
It was built in 1852 as a memorial to the Chinese workers who died in the Robert Bown Incident. Although the background is sad, the spot is now a symbol of cross-cultural exchange.
With a parking lot and easy access, it is a perfect stopover during a sightseeing drive.
Access: 10 minutes by car from the city center
Parking: Available
You can experience the culture of Ishigaki Island!
Recommended Tours
Now, let us introduce tours recommended for those who want to experience Ishigaki Island's traditions and culture outside of the language!
Click here for the ranking of traditional culture experience tours
Yaeyama Minsa Weaving Experience
Yaeyama minsa-ori is a representative textile of Ishigaki Island. In the hands-on class, you can actually use a loom,patterns of private citizenshipcan be woven together.
The textile pattern is meant to mean "get along with each other forever (5) and ever (4)," and the finished product makes a perfect gift or souvenir.
Sanshin Experience
Essential to Okinawan musicHands-on sanshin experienceClassrooms are also available.
You can learn basic playing techniques from the instructor and try out simple songs. Many of the lyrics are in dialect, so you can also experience Yaimamuni through music.
Some people are so hooked on the beautiful sound that they buy a sanshin and go home.
Sugarcane Harvest Experience
Sugarcane is one of the representative agricultural products of Ishigaki Island. During the harvesting experience, you will actually harvest it while listening to the farmer's explanation.
Freshly cut sugarcaneThis is an activity that allows you to experience island culture through all five senses.
Photography service is available as an option! Would you like to commemorate the event?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ishigaki Island Dialect
Okinawa's main island (around Shuri) is called "Uchinaguchi," Miyako Island is called "Myakufutu," and Yaeyama, including Ishigaki Island, has its own language called "Yaimamuni. There are words that are similar and have the same expressions, but there are also words that are so different that they are difficult to communicate with each other.
Many people who visit places for sightseeing or work in the tourism industry are immigrants and may not have many opportunities to hear about real yaimamuni.
However, the exclamatory words "Aga ya! and "~shall we?" and "~So! and other phrases are used even by elementary school students.
summary
Yaimamu is an important word to feel the culture of Ishigaki Island. Please learn one of them and try to use it during your trip.
Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.
