Kristi language
From Free net encyclopedia
Kristi is the language of some 1,000 Cristians in an isolated area around the village of Korlai in Raigad District of Maharashtra state, India.
It is a creole language based on Portuguese.
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Distribution and number of speakers
Little is known about Kristi, only that it is similar to Papiá Kristang of Malacca. The village is near the ruins of Chaul, a 16th century Portuguese colonial city that was destroyed by the Marathas. The city was abandoned and is now a set of ruins (including palaces, towers, and convents) in the middle of the forest.
Kristi has been isolated from Portuguese language and culture since 1739, and is very different from neighboring languages.
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Examples of Kristi
- Thanks a lot: Muit'obrigad! From Port. Muito Obrigado
- Me: io; From Port. eu
- You (singular): vo; From Port. Você
- You (plural): uzo; Port. Vocês, vós
- First, Second: Primer, Sigun; From Port. Primeiro, Segundo
- Everyone eat and drink a lot: tud gent cumen beben tem fart; From Port. toda a gente come e bebe com fartura
Song of Korlai:
- Maldita Maria Madulena,
- Maldita firmosa,
- Ai, contra ma ja foi a Madulena,
- Vastida de mata!
Portuguese translation:
- Maldita Maria Madalena,
- Maldita Formosa,
- Ai, contra minha vontade foi a Madalena,
- Vestida de matar!
English translation:
- Cursed Maria Madalena,
- Cursed Beautiful one,
- Oh, against my will it was Madalena,
- Dressed to Kill!