Developing the First Preliminary Dictionary of North American Jarai

Lap Minh Siu, B.A.

A Thesis

ANTHROPOLOGY

Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

Approved

Jeffrey P. Williams Chair

Robert R. Paine

Fred Hartmeister Dean of the Graduate School

December, 2009

Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Without the support of many, it would have been impossible to complete this unique project. First of all, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Dr. Jeffrey P.

Williams, the chair of my thesis committee, who has been my professor, adviser, and major supporter in documenting the Jarai language even before the idea of developing a dictionary was conceived. Despite his busy schedule as chair of the department, he always stepped in to assist me with my academic endeavors. His expertise in linguistics, as well as his insightful comments and suggestions on this research have been very valuable.

I am also very grateful to Dr. Robert Paine, my second committee member. His help in correcting the grammar and organization of the paper, as well as his advice and comments have greatly enhanced the quality of this thesis. I found his suggestion of giving the final product to libraries, linguistic archives, and other researchers particularly useful, since materials in Jarai are scarce.

I am greatly indebted to Hip Ksor, E Siu, Blim Nay, and my father Hiom Ro who acted as my Jarai language consultants. They aided me wholeheartedly, despite the fact that I had nothing to offer them for the countless hours and tremendous effort they contributed to this project. These individuals helped correct my Jarai spellings and also

ii Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 explained the cultural context of use of the words that were beyond the scope of my knowledge. The consultants not only assisted with the project, but also welcomed me into their homes and often generously provided food and drink. Their kind assistance and valuable insights into the Jarai language added immensely to this project.

I would like to thank Katelyn Anderson, Carly Laminack, Anne Shepherd and

Joshua Jensen for correcting the translation of this dictionary. Translating Jarai lexemes

into English is not an easy task, as many concepts and words in Jarai do not have

corresponding one-word translations in English. Without the assistance of these native

English speakers, it would have been difficult to have an accurate English translation.

Thanks also to Dr. Valerie Guerin, Joshua Jensen, and Nathan Jahnke for assisting with

the Jarai fonts, Lexique Pro software, and other technical needs. Dr. Tina Harris deserves

my gratitude as well for reviewing the manuscript and making valuable suggestions.

Also, I would like to thank my friend Davis Chanjaplammootil, who offered countless

hours of computer assistance, especially when the lexicon data from Lexique Pro refused

to co-operate with Microsoft Word.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife Julia and children, Jonathan and

Helen for cheering me up when I was grumpy. I owe you guys a lot, especially when I

had to leave you at home alone in order to complete school work. Julia also reviewed my

manuscript and helped revise the rest of the translation of the dictionary. Her many

iii Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 prayers, encouragements, and believing that I could master my English with the help of our Creator have been very meaningful to me.

My appreciation also goes to my parents for educating me in Jarai history, legends, customs, traditions, and especially the complexity of the Jarai language. To my brother Bom and my sister HíYit, and brother-in-law Nathan Annis, thanks for encouraging me to pursue my education. For those who have supported me in this project and are not mentioned here, please know that you are greatly appreciated as well.

I would like to thank all the Jarai people who encouraged me to work on this dictionary. I hope you will find this dictionary useful and beneficial to our scattered Jarai communities in North America.

Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Gerald Hickey and the sponsors of the Gerald Cannon Hickey Scholarship. Their faith in me and their encouragement inspired me to endure through all the challenges I faced in my academic endeavors. Also, special thanks to the scholarship donors, whose financial support enabled me to do what I could not have done on my own.

iv Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... ii

ABSTRACT ...... vii

LIST OF TABLES ...... viii

LIST OF FIGURES ...... ix

CHAPTER

I. INTRODUCTION ...... 1

An Overview ...... 1

Purpose ...... 2

Significance of Research...... 2

Historical Background ...... 6

Immigration to the United States ...... 8

II. THE JARAI LANGUAGE...... 12

Language Family ...... 12

Linguistic Description ...... 14

The Development of the Jarai Writing System ...... 18

Orthography ...... 25

The Clusters ...... 32

III. METHODOLOGY AND SOFTWARE ...... 34

Word Collection ...... 34

v Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Dictionary-Making Software ...... 37

Consultants and Translation ...... 39

Entry Arrangement...... 40

Future Objectives ...... 43

BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 44

APPENDIX: JARAI-ENGLISH DICTIONARY ...... 50

vi Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

ABSTRACT

Minority languages in contact with a dominant language are often in danger of extinction. The Jarai language in North America could be endangered, as it is being passed on to fewer and fewer learners in each generation. This phenomenon raises concern, not only about the disappearance of the language, but the loss of the associated culture as well. The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the documentation of the

Jarai language in order to provide a linguistic resource for the Jarai communities in North

America and scholars interested in researching the Jarai language. My intention is that this resource will also contribute to the preservation of the Jarai culture in North

America. The major section of this thesis is a dictionary of North American Jarai. A brief ethnographic description and historical background of the Jarai people and their immigration to the United States are also included. Characteristics of the Jarai language, including its linguistic affiliation, structure, orthography, and development of the writing system are discussed. The methodology of dictionary development, software used, and collaboration with linguistic consultants are described.

vii Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

LIST OF TABLES

1. Jarai Phonetic Transcriptions ...... 31 2. The Jarai Clusters ...... 33

viii Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

LIST OF FIGURES

1. Linguistic Affiliation of Jarai...... 13 2. Map of Southeast Asia ...... 16 3. Map of Vietnam ...... 17 4. The Jarai Subgroups ...... 18 5. International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) ...... 30 6. Word Collection Form ...... 36

ix Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

An Overview

My intense interest in developing this lexicon was sparked when I was enrolled in

Dr. Jeffrey P. Williamsí Ethnolinguistics course in the fall of 2007. At the end of this course I began to understand the significance of recording the sounds, collecting the texts, describing the grammar, and writing down the stories and legends associated with endangered languages. This led me to contemplate the possibility of the endangerment of my own language, Jarai, especially among the speech communities of North America.

Thus, the decision to develop this dictionary stemmed mostly from my desire to preserve the language.

The nature of this research is different in some ways from most theses that students would normally undertake. Since the goal of this work is to preserve my own language, in many parts of this thesis, the pronouns I, we , and our are used to indicate that Jarai is my language, and that I am a member of the Jarai community in North

America. In the field of linguistic anthropology, it is common practice for researchers to use personal pronouns in their work.

1 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a preliminary Jarai-English dictionary as a

sociolinguistic resource for the Jarai immigrant communities in North America. Jarai

community leaders, language teachers, and parents have long been attempting to teach

the Jarai language to their children, but the scarcity of bilingual materials has limited

their efforts. The intent of this thesis is to provide a preliminary Jarai-English dictionary

which will contribute to the almost nonexistent body of linguistic resources for the Jarai

communities in North America. The ultimate goal is to make this dictionary accessible to

Jarai community members and other scholars who might be interested in studying our

language.

Significance of Research

Although most Jarai adults who grew up in Vietnam speak the Jarai language, not

all have competency in reading and writing. Most of them were not formally educated in

Jarai. Since they spend so little time with other Jarai speakers, most Jarai children in

North America are not acquiring the Jarai language from their parents. Hinton (2001)

observes that as a language loses speakers, knowledge accumulated by its associated

traditional culture is also diminished. Stories, histories, and traditional practices are in

danger of dying with the language. Therefore, childrenís lack of training in Jarai results

2 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 in a lack of awareness of the Jarai culture, which could bring about the disappearance of the culture.

The Jarai language is in danger of becoming ìextinctî in North America. The

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Expert

Group on Endangered Languages (2003) argues that when the speakers of a language use it in an increasingly restricted number of communicative spheres and are not passing it on to the next generation, that language is in danger of extinction. The different stages of language endangerment according to Wurm (2002) are as follows: 1) declining utilization of the language by children (potentially endangered language); 2) declining utilization of the language by adults, with extremely few or no children speakers left (endangered language); 3) declining utilization of the language by middle-aged adults, with the youngest fluent speakers approximately 50 years old (seriously endangered language); 4) declining utilization of the language by all speakers whose number is decreasing as they pass away one after another (moribund language); 5) no speakers remaining (extinct language). Gradual language death according to Sasse (1992) is the most common form

of language death, taking place when minority languages (such as Jarai) are in contact

with a dominant language (such as English). The minority language is acquired by fewer

learners in each generation until finally there are no new learners. The language is

considered dead, or ìextinct,î when the last speakers die out.

3 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Given that their languages are being restricted by more dominant language groups, some speakers of endangered languages deem their own language as being impractical and even backward. These negative views are usually placed upon them by socioeconomic pressure from a dominant speech community, creating a barrier to passing on the language to the next generation (UNESCO, 2003). This phenomenon is occurring in the Jarai communities throughout North America.

Documentation of the Jarai language is vital to its survival. There are a significant number of scholarly sources which argue that many of the worldís native languages could disappear if there are not actions taken to prevent them from dying

(Hinton, 2001; UNESCO, 2003). Of the worldís six to seven thousand languages, at least

50% are losing speakers (UNESCO, 2003). The rate of language disappearance is so alarming that some have predicted for each animal species that vanishes, five native languages also die (Greymorning, 2004). To prevent such loss, various organizations and speakers of endangered languages have dedicated themselves directly to language stabilization and revitalization movements. In 1991, UNESCO stated, ìAs the

disappearance of any one language constitutes an irretrievable loss to mankind, it is for

UNESCO a task of great urgency to respond to this situation by promoting . . . the

description ñ in the form of grammars, dictionaries, and texts ñ of endangered and dying

languages.î

4 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

In recent years, the linguistic documentation of endangered languages whereby the linguists and the speech community are collaborating has become a common practice.

This form of linguistic cooperation is considered to be helpful in ensuring the success of such research. Mosel (2002) states that when linguists work closely with community members, the dictionary must fulfill the needs and interests of the speech community, linguists, and anthropologists. When lexicographers work with members of the speech community who have some training in linguistics, the compilation of the dictionary data can be especially valuable (Frawley et al., 2002). For example, in 1995, the Language

Project Steering Committee of Mornington Island off the coast of Australia was established to develop a Lardil dictionary. The committee was composed of Lardil

language experts and Lardil speakers who were interested in preserving the language. In

1996, the community members and linguists Kent Hale, David Nash, Norvin Richards,

and Jane Simpson discussed the choice of orthography, dictionary cost and overall layout,

and whether to incorporate information about Damin, a secret language used only by

initiated males. They published the Lardil Dictionary in 1997. It was distributed to school and community members to be used as a linguistic resource (Ash et al., 2001). Like the

Lardil Dictionary , the final product of this lexicon may be distributed to Jarai language teachers, communities, and organizations such as the Montagnard Human Rights

Organization, the Montagnard-Dega Association, the Montagnard Foundation, Inc.,

5 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Lutheran Family Services, Catholic Social Services, U.S. Committee for Refugees and

Immigrations, Interfaith Refugee Ministry, and other organizations that assist the Jarai communities in North America.

Historical Background

Various groups of people have used different appellations in labeling the Jarai people. These alternative names include Djarai, Gia Rai, Jorai, Chor, Mthur, Chrai, and

Gio Rai (Lewis, 2009). The Viet (or Kinh) people used the term ngi Gia Rai (Gia Rai

people). The French referred to the Jarai as Jrai . We, the Jarai people, call ourselves

Jêrai . The Jêrai people are known to the Americans as Jarai .

Prior to the influx of the Viet and Tai, the Indochinese peninsula was under the

domination of two Indianized kingdoms, the Cham in the east and the Khmer in the west.

In between these two empires dwelt a number of independent indigenous peoples,

including the Jarai (Dournes, 1988). According to Hickey (1982a), records from

archaeological and linguistic studies show that tribal peoples such as the Rhade and Jarai

were related to the Cham before splitting from the Champa kingdom. These ancient

empires have long vanished, but the aboriginal inhabitants are still there, living in the

uplands. The Viet label them mi and the Tai call them Kha , terms meaning ìsavageî and

ìslaveî respectively. At the present time they are being affected by the Vietís expansion

into the Central Highlands (Dournes, 1988).

6 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The Jarai tribe is one of approximately thirty-three Montagnard tribal groups who reside mainly in the mountains of the Central Highlands. These indigenous groups are composed of fairly homogenous tribes, with each tribe possessing its own language, culture and social organization (Mole, 1970). In French, the term Montagnard means

ìmountain peoples,î which the French colonial government used to refer to the indigenous peoples living in the Central Highlands (Hickey, 1982a; Bailey, 2002).

In regard to settlement patterns, traditionally, the Montagnards generally prefer to establish their villages on level, well-drained ground, close to water sources, and accessible to forests. Most Montagnards live in longhouses, which are long, narrow structures built on stilts elevated above the ground. Many longhouses are shared not only by nuclear families, but also by extended families as well. Traditionally, religion has permeated virtually all aspects of Montagnard life. Supernatural beings served a vital role in all of the origin myths recorded thus far, and formerly, all Montagnards believed that these forces direct an individualís fate. For instance, if health fails or misfortune occurs, there are prescribed offerings made to these supernatural powers so that they will make things right. The Montagnards exploit their physical surroundings for subsistence, and thus have an extensive knowledge of rainfall patterns, flora, fauna, soils, and aquatic life.

They practice both swidden farming and wet rice agriculture, and are skillful at hunting, trapping, and fishing in the rivers surrounding their villages (Hickey, 1982b).

7 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The most recent estimate of the Jarai population in Vietnam by the Vietnamese government is approximately 350,766. The majority of the Jarai people live in Gia Lai

(Pleiku) province, as well as some in Kon Tum and northern Dak Lak provinces

(Vietnam News Agency, 2006). There are also a number of Jarai living in neighboring

Cambodia. The Cambodian province of Ratanakiri is home to 20,149 Jarai (Ratanakiri

Provincial Department of Planning, 2006). This figure does not account for the small number of Jarai who live in other Cambodian provinces. For example, data provided by

Mondulkiri Department of Planning (2004) indicate there are also 93 Jarai living in

Mondukiri province.

Immigration to the United States

As the Vietnam War spread to the Central Highlands in the 1960s and 1970s, the heart of the Montagnard homeland, the U.S. military recruited the Montagnards to fight against the North Vietnamese army. The U.S. Armyís Special Forces established base camps in the Central Highlands and trained Montagnards as combatants. According some scholars and Vietnam veterans, the Montagnards were probably the United Statesí bravest and most trustworthy ally during the Vietnam War (Bailey, 2002; Jazzar &

Hamm, 2007). During and after the war which ended in 1975, the North Vietnamese regime captured, imprisoned, and even killed Montagnards who fought alongside

American military and South Vietnamese soldiers (Messer, 2008). Montagnard leaders

8 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 such as Nay Luett and Paul Nur were arrested and imprisoned upon their return to their villages, while Y-Thih Eban and Ksor Rot were executed (Hickey, 2002). Harsh treatment by the communists caused many Montagnard (including Jarai) freedom fighters to flee into the jungles of the Vietnam-Cambodia border. They continued to fight the

North Vietnamese army despite lack of support from their former allies. In the early

1980s, the United Nations peace keeping forces and the U.S. government convinced the

Montagnards to cease resistance against the communists. By the mid-1980s, a number of

Jarai and other Montagnard fighters gave up resistance in exchange for resettlement in the United States. Eventually, the remnant of Montagnard soldiers was transported to a migration processing center in the Philippines.

In 1986, the first group of about 200 Montagnards, mostly men, was resettled in the United States. In December 1992, another group of 402 Montagnards discovered by a

U.N. force in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces of Cambodia were also resettled in the

U.S. These refugees were resettled primarily in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte,

North Carolina. They were supported mostly by volunteers, church sponsors, and U.S.

Special Forces veterans from Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Bailey, 2002; Jazzar & Hamm,

2007). In an attempt to allow families of the Vietnamese and Montagnards who supported the U.S. to migrate to the United States, President Clinton announced official normalization of diplomatic ties with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on July 11, 1995,

9 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 and the establishment of a U.S. embassy in Hanoi. According to Jazzar and Hamm

(2007), the Orderly Departure Program (ODP) was established by the United States and

Vietnam to allow qualified Vietnamese individuals to immigrate to the United States.

Amerasians, who were the mixed children of Americans and Vietnamese, were the first priority. The second priority was to permit those individuals and their families who had assisted the United States to immigrate to America. These included the Montagnards who resettled in the U.S. between 1992 and 1996. In 1996, my family and I resettled to the United States under the ODP.

In 2001 and the following years, thousands of Montagnards in the Central

Highlands protested against the Vietnamese governmentís exploitation of their lands, the closure of their local churches, and the imprisonment of Montagnard church leaders. As a result of harsh government reaction to these protests, many Montagnards fled to

Cambodia (Hickey, 2002; Bailey, 2002; Jazzar & Hamm 2007). In 2002, nearly 900

Montagnard refugees were resettled in North America, mostly in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte, North Carolina. In the same year, 38 Jarai were resettled in New Bern,

North Carolina by Interfaith Refugee Ministry. Subsequently, their families and friends also began moving to the region. The present author acted as the only translator, caseworker, and cultural broker for these refugees. The Greensboro-North Carolina

News & Record estimated there are approximately 9,000 Montagnards in North Carolina,

10 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 the largest population outside Vietnam and Cambodia (Adhearn, 2009). According to

Firesheets (2009) and Montagnard leaders such Rong Nay, the Director of the

Montagnard Human Rights Organization based in Raleigh, the most recent population of the Montagnards in the state is approximately 10,000.

Presently, Jarai and their fellow Montagnards continue to immigrate to North

America due to the political repression of indigenous peoples by the current Vietnamese government. As long as there are social, political, and religious conflicts between the

Montagnards and the government, the Jarai people will continue to seek refuge in North

America, especially in the United States. Jarai leaders in the United States estimate that there are over 3,000 Jarai people living in North America. In the United States, most of the Jarai live in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte, North Carolina. According to Hendy

Siu, a Jarai pastor of a Montagnard church in Dallas, there are about 100 Jarai living in the greater Dallas metroplex. Other Jarai are scattered all over the United States. In

Canada, a small population of Jarai is concentrated primarily in Vancouver, British

Columbia. Kara Ardan, a sponsor of the Canadian Montagnard community, reports that there are 187 Jarai in the region.

11 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

CHAPTER II

THE JARAI LANGUAGE

Language Family

The languages spoken by the Montagnards belong either to the Mon-Khmer or

Austronesian families. The Mon-Khmer languages are the Bahnar, Rengao, Sedang,

Halang, Jeh, Monong, Hre, Cua, Katu, Stieng, Chrau, Koho, Bru, and Pacoh. The

Austronesian languages consist of Hroy (also Hroai or Hroi), Rhade, Jarai, Rai (Seyu),

Roglai, and Cham (Hickey, 1982b). Since Jarai is an Austronesian language, this section will briefly describe the characteristics of the Austronesian language family, which is one of the largest in the world.

According to Pawley and Ross (1993) and Adelaar (2005), the Austronesian language family includes approximately 1,200 languages, which are spoken by some 270 million people. It is one of the largest living language families in regard to the number of its member languages (making up 20% of the worldís languages), and it is second in terms of its geographic distribution after the Indo-European language family. The distribution of the Austronesian languages ranges from Malagasy (spoken primarily on the island of Madagascar) in the western section of the Indian Ocean to Rapanui on

Easter Island in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean, and from the Formosan

12 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 languages in Taiwan and Hawaiian in the northern reaches of the Pacific to Maori in New

Zealand.

The Jarai are an Austronesian-speaking people, linguistically related to the people of the lowlands of Vietnam, such as the Cham people (Dournes, 1988). Jarai is a Malayo-

Polynesian language in the Chamic subgroup (Figure 1). Languages in this subgroup include Tsat spoken on Hainan island; Haroi, Chru, Roglai, Rhade, Jarai, Phan Rang

Cham spoken in Vietnam and different Western Cham communities of Cambodia; and

Acehnese spoken in northern Sumatra (Thurgood, 2005). As reported by Thurgood

(1996), the ancestors of the present Chamic speakers arrived in Vietnam around two thousand years ago from the island of Formosa, presently Taiwan. After they arrived in mainland Southeast Asia, the predecessors of the modern Chamic speakers basically spoke a disyllabic, non-tonal, and non-registral language.

Jarai is an Austronesian language under the subclass of the Chamic languages.

Austronesian

Malayo-Polynesian Malayic

Achinese-Chamic Chamic

Jarai

Figure 1: Linguistic Affiliation of Jarai

13 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The Jarai language is similar to those languages in the islands of the Philippines and

Sumatra, but it is more closely related to the upland tribes of the Rhade and Roglai

(Schrock et al., 1970).

Linguistic Description

To better understand the characteristics of the Jarai language, some linguistic description and examples are provided below. First, Jarai verbs are not inflected with suffixes to indicate tense or aspect (ASP) as in English. Aspect is a verbal category that

differentiates the status of events with respect to precise periods of time, as opposed to

their simple position in the past, present, or future (Matthews, 2007). In Jarai, we have a

separate word that indicates the aspect of present progressive. An example of this case is presented below.

1. John glÃk lÃng tiwi. John ASP watch television John is watching television.

As noted in this illustration, instead of adding an affix to the word lÃng (watch) to signify the action is in progress, a free morpheme glÃk is added in front of lÃng to signify present continuous. Second, the Jarai language does not have a copula. For instance:

2. AnÃn kMo John. name 1 st SG John My name is John.

14 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The sentence above shows that the copula is not present. For this reason, a Jarai speaker

who is learning English often introduces himself as My name Phang instead of My name is Phang . Finally, although lacking a copula, the general linguistic structure of Jarai is similar to English, both of which are SVO (Subject +Verb + Object) languages. See the following examples;

3. Čĭm ƀŏng kêtop. S V O bird eat grasshopper Birds eat grasshoppers.

4. Amĭ gui bai ƀêi rŏng. S V O mother carry back-basket PREP back. The mother is carrying a back-basket on the back.

According to Schrock et al. (1970), Hickey (2003) and Lewis (2009), French

anthropologist Pierre Lafont and other linguists subdivided the Jarai language into seven

dialects: Hêdrung, HabMu, Arap, Sesan, Chu Ty, Plei Kly, and Cheo Reo. Jarai leaders

such as Nay Luett and other Jarai consultants report that Têbuan, Čor, Hroai (also Hroi or

Hroy), and Mêthur are Jarai dialects as well. To broaden the readersí understanding of

the geographic region and distribution of the Jarai dialects, the maps of Southeast Asia

(Figure 2), Vietnam (Figure 3), and the linguistic sub-groups of the Jarai (Figure 4) are

provided on the pages that follow.

15 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Figure 2: Map of Southeast Asia

16 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Figure 3: Map of Vietnam

17 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Figure 4: The Jarai Subgroups

There are likely more undocumented dialects within the Jarai language, as each village or cluster of villages has its own unique dialect. Since I am a speaker of the Cheo

Reo dialect, the majority of the headwords, or entry words, in this dictionary are from the

Cheo Reo dialect. Although the focus is on the Cheo Reo dialect, it is impossible to avoid incorporating other dialects, as words from other dialects overlap one another.

The Development of the Jarai Writing System

In researching the development of the Jarai writing system, I employed both written sources and ethnographic data collected from language consultants who are members of the Jarai community in Raleigh, North Carolina. The consultants who 18 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

participated in this research were Hip Ksor, E Siu, Blim Nay, and my father Hiom Ro.

Their ages range from sixty-four to over eighty-two years old. They possess not only

extensive knowledge of spoken Jarai, but they are also proficient in reading and writing

the language. In addition, they also have rich knowledge of Jarai traditional religion,

culture, legends, and history. Hip Ksor is gifted at storytelling, writing songs and poems,

and currently serves as director of the Montagnard Culture Group. E Siu is one of the

respected elders in the community. He assisted in the translation of the New Testament

for the Jarai Protestants from English to the Jarai language. He knows the Jarai legends,

rhyming words, and riddles very well. Blim Nay was a former Jarai congressman from

1966 to 1971 in the Republic of Vietnam (or South Vietnam). In the early 1940s, he

studied mostly Jarai and French, and is therefore a fluent speaker of these two languages.

He is still able to recite some Jarai poems and rhyming words he learned when he was in

primary school. And finally, Hiom Ro was a Jarai language teacher in Raleigh. He taught

Jarai children to read, write, and speak the Jarai and Rhade languages. He also has a

profound understanding of the meanings of Jarai words, grammar structure, and how

words are used in different cultural contexts.

Some of the published sources as well as accounts from Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro seem to indicate that the Jarai writing system was established in the 1940s. Bailey (2002) reports that although there is evidence of French-educated tribal people developing a

19 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

written script for the indigenous languages in the 20 th century, the main efforts were begun in the 1940s by American evangelical Protestant missionaries to assist tribes in developing written languages to translate the New Testament. Nicolleís (1940) French language dictionary Lexique Fran-ais-Jaray et Jaray-Fran-ais (or French-Jarai and

Jarai-French Lexicon) is one of the earliest texts written in Jarai. Furthermore, the

consultants Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro claimed to know the year and the individual who

developed the Jarai script. In separate interviews, Hiom Ro asserted the writing was

invented in the early 1940s, while Hip Ksor maintained it was in 1948. They both stated

the Jarai script was formulated by Der Nay.

Conversely, Blim Nay reported the Jarai orthography was developed in 1926,

1927 or 1928 when L éopold Sabatier was governor of Dak Lak province. He believes

that Der Nay, Y Ut Nie Buon Rit, and Sabatier worked together in developing the Jarai

and Rhade orthographies, because Sabatier wanted to study these languages. Blim Nay

asserted that in 1940, when he was in first grade at the age of twelve, bilingual Jarai-

French books written by Der Nay were published already. Some of the materials he

studied in the Jarai language were Têlêi Čuh Apui Glai (Burning the Forest), Čê0ai

HrÃm HrÃ KhÃng Akπ (Stubborn Students), and Čê0ai HrÃm HrÃ Alah (Lazy Students).

Blim Nayís oral account of the history of Sabatierís involvement in Dak Lak and the development of the writing systems of Jarai and Rhade are similar to Gerald

20 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Hickeyís. Hickey (1982b) reported that Sabatier encouraged Y Ut Nie Buon Rit to

develop the Rhade writing system with the help of other advanced Rhade students, which

was completed by 1926. Hickey described Der Nay as a skilled linguist who spoke

Rhade, Vietnamese, French, and Lao in addition to his own native language Jarai.

According to Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro, Der Nay was a Jarai school teacher who

resided in ɃuTn Anu village of Cheo Reo district in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

After observing the harsh treatment the French imposed on the tribal people, Der Nay and

others traveled to North Vietnam in 1945 to join the Viet Minh nationalist movement.

Hip Ksor and Hiom Roí story is supported by Hickey who stated that Der Nay became a

representative of the southern highland minorities in the Democratic Republic of

Vietnam, better known as North Vietnam (Hickey, 1976 & 1982a). Der Nay and other

Jarai and Rhade youngsters such as schoolteachers and medical workers were attracted by

Viet Minhís promise of development with regard to the national minoritiesí own

languages and cultures (Salemink, 2003). During an interview with Hip Ksor, Hipís wife

HíLoa Nay declared, ìDer Nay is my grandfather.î This statement is also confirmed by

Hickey (1982a).

In the early 1940s, stated by Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro, Der Nay worked closely with a Rhade school teacher named Y Ut Nie Buon Rit in developing the Jarai and Rhade writing system. Like Jarai, Rhade is a Chamic language of the Malayo-Polynesian

21 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

language family. It is spoken throughout Dak Lak, part of Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen

provinces, and is centered around Ban Me Thuot in the Central Highlands (Schrock et al.,

1970; NiU SiUng, 1979). Among all the Chamic languages, Jarai is most closely related to

the Rhade language, with which it is nearly mutually intelligible (Headley, 1965). In

general, Jarai consultants and Rhade speakers agreed that Jarai and Rhade use identical

letters in their alphabetical system.

Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro report that in the late 1930s and early 1940s, there were very few educated Jarai and Rhade. Those who had completed fifth or sixth grade were considered well-educated. The consultants believe Nay and Y Ut Nie Buon Rit probably completed primary school in addition to other training they may have had. Thus, Der

Nay and Y Ut Nie Buon Rit were regarded by the Jarai and Rhade as two of the most educated individuals. Parallel to statements from Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro, Blim Nay said

Der Nay was the first Jarai school teacher, and this is confirmed by Hickey (1982b). Blim

Nay went on to say Der Nay finished fifth grade and ìwas the one who developed the

Jarai writing systemî. Blim Nay also reported that he met Der Nay in 1944 in Pleiku province.

When asked whether Der Nay and Y Ut Nie Buon Rit enlisted assistance from the

Vietnamese and French scholars in developing the writing system, Hiom Ro indicated they worked independently. However, in a separate interview, Hip Ksor responded that

22 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Der Nay and Y Ut Nie Buon Rit worked directly with French scholars in creating the

orthography. The Jarai writing system was probably developed in Cheo Reo district and

Buon Me Thuot city since Der Nay and Y Ut Nie Buon Rit worked in these regions, said

the consultants.

Hip Ksor and Hiom Ro both agreed that Der Nay may have used the writing systems of languages such as French and Spanish, as well as Vietnamese, as their model languages for the orthography of Jarai. The influence of Romance languages was present in Vietnam as early as the 1600s, when Italian, Portuguese and French missionaries established ministries there (NguyØn, 2008). This influence is reflected in several of the diacritical marks utilized in the Jarai language. For instance, Der Nay may have modified the Vietnamese letter nh to Spanish n-tilde 3, and the Vietnamese letter ch was changed to c-hačet č to differentiate it from the Vietnamese letter. He also developed distinctive letters for the Jarai language such as dj, ¢, , , Ω, and  which do not exist in

Vietnamese, French, or Spanish. These innovative uses made the Jarai alphabet comprehensive. Although the developers of the alphabet intended to capture the phonology of Jarai words, the pronunciation of words in Jarai is not always accurately reflected in the spelling. For example, the Jarai word ìrÃî, meaning ìto tellî or ìto remindî, is pronounced differently from the homonym ìrÃî, meaning ìgreedyî or

ìhaving a voracious appetite.î

23 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

As discussed by Bailey (2002), the American evangelical Protestant missionaries

were most likely the people who improved the orthography of Jarai. For instance, most of

the books in the Jarai language were written and published by Summer Institute of

Linguistics (SIL), an evangelical Christian organization that worked closely with the

government of South Vietnam before and during the Vietnam War in documenting the

indigenous languages of the Central Highlands. Quakebush (2007) and Svelmoe (2008)

state that SIL and the Wycliffe Bible Translators were founded by Cameron Townsend in

1934. SIL International is a faith-based, international non-governmental organization that

collaborates with speech communities around the world in language development-related

efforts. It has members from over sixty distinct countries, and conducts research in over

seventy. From its inception, SIL has pursued language documentation projects, generally

with the goal of publication of a grammar, lexicon, and collection of text material. The

lexicon can range from a simple glossary or word list to a more comprehensive dictionary

with thousands of headwords containing detailed grammatical descriptions and basic

sentences.

Although accounts from my consultants and published sources regarding the development of the Jarai writing system provide some useful information, more sources are needed in order to verify the true story of the Jarai orthography. Future researchers need to explore the primary sources that directly discuss the development of the Jarai

24 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

orthography. Such research would involve searching the various archives that may house

books in Jarai and French, such as the national archives in Vietnam and France.

Orthography

Linguists have offered different definitions for the term ìorthography.î According to Dobrovolsky and OíGrady (2001), orthography is defined as a set of conventions for symbolizing language in written form. In addition, orthography is defined as the study of the use of letters and the principles of spelling in a language (Crystal, 1997). Similarly, in this section, the term ìorthographyî denotes a system by which Jarai words are written and spelled. The orthography of the Jarai language will be described by first discussing the Jarai alphabet.

Before presenting the present-day Jarai alphabet, it is necessary to discuss various alphabetic systems used by a number of lexicographers who developed Jarai dictionaries in the past. This section also discusses a few Jarai alphabets used by previous scholars beginning from the earliest Jarai writings to the most recent. Following this discussion, the alphabet recognized as the most standard by Jarai speakers is presented. As stated in the history of Jarai orthography, the earliest Jarai dictionary was developed by Nicolle

(1940). This dictionary is a valuable linguistic resource for researchers even though the author did not incorporate various Jarai letters that other lexicographers utilized in their bilingual or trilingual Jarai dictionaries. In his lexicon, Nicolle leaves out letters such as

25 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 a, <, ¢, 0, =, dj, >, , and Ω. Dournesí (1964) dictionary entitled Ebauche de Dictionnaire de la Langue Jorai (Sketch Dictionary of the Jorai Language) has all the Jarai letters, although the order is different. The letters ê and Ω are placed after u and ŭ and before and . However, Jarai writers such as Rêmah (1977) and recent scholars arrange these vowels as o, π, ê, Ω, followed by u, ŭ, , and finally . Headleyís (1965) dictionary titled

A Dictionary of the Jarai Language has all the Jarai letters, but the placement of the letter dj is between 0 and e. Headley also suggests that the phonological value of s is equal to x and the phonological value of w is equal to v. Although his observation is true, given that

Jarai speakers and most scholars do not incorporate the letters x and v into our orthographical system, I have not included these letters in the alphabet used for this dictionary. The Jarai alphabet written by Rêmah (1977) presented in the introduction of his dictionary, T÷ Ci×n ViÙt-Gia Rai (Vietnamese-Jarai Dictionary) does not have letter

<. This exclusion is evident in other Jarai literature as well. For example, the most recent literature found on the Jarai language, called Têlêi HrÃm Jrai: Anih Sa (Jarai Lesson:

First Grade), was written by Siu et al. (1987). The authors of this book do not use letters ng and < in their Jarai orthographical system. The authors changed some of the Jarai letters recognized as standard by Jarai speakers into the Vietnamese letters. For instance, they modified the Jaraiís commonly accepted spelling of letter č to Vietnamese letter ch.

In addition, the authors added the Vietnamese letter v and x to the Jarai alphabet, which

26 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

most Jarai do not use in their orthography. The reason for these modifications are

unknown, but one could hypothesize that the authors wanted the Jarai orthography to be

similar to Vietnamese in order to facilitate linguistic control of our language. Most Jarai

speakers have been striving to preserve the Jarai orthography as it was developed by Der

Nay, Y Ut Nie Buon Rit, the French, Americans, and other foreign scholars . Though

lacking some Jarai letters, scholars such as Nicolle, Dournes, Headley, and Rêmah did

not incorporate letters v and x into their alphabets. As stated by Siu (1976), some have suggested other Romanizations for Jarai, but the vast majority of scholars and Jarai speakers still use the Romanization initiated by the French-educated Montagnards.

Finally, the most standard and comprehensive alphabet accepted by my consultants, Jarai speakers, was written by Tharp and Buon-Ya (1980) in their dictionary named A Rhade-English Dictionary With English-Rhade Finderlist . The order in which their alphabet is organized is in consistent with the orthography preferred by the Jarai and

Rhade. However, instead of writing barred-b and barred-d as ¢ and 0, Tharp and Buon-

Ya (1980) placed the diacritic mark on barred-b as b and barred-d as d instead of ƀ and Y, respectively. In most materials I read in either Jarai or Rhade language, the diacritic mark for barred-b is shown as ¢ and the diacritic mark for barred-d is presented as 0. Since most Jarai and Rhade do not write as Tharp and Buon-Ya proposed, the barred-b and barred-d will be written as ¢ and 0 in this alphabet. The following Jarai alphabet is the

27 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

most commonly used by the Jarai in Vietnam, Cambodia, and in North America. Below, I

provide both uppercase and lowercase to illustrate the differences between the two letters.

Aa Ã [M Bb Ƀƀ Čč Dd \Y Ee Ĕĕ _U

 Gg Hh Ii Ĭĭ Jj DJdj Kk Ll Mm Nn

cd NGng Oo Ŏŏ fT  iê  Pp Rr Ss

Tt Uu Ŭŭ no  Ww Yy

It is beyond the scope of this thesis to present detailed descriptions of the Jarai letters. The attempt here is to provide a brief explanation of the distinction between Jarai vowels and consonants. The Jarai vowels consist of short and long vowels. The short vowels are Ã, ĕ, , ∑, π, , Ω, ŭ, and , and the long vowels are a, <, e, =, i, o, >, ê, u, and .

The Jarai consonants are b, ¢, č, d, 0, g, h, j, dj, k, l, m, n, 3, ng, p, r, s, t, w, and y

(Rêmah, 1977). As indicated above, the Jarai alphabet has nineteen vowels and twenty- one consonants. Thus, there are forty letters in the standard Jarai alphabetical system.

To help the readers be familiar with the sounds of the Jarai alphabet, Headley

(1965) developed a phonetic chart based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

The IPA was developed by the International Phonetic Association to represent the sounds of language in written form. It is a comprehensive set of symbols that is broad enough to include the wide range of sounds from the worldís languages. It is based on the Roman alphabet and also includes letters and additional symbols from a variety of other sources.

28 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The IPA can be used to demonstrate pronunciation in a dictionary, to document language gathered in linguistic fieldwork, to develop the foundation of a writing system for a language, or to explain other representations in the analysis of speech (International

Phonetic Association, 1999). The IPA is presented in Figure 5 below.

29 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Source: University College London (UCL), 2009. Figure 5: International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

30 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The order of some letters in Headleyís transcription has been rearranged in order

to reflect the alphabet from Tharp and Buon-Ya (1980) which has been adopted for this

dictionary. To make the Jarai symbols consistent with the above alphabet, letters bb, c,

ch, dd, Yj, nh, x, v as well as Vietnamese words and letters as presented by Headley

(1965) are excluded since this research doesnít discuss the Vietnamese language (Table

1).

Table 1: Jarai Phonetic Transcriptions Jarai symbol Phonetic transcription a [a:], as ëoí in American English Ã [a], when final it represents [aí] M [ə] b [b], as in English ƀ [íb], preglottalized ëbí č [č], unaspirated d [d], as in English Y [íd], preglottalized ëdí e [ε], longer than e in English, get ĕ [ε], when final it presents [ εí] U [e:], as in English ay in say , but not diphthongized  [e], presents [eí] when final g [g], as in English get h [h], as in English, as pronounced at all times i [i:], as ee in English, see ĭ [i], represents [ií] when final, as i in English, sit. j [j], as j in English jump dj [íj], preglottalized ëjí k [k], unaspirated l [l], as English l

31 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Jarai symbol Phonetic transcription m [m], as English m n [n], as English n d [ɲ] ng [ŋ], as in English, sing o [: ɔ] ŏ [ɔ], represents [ ɔí] when final T [o:], as English o  [o], presents [oí] when final ê [ə:]  [ə] represents [ əí] when final p [p], unaspirated r [r], a single-flap r similar to the r in Spanish pero s [s], as English s t [t], unaspirated u [u:] ŭ [u], presents [uí] when final o [ɯ:]  [ɯ], represents [ ɯí] when final w [w], as in English win y [j]as English yes

The Clusters

According to Matthews (2007), a cluster is a series of consonants before, after, or

between vowels. An example of an English cluster would be [str], which is a medial

consonant cluster in words like astray. The clusters of the Jarai language have been

altered over the years because of the change in speech and writing. Therefore, this section

includes only the clusters that are most commonly used by the Jarai today. Clusters that

32 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

are no longer or rarely used, such as bh, dh, dl, hm, hn, hw, hy, tl, djh, 3r, and ngl, are not included. Some of the clusters presented in Table 2 are extracted from Study Guides

International (2000) and Siu et al. (1987).

Table 2: The Jarai Clusters Cluster Jarai example English translation ƀh ƀhao skin fungus ƀl ƀlor lie ƀr ƀrom bow arrow bl blan month, moon br br ŭ decay, spoil čr črMo point , point at Yh Yhit Yhat shaking violently djr djru help, assist , support dr dram gênam belongs, possession gl glai forest, jungle gr gr  eagle hl hlMo before, ahead hr hrÃm study, learn kh hêdrTm hrÃ book, volume of book kl klao laugh, smil e kr kra monkey ml mlÃm night mr mr ŏn ticklish ph phao gun phr phrMo new pl plêi pla village , hometown pr pr ŏng big, large th th ŭn year tr trŏng eggplant

33 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Word Collection

Linguists use different methods to collect vocabularies for building bilingual dictionaries. For example, a lexicographer can obtain word lists, incorporate words from passages of text, jot down words as one speaks with people, or brainstorm words associated with specific semantic categories. Developing a dictionary is a time- consuming undertaking, particularly the process of word collection. It has been estimated that historically, nearly 20 years are needed to gather 12,000 words (Shore & Berg,

2006). Computer technology has greatly increased the speed and efficiency with which words can be collected. For example, Ronald Moe of Summer Institute of Linguistics

(SIL) has developed a Dictionary Development Program (DDP) that enables a lexicographer to elicit between 9,000-12,000 words in two weeks. To accomplish this enormous task, Moe uses a method known as semantic domain . A semantic domain (also

known as ìlexical relationsî to linguists) is a cluster of closely associated words that are

connected in a variety of ways. For instance, if one asks an individual to evoke words that

are related to the word ìsunî, this person can rapidly recall a number of words such as

ìmoon, light, sunbeam, noon, sunset, sunrise, sunstrokeî. The DDP method has a list of

1,800 semantic domains to assist a lexicographer in the process of gathering words for a 34 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 dictionary (Moe, 2007; Shore & Berg, 2006). If I were to undertake this project again, I would employ the DDP method. This technique would significantly increase the rate and systematic nature of word collection. Therefore I could devote more time to translation of the words and description of their cultural context of use.

Although I had not studied the above methods when I collected words for this thesis, the methods employed were parallel to the methods mentioned above. For example, to collect words under the semantic domain of ìtreeî, associated words such as branch, leaf, stem, fruit, trunk, bark, and flower, were brainstormed and recorded.

Secondly, words were recalled from memory, from listening to conversations in Jarai, and from listening to Jarai music. To accomplish this task, a notebook, a pen, and a cassette tape recorder were used to record words, idioms, or sentences. Thirdly, various outdated and out of print materials written in Jarai, Rhade, and Bahnar with translations in Vietnamese, English, and French were reviewed. These resources include Siu et al.

(1989), Banker and Mê (1979), Tharp and Buon-Ya (1980), Knong PêtT Pêjuat Pêpêlar

Saigon (1967), and Siu et. al. (1987). This approach allowed me to find new words that would not otherwise have been recalled. Previous translations of Jarai words into

Vietnamese and English, both of which I speak fluently, enhanced my ability to translate

Jarai words into contemporary English. Finally, ethnoclassification or folk taxonomies were employed. Blank forms were created that contain categories such as ëkinds of antsí,

35 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

ëkinds of treesí, ëkinds of birdsí, etc. to be filled out by Jarai language consultants (Figure

6). These forms were sent to Jarai who are able to read, write, and speak Jarai fluently.

Consultants who provided Jarai vocabularies could also translate those words into

English if they were able, but it was not necessary.

Name of consultant______Date form sent______Date form received______

# Kinds of Desc ription in Jarai Translation in English frogs (optional) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Figure 6: Word Collection Form

Although these forms were sent to a number of Jarai speakers, only four Jarai language consultants were chosen to work closely with this researcher. Their names were

Hip Ksor, E Siu, Blim Nay, and Hiom Ro, who live in Raleigh, North Carolina. These consultants are four elderly men, and are fluent speakers of the Jarai language. This kind of participation by language consultants helps them feel connected to the project (Mosel,

2002) and gives the dictionary more credibility in the community.

36 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Dictionary-Making Software

Today, software is one of the most important linguistic tools lexicographers use to develop dictionaries. There are different kinds of software developed by SIL for lexicographers to build dictionaries for endangered languages. A software known as

WeSay: A Tool for Engaging Native Speakers in Dictionary Building was developed by

SIL International and the Linguistics Institute of Payap University in Chiang Mai,

Thailand. WeSay is an easy dictionary-building tool for use by indigenous speakers of under-resourced languages. It is specifically designed for a native speaker who is interested in building a dictionary for his community, but has limited computer skills

(Albright & Hatton, 2008). Another dictionary building software for lexicographers is

Fieldworks Language Explorer. The 2006 version of the Fieldworks software is 4.0

Language Explorer , developed to build and manage a dictionary, to develop and sustain a text corpus as well as interlinear texts, and to study morphology. In addition to many different advanced features, a user of the program can build from one database a monolingual dictionary, bilingual dictionary, and a trilingual vocabulary (Moe, 2008).

Third, Shoebox is a computer program that assists field linguists and anthropologists in integrating different kinds of text data including lexical, cultural, and grammatical.

Shoebox is especially useful for assisting researchers in creating a dictionary as they employ it to analyze and interlinearize text (SIL, 2009).

37 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Lexique Pro (also developed by SIL) was employed in creating this dictionary.

There are various reasons as to why Lexique Pro was chosen instead of other dictionary making software. This software is easy to use, and it has all the linguistic features that are needed to develop this particular dictionary. It is also compatible with the researcherís current unicode fonts, which are Jarai-Rhade and Jarai-Rhade OT fonts designed by

Linguistís Software, Inc. As stated by SIL, ì Lexique Pro is an interactive lexicon viewer, with hyperlinks between entries, category views, dictionary reversal, search, and export tools. It can be configured to display your Toolbox/Shoebox database in a user-friendly format so that you can distribute it to othersî (SIL, 2009). Linguistic features embedded in Lexique Pro are lexeme, part of speech, classifier, definition, gloss, example gloss, borrowed word, synonym, and antonym, just to name a few. Once the Jarai headwords are entered in the software, it automatically organizes the Jarai headwords alphabetically.

Lexique Pro also enables users to view and edit existing data in Shoebox or Toolbox dictionary database. Once the dictionary is complete, one has the choice to export it to be printed as a text document, export as a webpage, or as LIFT XML for web publication.

This software will help to make the dictionary widely available to the Jarai and others who are interested in learning the language.

38 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

Consultants and Translation

The Jarai entry words were already collected, entered into the Lexique Pro program, translated, sorted alphabetically, printed, and bound before I engaged in fieldwork with the Jarai consultants. The main purpose of the fieldwork was to have the consultants check the spellings of entry words, and for me to verify their meanings and use in cultural context. To accomplish this task, I traveled twice to Raleigh, North

Carolina in order to work with the consultants. The first trip was for six weeks in the summer of 2008, while the other occurred during spring break of 2009.

Consultants read through a printed initial draft of the dictionary to make corrections, whether to the spelling, semantics, or context of use of each word. The sessions entailed me asking the consultants the meanings of words, how to pronounce them, how many meanings are associated with each word, how they are used in sentences, when to use them, with whom to use them, and whether they have historical or cultural contexts of use. Consultantsí suggestions and comments were recorded on a digital recorder, downloaded into a computer and burned onto CDs to be archived at linguistic institution(s) in order to preserve the phonology of Jarai.

An institution that might archive the Jarai audio language CDs is the Pacific and

Regional Archive for Digital Sources in Endangered Culture (PARADISEC), which is a consortium of four universities; the University of Sidney, University of Melbourne,

39 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

University of New England and the Australian National University. The PARADISEC

(2008) states, ìOur research group has developed models to ensure that the archive can

provide access to interested communities, and conform with emerging international

standards for digital archiving.î

The fieldwork took place mostly inside the consultantsí homes, often in the presence of their family members and Jarai guests. In each session, I would speak into the recorder, stating the name of the consultant, location of recording, the time of recording, and topic of discussion, including the first entry word that we would address. By organizing the recordings in this manner, I was able to locate entry words quickly as I reviewed the recordings at a later date. This method will also make it much easier to archive these materials in the future.

Entry Arrangement

The components of the dictionary entries consist of lexeme (headword), part of speech, classifier, English definition, and example sentences in Jarai and English for some Jarai words that have ambiguous meanings. Such examples will assist dictionary users in understanding the meaning of Jarai words by placing them in linguistic context.

There are many words in Jarai that do not have single-word translations in English, so I used multi-word translations to help users understand the Jarai word entries. Noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, interjection, and conjunction are recognized in this

40 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009 dictionary. The number of words collected using these various methods was approximately 2,400.

Unlike European languages, many Asian languages have numerical classifiers. In the literature on Southeast Asian languages, the term ìnumerical classifierî pertains to a diversity of morphemes which occur in the same grammatical slot. These morphemes consist of measure words, terms for kinds and types, and lexical items which count nouns and entities they pertain to as individuals differentiated according to elements such as animacy, function and shape (Adams, 1991). A classifier is also defined as a word or form which marks a noun in certain languages, used especially to indicate the class of objects which the noun represents (Matthews, 2007). The numerical classifier arrangement of the Chamic languages such as Jarai and Rhade falls into this category--- number (NUM) + classifier (CLF) +noun (N) (Headley, 1976). An example sentence in

Jarai that has a classifier would be as follows:

KMo hêmMo dua drêi asMo. I have two CLF dog . I have two dogs .

As shown in this sentence, the numerical classifier is drêi, which is placed between number (NUM) and noun (N). The classifier drêi denotes that the noun as

41 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

The headwords are sorted in alphabetical order. There are three different ways of

arranging headwords, distinguished either by homonyms, classifiers, definitions, or parts

of speech. First, words that have identical spelling (also known as homonyms) and the

same part of speech, but possess distinct classifiers and definitions, are arranged

differently. These words are listed separately and superscript numbers are attached to

each headword to distinguish them. For instance:

ač1 n. classifier : pŏk. basil leaf. ač2 n. classifier : ƀĕ. yoke to harness animals such as cattle, horse, and water buffalo.

Secondly, an example of homonyms that have different meanings and parts of speech is as follows:

bŏng1 n. swelling from a blow to the head. bŏng 2 v. grab and hold to prevent from moving.

Third, an example of homonyms that have the same part of speech, but one having a

classifier while the other does not is as follows:

akŏ1 n. classifier: bTh. head. akŏ2 n. newly discovered land that someone has claimed ownership of, and intends to farm.

Fourth, another example is the arrangement of a headword that has multiple meanings, either similar meanings or completely different meanings:

a/ v. 1. hold breath under water. 2. tell someone to stop crying. 3. control oneself, not retaliate. 4. abstain from, refrain from.

42 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

This example shows that distinct meanings are separated by numbers, but similar meanings are separated by commas. In some cases the word ëorí is used to close up a series of glosses that have similar meanings. The specific semantic domain of the headword may be indicated in parentheses within the definition. For example,

a/ing adj. 1. wrinkled (of clothing, fabric). 2. tangled.

Future Objectives

The primary users of this dictionary will be Jarai community leaders, language teachers, and parents who will use the dictionary to help their children learn the Jarai language. In the future, this dictionary could be edited and supplemented with additional

Jarai words to make it more comprehensive. The scope of such a project would require time, funding, and the participation of a number of linguists and Jarai language consultants. The final product would be a dictionary widely available, either online or at a discounted price for the Jarai community. Refugee agencies, church refugee sponsors,

Jarai community organizations, local libraries and universities would also benefit from this resource. The present author desires to develop a comprehensive dictionary that would include most Jarai dialects, but such research is beyond the scope of this thesis.

Therefore, the remaining dialects should be documented and preserved more thoroughly by future researchers.

43 Texas Tech University, Lap Minh Siu, December 2009

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Bailey, R. (2002). Montagnards: Their history and culture. Retrieved on August 1, 2008, from http://www.culturalorientation.net/montagnards.

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Crystal, D. (1997). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Dobrovolsky, M., & OíGrady, W. (2001). Writing and language. In W. OíGrady, J. Archibald, M. Aronoff, & J. Rees-Miller (Eds.), Contemporary Linguistics (pp. 591-623). Bedford, PA: St. Martinís Press.

Dournes, J. (1964). Ebauche de dictionnaire de la langue Jorai [Sketch dictionary of the Jorai language]. Cheo Reo, Vietnam.

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APPENDIX

JARAI-ENGLISH DICTIONARY

50 a ač Kur

A - a a n. classifier : bh . the first abih bang n. all, everyone, everything. letter of the Jarai alphabet. Abih bang anÃ mênuih amÃng abao n. classifier : asÃr . kind of lŏn tênah. All the people in the black, reddish-brown, round- world. shaped water snail. abih tih n. all, total, sum. Abih tih abÃn n. classifier : blah . blanket. hêm&o dua pluh č' mênuih abÃn buk n. classifier : blah . kind of amÃng sang. There are a total of thick winter blanket made by twenty people in the house. non-Jarai. abu adj. lethargic, sluggish, not abÃn ƀÃ n. classifier : blah . kind of energetic (of humans). Jarai blanket used mostly by abu abk adj. very lethargic, very Jarai women to carry babies on sluggish, not very energetic (of their backs. humans). abÃn Jarai n. classifier : blah . any kind aƀaih interj. word used to express a of blanket made by Jarai. range of emotions, usually abÃn klŏng kluah n. classifier : blah . arising from surprise, kind of long traditional Jarai disappointment, or disgust. blanket that has a short aƀoih interj. word used to express a triangular pocket at one end. range of emotions, usually abÃn sŏng n. classifier : blah . the most arising from surprise, valuable, expensive, and happiness, or pleasure. prestigious kind of traditional ač1 n. classifier : ƀĕ . yoke used to Jarai blanket. harness animals such as cattle, abk n. classifier : drêi . tadpole. horses, or water buffalo. K&o abk plŭn n. classifier : drêi . tadpole têƀÃk sa ƀĕ ač ƀêi têkuai rêm' that has legs, a little tail, and is k&o. I harnessed a yoke on my in the process of becoming a cow's neck. 2 frog. ač n. basil. abih adj. complete, finished, out of, ač Jarai n. kind of basil that the Jarai used up. Ia amÃng g!t abih laih. use mostly in cooking. The water in the gourd is used ač Kur n. kind of basil that most Jarai up. do not eat because it smells like medicine, Cambodian basil.

51 ač Lao adŭ

adh v. sing. ač Lao n. kind of basil commonly eaten adêi n. classifier : č. 1. younger with Vietnamese noodles, siblings, any younger person. 3. Laotian basil. term used by a man to refer to a ač YuÃn n. Vietnamese basil, identical younger woman who is sexually to the one known as 'ač Lao'. attractive. ačŏng n. classifier : ƀĕ . hoe, type of adêi amai n. classifier : č. term Jarai farming tool. referring to the relationship ačŏng čoh 1 n. classifier : ƀĕ . type of between an older sister and Jarai farming hoe that younger siblings. resembles an adze. adêi ayŏng n. classifier : č. term ačŏng čoh 2 v. cut with a hoe. referring to the relationship between an older brother and ačŏng jĭ n. classifier : ƀĕ . type of younger siblings. traditional Jarai farming tool adêi rênuč n. classifier : č used for hoeing weeds and . the grass, usually in planted fields. youngest sibling (synonymous The handle is approximately an with 'adêi têluĭ'). arm's length, and the blade is adêi têluĭ n. classifier : č. the relatively thin and mounted at youngest sibling (synonymous an angle. with 'adêi rênuč'). ačŏng kai n. classifier : ƀĕ . plow. adrÃng n. classifier : čênÃp (tied, bul ačŏng pĕl n. classifier : ƀĕ . military bundled), (stacked). rice trenching hoe. straw. adring n. classifier : bh ačŏng wang wit n. classifier : ƀĕ . the . veranda of a smallest of the traditional Jarai Jarai house. farming hoes. It has a handle adring amÃng n. classifier : bh . approximately one foot long veranda outside of the public and has a sickle-shaped blade. It (front) entrance of a Jarai is used mostly by elderly Jarai. longhouse. ačŭng n. classifier : asÃr . clam. adring ok n. classifier : bh . veranda adai n. sky, heaven. outside of the private (back) entrance of a Jarai longhouse. adih deitic. there, expression used adrh n. type of weed very resistant to when pointing to an item or place; locative expression drought. where the item being pointed at adrung n. attic. doesn't have to be visible to adŭ n. classifier : ƀĕ . umbrella. either the speaker or the hearer. 52 adŭ jêgÃn akÃ adŭ jêgÃn n. classifier : bh . any ai )u adv. maybe, perhaps. small, multi-functional section ai h adv. emphatic negative, a strong within a Jarai longhouse used 'no' response. by different generations within ajah n. classifier : drêi . small, the residing family. brown lizard that lives on the adŭng n. nose. ground. agaih adj. tidy, neat, clean. ajĭ n. classifier : drêi . frog. agÃm n. condition of being rejected or ajĭ arŏ n. classifier : drêi . cane toad. disapproved of as a result of ajĭ asÃr g*t n. classifier : drêi . pacific having a sexual relationship chorus frog. with a nuclear family member ajĭ bao n. classifier : drêi . bullfrog. or a clan member, both of ajĭ bluai n. classifier : drêi . Asian which are prohibited. painted frog, chubby frog. aguÃt n. classifier : drêi . scorpion. ajĭ jrang n. classifier : drêi . small, aguÃt aseh n. classifier : drêi . brown, thin, and long-legged medium-sized, black scorpion frog found in the Central found in the Central Highlands Highlands of Vietnam. of Vietnam. The term is a ajĭ krĕt n. classifier : drêi . spade- compound of the root 'scorpion' footed frog. and the word 'horse' (aseh). ajĭ krp n. classifier : drêi . burrowing aguÃt ia n. classifier : drêi . small, toad. water-dwelling white scorpion ajĭ pi n. classifier : drêi that has a burning sting. . marsh frog, laughing frog. aguÃt rêman n. classifier : drêi . large, ajĭ trol n. classifier : drêi black scorpion found in the . light brown, Central Highlands of Vietnam sticky, long-legged tree frog with a minimally painful sting. found in the Central Highlands The term is the compound of of Vietnam. the root 'scorpion' and the word ajut n. classifier : ƀĕ . wild bamboo 'elephant' (rêman). that is bigger than ale bamboo, ai n. classifier : č. brother-in-law found in the Central Highlands or sister- in-law. of Vietnam. aka adv. ai (ah bênai n. classifier : č. sister-in- not yet, yet. law. akan n. classifier : drêi . fish. ai (ah rêkêi n. classifier : č. brother- akan mi n. classifier : drêi . large type in-law. of carp. ai hêtai n. dedication, willpower. akan se n. classifier : drêi . minnow. 53 akÃ Ama Adai akÃ v. 1. tie. 2. promote in military aku čê(ong n. classifier : bh . rank (implying insignia collective name for various decoration). types of Jarai animal traps. akÃm n. nock. aku tuai n. classifier : blah. loincloth. akek n. classifier : asÃr . brown, akuaĭ n. broken grains of husked rice. freshwater, algae-eating snail ala n. classifier : drêi . snake. found in the Central Highlands ala drŏn n. classifier : drêi . of Vietnam. rattlesnake. 1 akha n. classifier : arÃt . hair-like ala ia n. classifier : drêi . non- root. poisonous, freshwater, brown- akha 2 n. classifier : ƀĕ . stick-like root. skinned snake found in the akhan v. tell a legend or myth. Central Highlands of Vietnam. akiÃng n. corner. ala lŏn n. classifier : drêi . worm akop n. classifier : drêi . diving snake. beetle. ala pêhêwai n. classifier : drêi . non- akŏ1 n. classifier : bh . head. poisonous, dark brown ground akŏ2 n. newly-discovered land that snake that eats rats. someone has claimed ala tueng n. classifier : drêi. viper ownership of, and intends to snake. farm. alah adj. lazy. akŏ aku adj. 1. absent-minded. 2. alÃk n. yolk (of eggs). ignorant, unintelligent. alÃk bh mênŭ n. yolk (of chicken akŏ klon adj. lacking intelligence, eggs). prone to confusion. alÃk mêta n. classifier : bh . pupil (of akŏ phŭn n. foundation, basis. eyes). akŏ pêjing v. establish, create, bring ale n. classifier : ƀĕ . smallest type into existence. of wild bamboo found in the akŏ sang n. classifier : č. head of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. household (in Jarai society, alĕk n. spit-up, milk-like liquid usually a woman). regurgitated by a baby. aku n. classifier : ƀĕ . 1. tail. 2. Jarai alŏng adj. original, unchanged. trap made of bamboo and alŏng alač n. plenty, superfluous string, used for catching birds, amount. especially quail. al 1 v. hello (used when answering the phone). al 2 n. classifier : bh . megaphone. 54 alum amr:; alum v. 1. soothe, comfort, console. amÃng jang n. classifier : bh . military 2. beg. post surrounded by barbed-wire ama n. classifier : č. 1. father. 2. fence. Catholic priest. amÃng kêmlĕ n. classifier : bh . air Ama Adai n. classifier : č. God, vent that is built into a rodent Heavenly Father. hole that also acts as an ama anĕt n. classifier : č. uncle emergency exit from predators. (mother's younger brother or amÃng lÃm n. inside. father's younger brother). amÃng l-p adv. continuously, ama met classifier : č. n. stepfather. uninterruptedly, completing a ama prŏng n. classifier : č. uncle task in one sitting. (mother's older brother or amÃng mluh classifier : bh . n. 1. pit, father's older brother). ditch. 2. hollow in the ground. ama rng n. classifier : č. adopted amÃng mêbah n. cavity of the open father. mouth (of humans). amai n. classifier : č. 1. elder sister. amÃng mêtut n. rectum, anus. 2. Catholic nun. amÃng phÃ n. classifier : bh . window. amai tha n. classifier : č. eldest sister. amĭ n. classifier : č. mother. amat v. hide one's presence by being amĭ ama n. parents. silent, not moving, and amĭ anĕt n. classifier : č. aunt concealing one's body. (mother's younger sister or amÃng 1 prep. in (as in inclusion, father's younger sister). location, or position). amĭ met n. classifier : č. stepmother. amÃng 2 adv. around, about (used to amĭ prŏng n. classifier : č. aunt (older approximate a time frame). sister of mother). AmÃng two m'ng . About two amon n. classifier : č. niece, nephew o'clock. (child of sibling). 3 amÃng n. classifier : bh . 1. hole. 2. amng adj. addicted, habituated, hollow. hooked. amÃng adŭng n. nostril. amêng adv. without responding, amÃng čar adj. domestic, inside the remaining silent. country, within the country. amra v. will, shall. amÃng čêprŏh adv. performing a task amrÃ n. classifier : drêi . peacock. half-way through, then quitting. amrop adj. sharp snapping or cracking (of sound). amrŏt1 n. classifier : bh . rainbow. 55 amrŏt2 anih d amrŏt2 n. classifier : drêi . type of anÃ kêčua n. classifier : č. firstborn water bug. child. amr-) adv. characterized by having anÃ nge classifier : č. n. baby, infant, the urge to defecate. newborn child. amuÃih v. like, love, have affection for, anÃ pipum n. classifier : č. fatherless care for. child, child whose father is amu) adj. 1. easy, not difficult. 2. unknown. soft. anÃ rêm n. classifier : drêi . calf. amu) amuĕ adj. 1. very easy, not very anÃ rênuč n. classifier : č. youngest difficult. 2. very soft. child. amung n. plant stalk. anÃ têdÃm n. classifier : č. teenage amung têngan n. wrist. son. ana n. classifier : drêi . female (of anÃ têhrit n. classifier : č. orphan, animals). child whose parents have died. anai deitic. this. anÃ têluĭ n. classifier : č. youngest anai anaĭ adj. also, likewise, as well. child. 1 anai-n* n. the way in which, the anÃm adj. able-bodied, physically process by which. capable. 2 anang adj. having a horizontal anÃm v. do not, word used to express position, lying in a straight a negative command. AnÃm huÃ position (of humans and 'h asêi anŭn. Don't eat that animals). rice. anÃ 1 n. classifier : č. child. anÃn n. name, appellation. anÃ 2 n. classifier : drêi . baby anĕt adj. small, little. animal, young animal. anĕt aneo adj. very small, very little, anÃ aseh n. classifier : drêi . colt, baby tiny. horse. anĕt anot adj. very small, very little, anÃ bÃ n. classifier : č. children. tiny. anÃ dra n. classifier : č. teenage anih n. classifier : bh . 1. place, daughter. location, address, whereabouts. anÃ (ah bênai n. classifier : č. 2. grade level, school level. daughter, female child. anih anŏm n. classifier : bh . shelter, anÃ (ah kêmêi classifier : č. n. living quarters, home. daughter, female child. anih bruÃ n. classifier : bh . place of anÃ (ah rêkêi n. classifier : č. son, employment, work location, male child. work address. 56 anih d ao ia hêjan anih d n. classifier : bh . residence, a)Ãm bêi anung n. classifier : bh . home address, living quarters. cabbage. anih hrÃm n. classifier : bh . school, a)ek n. black sticky saliva from place of education or training, chewing tobacco. class. a)ĕ adj. fine-grained (opposite of anih têhÃn n. classifier : bh . military coarse). post, unit, camp, or base. a)ik v. nag, persistently or anong n. classifier : č. uncle continually ask, annoy with (mother's younger brother or questions. father's younger brother). a)ing adj. 1. wrinkled (of clothing, anŏ n. thing; general term used to fabric). 2. tangled. change words into nouns. Anŏ a)ing a)Ãng adj. 1. very wrinkled (of anŭn hiam biÃ mÃ. That thing is clothing, fabric). 2. very very beautiful. tangled. anung n. classifier : bh . wrapping, a)it adj. resilient, soft, flexible packaging. (gives when pressed or pushed). anung kŏp n. classifier : bh . any type a)ot adj. 1. withered, shrivelled, of leaf wrapping used for food, wrinkled. usually when cooking over hot a)ot a)eo adj. very withered, very coals. shrivelled, very wrinkled. anŭn deitic. that. a)rÃng adj. having alertness, vitality, anŭng v. wrap, pack. vigor, youthful strength. a) v. 1. hold breath under water. 2. a)rŭ v. 1. immerse, dip (as in water) tell someone to stop crying. 3. 2. dye (of hair, fabric). control oneself, not retaliate. 4. a)r-) adj. having a sharp point. abstain from, refrain from. a)ŭ n. classifier : arÃt . necklace. a)am n. work-related event where a)ŭ čui n. classifier : arÃt . bead relatives or acquaintances necklace. gather to accomplish a task on ang yang n. glory. someone's farm. The owner of anga apui n. ember, flaming coal. the farm will then provide food, drink, and alcohol in reward for angÃ v. look up, raise the head, tilt service. the head back. a)Ãm n. food (any kind of food other angĭn n. wind. than steamed rice). angĭn hêjan n. thunderstorm. a)Ãm bêi n. classifier : čênÃp . bok ao n. classifier : blah . shirt. choy. 57 ao ia hêjan arŏng ao ia hêjan n. classifier : blah . poncho, apui uÃ n. process in which fire is made raincoat. by rubbing a stick, metal wire, ao may n. classifier : blah . t-shirt. spindle, or dried sliver of ao pê(ao n. classifier : blah . warm bamboo against a piece of jacket, warm coat, sweater. wood. ao rêdai n. classifier : blah . long tunic. apuĭ n. classifier : asÃr . dark brown ao têbÃk n. classifier : blah . snail that lives in the sand of streams in the Central undershirt, tank top. Highlands, the smallest snail in ao tuÃk n. classifier : blah . undershirt, Vietnam. tank top. ara n. classifier : drêi . wild bird ap adj. late, tardy, not on time. with duck-like appearance. apah v. reward for service, pay for arah n. classifier : drêi . bedbug. service. arÃ n. classifier : arÃt . vein. apai mÃ v. attempt to grab but not able arÃng pron. classifier : č. they, to hold on. general term that refers to apÃn v. grip, hold firmly, grasp. persons unknown. aplÃng n. classifier : arÃt . lemongrass. arÃt n. classifier for rope, thread, or apng n. classifier : bh . chicken other string-like materials. cage. areh v. harbor bitterness, hold a apuh n. classifier : blah . fallow land, grudge. farm land not in use (usually areng n. classifier : drêi . crab. refers to a rice farm). areng abu n. classifier : drêi . soft- apui n. fire, light. skinned pale crab that is weak apui arok n. classifier : ƀĕ, hênuh . and about to die. burning torch, lit torch made of areng bh pêt0o n. classifier : drêi . wooden or bamboo sticks crab that lives in fresh water, bundled together. usually under rocks. apui (i*n n. electric light. areng čur n. classifier : drêi . small apui hlĭn n. classifier : ƀĕ . candle. reddish crab that lives mostly apui hlĭn dian n. classifier : ƀĕ . on dry land in holes. traditional Jarai candle used arĭng n. classifier : phŭn. plant that mostly by shamans for grows on farms, used by Jarai animistic ceremonies. people to make rope. apui kê(en n. classifier : bh . oil arok n. classifier : ƀĕ, hênuh . unlit lamp, kerosene lamp. torch. apui têneh n. classifier : bh . lighter. arŏng n. classifier : drêi . insect. 58 arŏng arot ayŏng arŏng arot n. classifier : drêi . insects asêi hêna n. fried rice. (all types of insects). asêi krÃ n. steamed rice that has been arŏng )ui n. classifier : drêi . shield burnt. bug, usually brownish-green asêi rêŏt n. cold rice, left over steamed colored. or fried rice. arŏng se n. classifier : drêi . rhinoceros asuĕk n. corner of room, indoor hiding beetle. place. aru n. leftover food, crumbs, asŭk n. plant debris, outside trash residue. usually consisting of leaves, aru arač n. food crushed into crumbs. twigs, and grass. asah v. sharpen, file, whet a blade. as- v. rub the skin against asar 1 n. classifier : asar . grain, seed, something. kernel. as v. shuffle feet (usually forward). asar 2 n. boneless meat, boneless ataih adj. distant, far, afar. flesh. ataih atĭn adj. very distant, very far, asÃn n. classifier : ƀĕ. teak tree. afar. asÃp n. smoke. at0o 1 n. ghost, spiritual being. asÃp apui n. smoke from fire. at0o 2 n. classifier : č. corpse, dead asÃp pêhiÃp n. voice. body. as0o n. classifier : drêi . dog. ate v. cook by stirring a stew-like as0o drŏn n. classifier : drêi . wild dog mixture, usually consisting of that travels in pairs (male and water, rice, yao leaf, vegetables, female). and meat. as0o tan n. classifier : drêi . wolf. athua n. classifier : bh . hut. aseh n. classifier : drêi . horse. atol v. hang inanimate object, aseh ana n. classifier : drêi . mare, human corpse, or dead animal. female horse. atŏk n. classifier : bh . tin, bamboo, aseh brng n. classifier : drêi . zebra. or wooden can. atur n. classifier : bh . floor. aseh hret n. classifier : drêi . donkey. awah n. classifier : bh . hollow, dried aseh klai n. classifier : drêi . small gourd used to ladle liquid, horse that bites, fastest horse in especially water. Vietnam. awÃ n. classifier : ƀĕ . bamboo aseh tên n. classifier : drêi . stallion, stirring utensil. male horse. ayÃt n. classifier : č. enemy. asêi n. classifier : asÃr . steamed rice. 59 ayŏng bÃ ayŏng n. classifier : č. 1. older Ayun Apa n. name of a former district brother. 2. slang term used by a in Pleiku province of Vietnam. woman for a young man who is ayŭ adh n. 1. tune. 2. rhythm. sexually attractive. ayŭn v. bounce gently without lifting ayŏng tha n. classifier : č. eldest feet (of humans). brother. Ayŭn HÃ n. classifier : bh . large ayêr v. scrub one's skin in order to irrigation system near Chu Se wash. district in Pleiku province of ayuh n. fate, fortune, destiny. Vietnam. ayuh mêyun n. good fortune, good ayŭp v. fan a fire by blowing with the fate. mouth, keep a fire alive by blowing.

- Ã

Ã1 n. classifier : bh . the second ng Gl* n. England, English (of U.K.) letter of the Jarai alphabet. Ãt adv. 1. still, yet. 2. also. Ã2 n. classifier : drêi . crow.

5 - 0

0 n. classifier : bh . the third 0o n. sound a person makes when letter of the Jarai alphabet. experiencing sudden pain or surprise.

B - b ba v. 1. bring, deliver, convey. 2. bang 1 v. shade a plant, block the compensate, atone, make sunlight from shining on a amends. plant. ba hên-h v. pay off a debt, pay back. bang 2 adj. having brightness, bai n. classifier : bh . loosely brilliance, radiance. woven bamboo basket with two bang hiu v. publicize, make known to straps that fasten around a many people. person's shoulders.

60 bang ia blao1 bang ia n. classifier : bh . any platform bip n. classifier : drêi . duck. placed on the ground beside a bĭl adj. physically calloused, water source; used for washing, hardened, or insensitive. bathing, or cleaning. bĭng n. sound of stomping, bÃ adj. full (not referring to the pounding, thumping. fullness that comes from blah 1 v. 1. attack by surprise, ambush. eating). 2. split, cut lengthwise (of wood bÃ blai adj. overflowing. or eggplants). bÃk v. carry an object by hanging blah 2 n. classifier for a sheet-like around the shoulder or neck. material. b0o v. remind indirectly, hint blah ngÃ n. war, combat, military casually, call attention to confrontation. someone or something, blai adj. overflowing. especially in a casual manner. blaĭ v. pass a person, car, or any bĕ v. let's, let us. Nao bĕ ta. Let's moving object. go. blan n. month. b* n. classifier : drêi . goat. blan dua n. February. b* ana n. classifier : drêi . female goat. blan dua rêpÃn n. September. b* tên n. classifier : drêi . male goat. blan kl0o n. March. b*r adj. 1. short in height. 2. blan nÃm n. June. concise, brief. blan pÃ n. April. b*r bĕ adj. 1. very short in height. 2. blan pĕ têpêi classifier : bh . n. half very concise, very brief. moon. b v. dodge, duck, move aside (to blan pluh n. October. avoid being hit). blan pluh dua n. December. bia n. classifier : drêi . crocodile, blan pluh sa n. November. alligator. biÃ adj. true, real, right. blan pêrêmi n. classifier : bh . full moon. biÃ hÃ? adv. truly? really? blan rêma n. May. biÃ mÃ adv. very, really. blan sa n. January. biÃ mn adj. true, right (as in strong blan sêpÃn n. August. affirmation). blan têƀang n. classifier : bh . bing v. collide accidentally, bump crescent moon. someone or something, knock over an object or a person by blan têjuh n. July. brushing against.

61 blang b'h pêI'ng blang v. 1. unwrap, unfold. 2. bon kêkuh. v. prostrate the body in blossom, bloom. 3. flip open (as worship of a supernatural being, in a book or package). bow to a deity. blao 1 n. classifier : č. widow. bor adj. bruised. blao 2 adj. fearful, afraid, scared, bŏng 1 n. swelling from a blow to the frightened. head. BlÃl n. classifier : č. character in bŏng 2 v. grab and hold to prevent from Jarai legend who always makes moving. people laugh. bh 1 n. Jarai salsa; usually consists bl0o n. classifier : arÃt . 1. body hair. of fruit, herbs, lemon, hot 2. feather. 3. fur. pepper, and salt. bl*k adj. tired of eating nuts, bh 2 n. 1. fruit. 2. classifier for coconuts, or similar foods, due various objects. to their taste and texture. bh amĭl n. classifier : bh . tamarind. bliŭ v. tightly weave or twist strands bh ap n. classifier : bh . apple. together to make a rope or bh ƀleh n. classifier : asÃr . kidney. string. bh ƀêr n. classifier : bh . avocado. blŏn adj. having a glazed-over or bh ƀro n. classifier : bh . longan. dazed appearance, as when bh hrÃ n. classifier : bh . letter (of an dead, asleep, or staring (of alphabet). eyes). bh kêƀ0o n. classifier : asÃr . grape. blk v. 1. boil. 2. bubble. bh kêsu n. classifier : bh . chayote blp n. classifier : bh . balloon. squash. blêi 1 v. buy, purchase. bh kruaĭ n. classifier : bh . lemon, blêi 2 n. breast (of chicken or other lime. bird). bh kruaĭ kam n. classifier : bh . blêi mênŭ n. chicken breast. orange. bluh v. 1. blow air. 2. sprout, spring bh lng n. classifier : bh . ball (of from the ground (of plants, sports). flowers, or water). bh lng (Ã n. classifier : bh . soccer blung v. scurry, run in an agitated, ball. confused, and fluttering bh lng pah n. classifier : bh . manner. volleyball (refers only to the blung hl0o adv. first and foremost, first ball itself). of all. bh mit n. classifier : bh . jackfruit.

62 b'h mung brŏm bh mung classifier : bh . n. banana bên n. classifier : bh . the largest flower. type of Jarai fish trap made of bh phia n. classifier : bh . star fruit. woven bamboo fashioned into a bh pê(ng n. classifier : bh . funnel-shaped net. coconut. bênga n. 1. flower. 2. profit, gain. bh pêneh n. classifier : bh . papaya. bênga črih n. classifier : bh . lotus bh pêŏ n. classifier : bh . mango. flower. bh puč n. classifier : asÃr . tomatillo. bênga kêsu n. artificial flower. bh rêmÃh n. classifier : bh . custard bênga yang hrêi n. classifier : bh . apple. sunflower. bh sum ao v. wash clothes. bêngÃt n. soul, spirit. bh troh n. classifier : bh . fruits. bêngÃt jua n. soul, spirit. bng n. classifier : bh . casket. bêngŏt v. worry, have concern, have anxiety. br v. make a mound of dirt. bêrêbh n. bubble. bê n. classifier : bh . the fourth letter of the Jarai alphabet. bêwuih v. do, work, or perform task constantly. bêbrĭk adj. having the sound and pattern of sprinkling, sporadic, bêwuih bŏng v. work in order to earn a or light rain. living. bêbui n. classifier : drêi . pig. brah n. swelling, lump, bump. bêbŭng n. classifier : bh . roof. brai adv. 1. manner in which bêlng v. compete, have a contest, materials such as glass, plates, physically challenge. or bricks break (by shattering) 2. describing a hit that is on bênah adj. dual, having two sides. target. bênai n. classifier : č. wife. braih n. classifier : asÃr . husked rice. bênal n. classifier : blah . fabric, brÃ adv. manner in which a small cloth. object falls and the sound it bêni v. thank, appreciate. makes when it hits a surface bêni lu v. greatly thank, greatly (such as a pencil, pebble, or appreciate. necklace). bênuh v. charge with the head, ram brÃng adv. 1. eloquently, fluently (of with the horns. speaking) 2. in a line, with the bênŭt1 v. button. appearance of straightness. bênŭt2 n. classifier : bh . button (of briah v. dissect, cut the skin, perform clothing). surgery.

63 bring b bring n. 1. algae. 2. rust. buai n. classifier : asÃr . earring. brŏm adj. bruised. buč v. pluck, uproot. brng adj. striped, spotted, having buh v. 1. wear, put on clothes, put multiple colors. on earrings. 2. add spices or salt br n. classifier : bh . 1. cassette to food during preparation. player. 2. CD player. 3. stereo. bul n. classifier : bh . rounded brêi v. 1. give. 2. allow, let. heap, mound. bru bra adj. scattering or spreading in bul ia n. classifier : bh . very small different directions. island. bruah adv. manner in which an object, bul pêdai n. classifier : bh . rounded person, or animal breaks heap of rice. through obstacles or bum adj. blind (of eyes). impediments as it falls. bur bar adj. having the appearance of bruÃ n. job, employment, position, being randomly piled into a duty, task. mound. bruh adj. describing a person who bŭk adv. in a manner that produces keeps a messy or untidy space. a thumping or pounding sound brung adj. hanging, dangling (such as (as in an object hitting a fruit on a tree). surface). brung brÃng adj. hanging or dangling bŭk bÃk adv. with a repeated thumping (of many objects). or pounding sound. brŭ adj. spoiled, rotten, decayed. b- n. classifier : drêi . type of brŭ br*k adj. very spoiled, very mud-dwelling freshwater fish decayed, very rotten. (similar to mud loach). brŭk v. gripe, grumble, complain. b-ng adj. lucky, fortunate. bu n. rice porridge. b v. construct a fence, dam, or buah v. cleanse or purify by animal trap. sprinkling liquid (typically rice wine) with a branch or piece of bark. This cleansing ceremony may also involve pouring liquid from a bronze bowl by a shaman or priest.

ƀak ƀhet mêkia

Ƀ - ƀ

ƀak v. cut out a lengthwise section ƀÃng hrÃm hrÃ n. classifier : pŏk. from bamboo tube or other diploma. hollow trunk, leaving a long ƀÃng kaset n. classifier : pŏk. cassette section of hollow interior tape. exposed, and a length of ƀÃng phĭm n. classifier : pŏk. video bamboo or trunk uncut. tape. ƀal v. remove a portion of an object ƀÃng pêgat rêd*h n. classifier : pŏk. by cutting out with a blade (of driverís license. inanimate objects such as trees ƀÃng pêrmĭt n. classifier : pŏk. or meat). learnerís permit. ƀar v. wrap a sarong around oneís ƀÃng sidi n. classifier : pŏk. compact waist. disc (CD). ƀÃ1 v. carry someone (especially a ƀÃp n. classifier : bh . wallet. baby) on one's back. ƀ0o v. smell, give off a smell. ƀÃ2 v. spread (of a virus or other ƀ0o brŭ v. stink, smell like a rotten or disease). decayed organism. ƀÃ hÃng adj. similar to. ƀ0o hiam v. smell good, smell pleasant. ƀÃ) n. classifier : bh, asÃr . 1. ƀ0o sat v. smell bad, smell unpleasant. bread. 2. any kind of sweet ƀeh adj. chipped. food. ƀeo n. classifier : phŭn. water ƀÃ) keŏ n. classifier : asÃr . candy. hyacinth. ƀÃ) mi n. classifier : bh . bread. ƀ*t 1 adj. damaged on the edge by ƀÃ) seo n. classifier : pŏk. rice bending or turning at point of pancake. impact (usually of metal). ƀÃ) têpung n. classifier : bh . bread. ƀ*t 2 v. frown. ƀÃ) trang n. classifier : pŏk. ƀhač adv. intensely (of bright or Vietnamese dried rice pancake. clear). ƀÃng n. classifier : pŏk. diploma, ƀhao n. type of skin fungus that certificate, award, license. causes flaking or itching. ƀÃng bêni n. classifier : pŏk. ƀhet apui v. rekindle a fire that is certificate of appreciation. almost extinguished by blowing ƀÃng diwidi n. classifier : pŏk. digital it gently. video disc (DVD). 65

ƀhet mêkia ƀop

ƀhet mêkia v. blow into someone's ear ƀlÃ 1 n. classifier : drêi . slug. (part of Jarai ear-blowing ƀlÃ 2 adj. indifferent, apathetic. ceremony to help someone ƀlÃč v. shell (remove a seed or nut become a good listener, from its shell). performed by a shaman). ƀlĕ v. leak, drip out, seep. ƀhing adj. 1. clear-headed (of ƀlĕ drah v. bleed. congestion). 2. clear (of sky). 3. ƀlĕ eh v. poop, defecate (accidentally). uncluttered. ƀlĕ ia adŭng v. have a runny nose. ƀhing ƀhang adj. open and spacious, ƀlĕ ia mêta v. be teary-eyed, shed tears. unobstructed and clear. ƀlĕ ia nŏt v. ejaculate, come (of sexual ƀhĭt adj. intentionally activity). uncommunicative and unfriendly (especially expressed ƀlĕn adj. half-opened (of eyes), by eyes). sleepy-eyed. ƀhok v. choke and cough in response ƀl*ng adj. having slanted eyes. to smoke. ƀliah adv. so as to be completely ƀhon adj. 1. relieved from physical covered or hidden. discomfort. 2. satisfied (of ƀlo adj. longer than the length physical needs). designated, overextending, ƀhu v. cause to dry. protruding. ƀhu) adj. having a funny facial ƀlor v. lie, deceive. expression just before smiling ƀlm adj. 1. tame, obedient (of or laughing. animals). 2. easily persuaded ƀhung adj. uncluttered, almost empty. into a relationship, easy (of ƀing part. plural particle (they or humans, especially women; negative). we). ƀlp v. exaggerate boastingly. ƀing gih pron. classifier : č. you all (plural, less formal). ƀlui adv. in thin wisps and floating ƀing gêmêi pron. classifier : č. we away gradually (of smoke). (exclusive). ƀl- )ŭp adv. repeatedly emerging from ƀing gê)u pron. classifier : č. they. water and disappearing again quickly. ƀing g pron. classifier : č. they. ƀl- thĕng adv. entering a place and ƀing ih pron. classifier : č. you all then leaving immediately (of (plural, formal). humans). ƀing ta pron. classifier : č. we ƀong (i*n n. classifier : bh . light bulb. (inclusive).

ƀop ƀudah

ƀop v. 1. draw liquid by sucking ƀra) adj. resembling small footprints (usually via a tube or straw). 2. (as a bird's). draw liquid through a tube by ƀrap v. drink by sucking with mouth, machine. not licking (of mammals). ƀop têpai v. suck rice wine from a jar ƀrÃ adj. walking together in a herd, with a straw. flock, or group. ƀor v. cut out a small but deep ƀreh adj. having an inferior taste (of portion of tree or large branch rice wine). with an ax. ƀreh (ŏk v. have a hoarse throat. ƀŏ n. classifier : bh . face. ƀring v. get brighter (usually of ƀŏ mêta n. classifier : bh . face. dawn). ƀŏng v. 1. eat (of any food except ƀrom n. classifier : arÃt . arrow (of steamed rice). 2. win (of bow). contest). 3. earn (of wage). ƀrom hraŏ n. classifier : arÃt . cross- ƀŏng huÃ v. 1. eat rice and other foods. bow arrow. 2. have a feast. ƀr adj. fitting, well-fitting. ƀê n. classifier : bh . the fifth ƀr dj adv. at the right moment. letter of the Jarai alphabet. ƀruač v. sift. ƀêi prep. on, upon, at. ƀruač eh v. poop accidentally. ƀêi akiÃng prep. at the corner. ƀruai v. sprinkle (of seeds or ƀêi anai deictic. right here, over here. chemicals). ƀêi anŭn deictic. right there, over ƀruih 1 n. brush. there. ƀruih 2 n. 1. speck. 2. cloud of particles ƀêi bêyan prep. during the season of. (in water). ƀêĭ v. set a cross-bow or trap to be ƀr-h v. disrespect. triggered. ƀr v. progress steadily. ƀêyÃ n. classifier : č . female person, ƀr br adv. little by little, bit by bit. always followed by anai (this), ƀu part. no, not (negation). anŭn (that), or adih (there). ƀu eng v. please, indulge someone, ƀra adj. having the appearance of spoil someone. being newly sprouted (of ƀu her v. think about someone vegetation). constantly or obsessively. ƀrač adv. brightly or intensely (of ƀu khĭn v. be afraid, not dare to. shining). Apui Ii!n jÃ ƀrač. The light shines brightly. ƀuah v. complain, grouse. ƀuai n. classifier : č. midwife.

ƀuÃn čar Ŭk

ƀuÃn v. 1. promise. 2. make an ƀung n. classifier : ƀĕ . spoon. appointment. ƀung ƀr-) n. classifier : ƀĕ . fork. ƀuÃt n. classifier : bh . can. ƀut n. classifier : bh . group, pile. ƀudah adj. or. ƀut ƀÃt n. classifier : čh . ƀuh v. 1. see. 2. find. neighborhood. ƀui 1 adj. dusty. ƀŭng n. classifier : arÃt . noodles. ƀui 2 v. 1. winnow. 2. sprinkle seed ƀ v. stretch, straighten up or power on surface. (something that is bent).

Č - č

ča adv. carelessly, disrespectfully, čar Ƀrayĭl n. classifier : bh . Brazil. recklessly. čar ;k n. classifier : bh . Germany. ča čŏt adv. very carelessly, very čar Indonesia. repay (can only refer to money čar Israel n. classifier : bh . Israel. or a consumable product). čar KhÃč n. classifier : bh . China. čang v. expect, hope for, wait for. čar Kur n. classifier : bh . Cambodia, čang čÃ n. classifier : drêi . spiny-tailed Kampuchea. gecko. čar Lao n. classifier : bh . Laos. čang rêmang v. hope for, wish for, čar Li*n S n. classifier : bh . Russia. have faith. čar Mal*yia n. classifier : bh . čao v. 1. drill. 2. burrow (as in a Malaysia. mouse). čar Mĕksik n. classifier : bh . čaŏ n. rice gruel or porridge. Mexico. čar 1 n. classifier : bh . country, čar Mi n. classifier : bh . America, nation. United States of America 2 čar v. split or cut slender pieces of (U.S.A.). wood lengthwise, especially čar Mong-g-lia n. classifier : bh . bamboo. Mongolia. čar Ang-gl* n. classifier : bh . čar @t n. classifier : bh . Japan. England, United Kingdom čar n ; n. classifier : bh . India. (UK). čar Phi-lĭp-pin n. classifier : bh . the čar Bêrma n. classifier : bh . Burma, Philippines. Myanmar. 68

čar PrÃng čĭm čep

čar PrÃng n. classifier : bh . France. čih hrÃ v. write a letter, write a book. čar Thaĭ n. classifier : bh . Thailand. čih pioh v. document, preserve by čar Ŭk n. classifier : bh. Australia. writing down, put down for čar Wi*t Nam n. classifier : bh . future generations. Vietnam. čik n. classifier : bh . pineapple. čayo n. egg roll, spring roll. Čil n. Montagnard tribe in the čÃč v. 1. abort a baby. 2. crush a Central Highlands of Vietnam. small insect, bug, or worm čing n. classifier : bh . gong. against a surface (mostly with čing arap n. classifier : bh . type of the fingers). gong used for death rituals; čÃp v. tie together, bind together, played at the home of the bundle. deceased, when accompanying čeh 1 n. classifier : bh . traditional the corpse to the cemetery, and Jarai rice wine jar. at the cemetery for different čeh 2 v. 1. hatch. 2. crack an egg. 3. ceremonial events. strike a lighter or match. čing pel n. second name for čing arap, čeh (-m n. classifier : bh . ancient used by Jarai who live in the Jarai rice wine jar. Pleiku region. čing put kk n. classifier : bh čeh hêtk n. classifier : bh . Jarai rice . new wine jar mostly owned by the type of gong invented by a Jarai wealthy as a sign of prestige. named Wang Ksor in 1975. The individual gongs are hung on a čem v. feed. long wooden pole so that two čem rng v. nurture, raise, take care of. men can play all the pieces čeo v. row, paddle a boat. while two other men shoulder čep n. sound a baby chick makes. the pole on each end. čer adj. outgoing, extroverted čing tai n. type of gong that produces a (especially of women). prolonged reverberating sound. čĕp v. use the fingers to pick up or čing tha n. classifier : bh . type of grab loose materials (for gong played exclusively by example, ground meat). elderly men on various čĕp pêpha v. use the fingers to pick up occasions to celebrate a new or grab loose materials in order house, a wedding, or the ritual to apportion to other people. of honoring relatives. či1 v. will, shall. čĭl v. chink, fill in gaps in order to či2 adv. about to, soon, shortly. stabilize. čih v. write by hand. čĭm n. classifier : drêi . bird. 69

čĭm čep čêmŏng

čĭm čep n. classifier : drêi . dragonfly. čê1 v. carry, bring, deliver (of čĭm djrap n. classifier : drêi . crow-like vehicles). bird believed by the Jarai to be čê2 n. classifier : bh . the sixth the soul of evil people. letter of the Jarai alphabet. čĭm kŏ n. classifier : drêi . white long- čêčÃng n. wing. legged bird that eats fish and čêčĕ n. classifier : č. great lives near water resources grandchild. (resembles a stork). čêčoh v. 1. finely chop meat or čĭm kêtr0o n. classifier : drêi . pigeon, vegetables (with a knife). 2. dove. type. 3. sew (by machine). čĭm rh n. classifier : drêi . sparrow. čêčoh hrÃ v. type a letter. čĭm s-ng n. classifier : drêi . pelican. čêdŏng mng n. starting point, čĭm têkuai mraih n. classifier : drêi . beginning. robin. čê(ai n. classifier : č. kid, small čĭm têleh n. classifier : drêi . child. woodpecker. čê(ai muai n. classifier : č. infant, čoh v. 1. bite (of snakes). 2. dig with newborn baby. a hoe. 3. peck (of birds). čê(ang v. crack (of inanimate objects). čok v. punch, strike with the fist. čê(eh n. small piece of meat that has čong v. 1. uproot weeds with claws or been cut from a larger portion paws. 2. clear vegetation with (usually raw). farming tools in order to make a čê(eh asar n. human flesh, especially path or farm. its desires and habits. čong jênah v. clear vegetation in order čê(eng n. classifier : ƀĕ . toe, finger (of to farm uncultivated land. humans). čŏk v. mourn, grieve, weep, cry čêg0o n. classifier : drêi . bear. over a death. čêkêi n. classifier : č. male person, čŏl v. 1. pound or mash various always followed by anai (this), types of food in a pot with a anŭn (that), or adih (there). stirring utensil. 2. stuff food čêlah v. separate, part, detach. into the mouth. čêlŏm adj. taboo, forbidden. čŏng v. hack, sever, cut (with a čêlŭ n. classifier : bh . large bowl machete, sword, or knife). (larger than mŏng). č n. classifier for humans. čh v. bloom, blossom.

čêmŏng č siang

čêmŏng n. classifier : bh . funnel- čuÃ 2 n. left-over grain from the rice shaped piece of woven bamboo wine jar (usually consists of inserted into a suai or r'p fish rice, husks, liquid, etc.). trap, used to prevent fish or čuÃn v. 1. choose, decide to accept. 2. other aquatic animals from approximate (only used for escaping. temporal concepts). čênaih n. classifier : ƀĕ . 1. pliers. 2. čuh v. 1. start a fire, burn. 2. wrench. blossom (of plants). 3. burn the čênap n. bundle of vegetables. hair, fur, or feathers off an čêngua n. large flat woven bamboo animal to be cooked. basket used for winnowing čuh adŭng v. wiggle the nose gently as grain. an outward expression of čran n. segment, section. delight. črang adv. in a straight row. čung v. 1. ante, to put up money črÃm v. 1. prune, trim, or cut plants. (used specifically for card 2. trim hair. games). 2. mother, care for, črÃn n. chapter, section, or passage protect. 3. walk intimately in of a book. close proximity. čur v. čr0o v. point one's finger. be pushy, force, push. čŭm v. čroh n. diarrhea. kiss. čŭm ƀ0o v. čroh ia n. classifier : bh . stream, 1. smell, take a whiff. 2. creek, brook. sniff (of animals). čŭp v. črong v. plan, intend to do. take a picture. čŭr n. classifier : ƀĕ črong pêsat v. make a grave for . chalk. someone who is known or čŭt v. 1. get dressed, put on clothes presumed to be dead, but whose or accessories (with the body is missing. The grave exception of glasses). 2. insert includes personal items an object into a hole. 3. belonging to the deceased. puncture meat or other objects črŏ v. put into. with a skewer-like tool. 4. pierce. čruah n. classifier : drêi . mud-fish. č-ng v. kick something by using the čruih v. put out fire, extinguish, ball of the foot. quench (with water only). č n. classifier : bh . mountain. čuah n. classifier : asÃr . sand. čuÃ 1 v. visit, stop by.

č siang dram gênam

č siang n. classifier : bh . mountains (special term to mountainous region. AnÃ č describe the tribal peoples of siang. The children of the Vietnam's Central Highlands).

D - d dang v. warm hands and body by a dor v. bury, cover with dirt. fire. dŏng v. owe, be indebted. dap v. organize, place objects in an dŏp v. steal, rob, pilfer. orderly fashion. d adj. having an oval shape. dap glng v. line up, form a straight dng v. hammer a tree trunk in order line. to remove its bark. dar v. 1. spin, rotate in a circular d1 v. 1. marry. 2. stay. 3. stop. pattern. 2. encircle, surround, d 2 adv. still (used to indicate the loop. continuance of an action or dÃng dÃ adv. in a staggering or condition). hobbling manner, with unstable d b*r v. 1. sit down. 2. remain sitting. footing. d bênai v. marry a woman (of men d*ng v. curse, cast an evil spell on only). someone. d hiam adj. goodbye, bye bye, stay d*t n. classifier : drêi . parakeet, well (parting phrase used only parrot. by an individual who is ding n. the sound of an explosion. leaving). ding dung adj. having a swinging d mêhlŭn adj. naked, nude, wearing motion (of a heavy, hanging no clothes. object). d rêkêi v. marry a man (of women ding kêna n. classifier : č. disciple, only). follower, adherent. dê n. classifier : bh . the seventh dĭng dĭt n. classifier : drêi . butterfly. letter of the Jarai alphabet. dĭng dŏng v. 1. stand up. 2. remain dêlÃm adj. 1. deep, extending far standing. downward. 2. deep, profound. dĭng d v. 1. sit down. 2. remain sitting. dênao n. classifier : bh . lake. dĭt adj. physically slow, having the dênung n. downhill, descending slope. habit of taking a long time to dra n. classifier : č. maid, young accomplish a task, characterized woman, girl in her youth. by slow movement. drah n. blood. 72 dram gênam Ie dram gênam n. possessions, stuff, duam v. have a fever, have a cold. belongings. duam ruÃ v. have a physical ailment, drÃ v. prop up, brace, support by have bodily sickness or pain. placing something under or duh v. pay retribution for a wrong against. done or for a serious crime driang n. violent death. committed. drm v. fell, cut, or chop down with duh nua v. pay retribution for a wrong an ax (usually a big tree). done or for a serious crime drêi 1 n. classifier : ƀĕ, arÃt . thorn. committed, with emphasis on drêi 2 n. classifier : č. form of the seriousness of the crime. address used for each other by dui v. pull, tow, haul. men who have married women du) v. pick up a small object, of the same family. usually an object smaller than a drêi 3 n. classifier for an animal. baseball. drêi jan n. human body, mind, spirit, dur v. 1. burrow (of animals). 2. well-being. place under a covering of some drŭt n. classifier : ƀĕ . type of Jarai sort, usually ash, sand, or soil wooden rake similar to a hoe, (of humans). but less sharp. It is made by d-i adj. physically or temporally attaching a long pole to a flat able, willing. board. d-m v. place, set, position. dua adj. two. d-m d adj. balanced, level, even.

; - (

(ah bênai n. classifier : č. woman, (ao n. classifier : ƀĕ . sword. female. (aŏ v. 1. believe (in something). 2. (ah rêkêi n. classifier : č. man, male. think, guess (approximate (ai n. radio channel or station. temporally). Su Iaŏ P!l rai pê (ak v. 1. tear plant material anai amÃng kl&o m'ng. He vertically with the hands. 2. thinks Pel will come here husk, shuck (of corn). around three o'clock. (ang n. classifier : blah . farm (Ãl v. elevate with, prop up, raise (except rice farms). with. (ang hêma n. classifier : blah . farm (e n. classifier : ƀĕ . 1. support (inclusive of all types). beam (of a structure). 2. suspension (of a vehicle). 73

Tega Iê1

;ega n. classifier : č. term used by (ing jêjŭ n. classifier : ƀĕ . bamboo the Montagnards of the Central tube used when planting rice; Highlands of Vietnam to refer rice is carried in the tube, to themselves. poured into the hand to plant, (eh v. sprout, shoot up, spring up and sealed in the ground using (of young plants). the butt of the tube. (ek v. 1. peel (skin of a fruit, (ing nÃm n. classifier : ƀĕ . Rhade vegetable, or bark of a tree). 2. musical instrument made by shell (of peanuts, beans, or attaching a hollow gourd to six legumes). bamboo tubes of varying (et adj. angry, hot-tempered, lengths. furious. (ing pi n. classifier : arÃt . straw tube (*l adj. shallow, not deep. that is cut from a rice trunk and (hĭt adj. having convulsive or blown through to make musical spasmodic movement before sound. dying. (ing têpai n. classifier : arÃt . straw for (hĭt (hÃt adj. having violent, drinking Jarai wine, usually convulsive or spasmodic made of a thin bamboo, plastic, movement before dying. or metal tube. (ir n. (hot n. classifier : ƀĕ . pipe used for sound of thunder, explosion. smoking. (ir (ir adv. with the rolling sound of (ih v. 1. lie down. 2. sleep with thunder or an explosion. someone (of sexual activity). (ĭ v. 1. climb, mount, ascend. 2. (ing 1 v. suspect. mate, copulate (of animals). 2 (ĭ kiar adj. (ing n. classifier : ƀĕ . tube, pipe, successful, thriving, drinking straw. flourishing. (ok v. (ing but n. classifier : bh . Rhade remove the bark, peel, or bamboo musical instrument skin. resembling a flute. (om adj. stuck, jammed, tangled. (ing (aŏ v. distrust, mistrust, doubt, be (om hên-h v. have debt, usually a suspicious of. substantial amount. (ing ia n. classifier : ƀĕ . water hose. (ŏk v. read. (ing jŏk n. classifier : bh . bamboo (ŏm v. stay overnight, spend the scoop with a hollow handle; night. used mostly for drinking (ng adj. capable of floating, alcohol, which is scooped and buoyant. drunk through the handle. 74

Iê1 ĕp

(ê 1 n. classifier : bh . the eighth (uÃn n. classifier : bh . hat. letter of the Jarai alphabet. (uh v. 1. explode. 2. start an engine. (ê 2 v. block a blow to one's body (ui n. classifier : č. friend. using the hands, arms, or an (ul v. 1. hit with the knee, elbow, or object. heel. 2. shape metal by (ê(a 1 adj. some. pounding with the butt of a (ê(a 2 adv. sometimes. vertical object. (uaĭ1 v. 1. run. 2. leave, depart, no (ur v. urge, persuade, admonish. longer stay. (ŭt adj. ended, finished, concluded. (uaĭ2 adj. discolored, faded (of (-m adj. ancient, having had a long color). existence. (uaĭ kêdŏp v. escape, evade, elude, (-êng n. sugar. hide oneself.

E - e e n. classifier : bh . the ninth em om adj. hesitating, vacillating, letter of the Jarai alphabet. wavering. eh 1 n. 1. poop, stool, manure, dung, eng 1 n. classifier : blah . skirt, excrement. 2. the noise a person sarong. makes when passing stool. eng 2 n. 1. bacteria that cause cavities. eh 2 v. defecate, poop, pass stool. 2. bacteria that eat sugarcane. eh ruai n. mole. eo n. classifier : drêi . cat. er n. singing voice.

Ĕ - ĕ

ĕ n. classifier : bh . the tenth ĕp v. look for, search for. letter of the Jarai alphabet. ĕk v. push food out of the mouth with the tongue (excluding liquid).

! gÃl

< - *

* n. classifier : bh . the eleventh letter of the Jarai alphabet.

 - 

 n. classifier : bh . the twelfth letter of the Jarai alphabet.

G - g ga n. accelerator, gas pedal. gai gênuaĭ n. classifier : ƀĕ . stick with gač n. classifier : bh . brick. a hook at the tip used to pick gač pêbŭng n. classifier : pŏk. shingle. fruit from trees. gah 1 n. direction, a word used for gai hrÃ n. classifier : ƀĕ . pen. indicating direction. gai jra n. classifier : ƀĕ . cane. gah 2 v. block by stretching out the gai kep n. classifier : ƀĕ . tongs. arms sideways. gai pêkÃ n. classifier : ƀĕ . measuring gah anÃp prep. before, in front of. stick. gah hênuÃ n. 1. right side. 2. east. gai rêdŏng n. classifier : ƀĕ . post hole gah ieo n. 1. left side. 2. west. digger. gah klon prep. behind. gai rêml n. classifier : ƀĕ . dibber, gah ng prep. above. poking stick used for planting seeds, especially corn and rice. gah rêgŭ prep. below. gai rêyŏng n. classifier : ƀĕ . pencil. gah yŭ n. below. gai tŏ n. classifier : ƀĕ . crutch. gai n. classifier : ƀĕ . stick, twig. gai tênih n. classifier : ƀĕ . Jarai post gai čih n. classifier : ƀĕ . pen. hole digger made out of a long gai čŭt mênŏng n. classifier : ƀĕ . bamboo tube. skewer. gaĭ n. rash consisting of small red gai duih n. classifier : ƀĕ . chopstick. bumps. gai gat n. classifier : ƀĕ . ruler. gak v. patrol, guard. ga) v. carry a pole on the shoulder with an object on each end. 76 gar gŏm gar v. be jealous, be envious. ging mêta n. upper bone of the eye gÃl adj. justified, legally right. socket. gÃm v. 1. land in a tree or any other giŏng adv. until finished, completed, type of plant (of birds and or done. insects). 2. light a piece of gir v. strive, try, attempt, make an wood from a burning fire. effort to achieve a goal. gÃn v. cross, pass through. gir kêtir v. strive hard, try vigorously, gÃng adj. 1. durable, not easily make a diligent effort to broken or bent (of stick-like achieve a goal. objects). 2. firm, not soft (of gĭt v. push over, bend something cooked rice). down (of stick-like objects). gÃng gt adj. 1. very durable, not so gĭt gai v. direct, supervise, manage, easily broken or bent (of stick- administer. like objects). 2. very firm, not glai n. classifier : bh . forest. very soft (of cooked rice). glaĭ1 v. return, come back, go back. gÃng grao adj. 1. very durable, not so glaĭ2 adj. incorrect, inaccurate, easily broken or bent (of stick- wrong. like objects). 2. very firm, not glÃk conj. while, during the time very soft (of cooked rice). when. gÃp adj. 1. having the right size, glÃr adj. starving, famished, fitted, suitable. 2. having the suffering from extreme hunger. right amount. gl*h adj. tired, worn out, fatigued. gÃp ƀro adj. 1. having just the right gl*h glan adj. very tired, worn out, size, perfectly fitted, very extremely fatigued. suitable 2. having just the right gl*k v. tickle. amount. glŏm v. throw, toss, cast, fling. gÃt v. draw a line or lines (usually 1 with a pen or pencil). glng n. path, trail. 2 g*p v. squeeze and hold (usually glng adj. 1. tall. 2. long (of objects). meat) with two parallel sticks. glng glĭn adj. 1. very tall. 2. very long g*t n. classifier : bh . gourd. (of objects). g*t ia n. classifier : bh . gourd used glŭng v. roll. as a water container. glŭt v. sink, submerge, become giÃm adv. near, close. partly buried (as in mud). giÃng mah n. classifier : č. close gl-h v. collapse, fall down, crumble. friend. gŏm v. cover with a lid or an object gih n. classifier : č. you (plural). that serves as a lid. 77 gŏng g:l gŏng n. post, pole, stake (not for a gra) v. growl. house). grat n. insignia of rank. gŏng jêlan n. 1. mediator, gr* n. classifier : bh . chair. intermediary, go-between. 2. gring v. 1. mentor, assist, help. 2. help match maker. someone walk when he is gŏng plêi n. classifier : č. village unable to. representative. grĭ adj. 1. dirty, mucky, grimy, gŏp n. classifier : č. friend, filthy. 2. immoral, indecent. companion. grĭ gra) adj. 1. excessively dirty, filthy, gm v. cover an object by covering mucky, or grimy. 2. extremely its mouth with a cloth, leaf, or immoral or indecent. sheet-like material, and tie the grŏm n. thunder. rim with a string. grŏng v. 1. endure, withstand, hang gng n. classifier : bh . guitar. tough, stick out. 2. take g1 n. classifier : bh . pot, pan. responsibility for someone g2 v. force, coerce. else's expense or debt. gê n. classifier : bh . the thirteenth grŏng glÃm v. take responsibility for. letter of the Jarai alphabet. grh v. bark. gêmêi pron. we (exclusive). grng n. classifier : ƀĕ . crab's claw. gêmrŏng n. classifier : bh . forest, gr n. classifier : drêi . eagle. jungle. gu adj. bent, tilted. gênam n. property, possession, guai n. border, boundary. belonging. guaĭ v. 1. hook. 2. lasso, loop. gênam ƀŏng n. food. gui v. 1.carry on the back (of gênang v. lean on, rely on, depend on. objects). 2. carry out a duty. gênÃm n. cloudiness, darkness (as in gun adj. busy, not available. before raining). gut v. bend. gê)u n. classifier : č. they, them, gŭk v. 1. turn over a water container their (exclusive). on its side so that the water gêwang n. classifier : arÃt . a circular spills out. 2. submerge the ring-like object. mouth of a water container gêyŭt n. classifier : č. friend, under the surface so that it fills. companion. gŭm v. support, help, assist. gêyŭt gêy0o n. friends, companions. gŭm gp v. unite, conjoin. g pron. 1. he, him, his. 2. she, her, gŭm djru v. support, help, or assist hers. each other. 78 g:l hl&o2 g-l conj. at the time when (of past g-t v. 1. agree. 2. obey, submit. events). g v. press, push down.

H - h ha 1 adj. 1. a, one, single. 2. alone. him v. estimate, guess. ha 2 v. open the mouth. hing ang adj. well-known, renowned, hah interj. what, huh, pardon. popular. ham adj. greedy, covetous. hip n. classifier : bh . chest (a box han n. classifier : č. son-in-law. with a lid used especially for hang adj. feeling a burning sensation the safekeeping of belongings). from the intensity of the heat. hiu v. go do something without hang ia n. shore, riverbank. specifying a destination. hiu lua v. hÃ interj. word used to add go hunting. 1 emphasis to a question (always hi-t v. stand on one's toes. placed at the end of a question). hi-t 2 adj. afraid of heights. Ih hiam drêi jan mn hÃ? How him adv. how. are you? hla 1 n. classifier : pŏk. leaf. hÃng 1 adj. spicy, hot. hla 2 v. imitate, mimic. hÃng 2 prep. with, along with. hla mêar n. classifier : pŏk. paper. hÃng 3 n. classifier : asÃr . pepper hlai adj. 1. small amount, especially (excluding black pepper). of money. 2. single, hÃng 4 conj. and. independent, unattached (only hÃng ng prep. above, atop. used for animals or humans). h0o h0o adv. noisily (of animals or hlang n. thatch. humans). hlao adj. 1. finished producing (of h0ŏ adj. hot and sweaty. plants). 2. recovered (of humans hek v. tear, rip. or animals). hĕng hŏng adj. characterized by not hlÃk conj. while, during. knowing what to do. hlÃt n. classifier : drêi . caterpillar, hia v. cry, weep, sob. elongated wormlike larva of a hiam adj. 1. beautiful. 2. good, fine. butterfly or moth. hlÃt mrai n. classifier : drêi hiÃng n. sky. . silkworm. hl0o 1 adv. hiÃp n. 1. sound. 2. voice. 3. accent. before, ahead of, at an earlier time. hil adj. angry, mad. hl0o 2 n. classifier : ƀĕ . pestle. 79 hleng Hêdrung hleng n. a physical condition hŏk v. fall out, fall off (of grain-like characterized by thin, yellowish material). appearance (of humans). hŏng 1 adj. 1. empty. 2. unoccupied, hling v. decant, to pour from one not busy. vessel into another. hŏng 2 adj. rowdy, boisterous, noisy. hling hlang adj. strange (as in hŏt n. tobacco, cigarette. unknown, unfamiliar, foreign). hng adj. spacious, roomy. hloh adj. more, more than, over. hng hang adj. very spacious, very hlong hlar adv. forever, eternally. roomy. hlor adj. 1. hot (as in temperature). hê n. classifier : bh . the 2. hot-tempered. fourteenth letter of the Jarai hlŏk n. very fine powder-like alphabet. substance from the husks of hêbia n. classifier : č. queen. rice. hêbn adj. padded, soft, cushioned. hlŏng v. skim, clear (a liquid) of hêbêi n. classifier : bh . word floating substance. indicating a root, tuber, or nut hl mênŏng n. classifier : drêi . that grows underground. animal. hêbêi plm n. classifier : ƀĕ . cassava, hlêi pron. who, what or which manioc. person. hêbêi teng n. classifier : bh . taro hluh 1 v. understand, comprehend. root. hluh 2 adj. having a hole (of thick hêƀak adj. gross, nasty, yucky. material). hêƀlač adj. flirtatious. 1 hlŭ adj. dirty, muddy. hêda n. classifier : ƀĕ . bamboo stake hlŭ2 n. dirt, mud. used for killing animals or hlŭng 1 n. classifier : bh . 1. stomach, humans. abdomen. 2. pit that is used as a hêdÃng n. classifier : têlŏ. charcoal. trap. hêdĭp v. live. 2 hlŭng v. fall (of leaves, fur, or hair). hêdor adj. remember. hong n. classifier : drêi . potter wasp. hêdŏm n. classifier : drêi . ant. hor v. want, desire, be interested in. hêdŏm sao n. classifier : drêi . edible hŏ interj. word used to emphasize red ant that lives on trees. a command. Ih d pê sang hŏ. hêdrÃng n. classifier : arÃt . belt (of You stay home (with an clothing). emphasis). hêdring n. classifier : ƀĕ . pieces of meat on a skewer. 80 hêdr'm hêyÃl hêdrm n. classifier for a thick book. hênÃl čêčoh n. classifier : bh . cutting Hêdrung n. subgroup of the Jarai board. people. hênÃl dĭng d n. classifier : bh . small, hêduah v. search, look for. short wooden stool. hê(ang n. classifier : pŏk. wooden hênÃl jŭ n. classifier : bh . board, wooden plank. blackboard. hê(Ãp adj. ancient, former, of or hêni n. classifier : drêi . bee. relating to the past. hênua n. classifier : ƀĕ . dead fallen hê(ŏng adj. 1. still, motionless. 2. tree. calm, peaceful. hênun n. nest of underground animals, hê(ŭ n. classifier : č. daughter-in- such as a mouse. law. hênŭm n. classifier : bh . temporary hêget adv. what, why. winter shelter made of wood, hêgor n. classifier : bh . drum. leaves, and straw. hêgŏm1 adv. secretly, out of view. hênŭn adv. really, truly, oh yes (used hêgŏm2 adj. secret, clandestine, hidden. only as a question). hên- 1 conj. hêhur adj. 1.emptied of objects. 2. at the time when. 2 free from obstructions. hên- adj. same, identical (especially hêjŭng n. top, tip (of trees or plants). in age). hên-h n. hêjŭng n. classifier : č. concubine. debt. hê v. hêkam n. big pieces of rice husk. put on (of clothing). hêpÃ n. classifier : drêi hêka) n. classifier : drêi . mud-fish. . type of small, flat freshwater fish. hêma n. classifier : bh . farm. hêtai n. classifier : hla . liver. hêmao 1 v. be available, have time. hêtai bh n. classifier : bh . heart. hêmao 2 adv. 1. in time. 2. catching up. hêtoh v. cuss, swear. hêmÃr adv. quickly, fast, rapidly. hêtŏm v. curse, blaspheme, call upon Hêmŏng n. classifier : č. an ethnic supernatural power to send group of Laos. injury upon. hêm v. hear. hêtŭk v. boil, cook in boiling water. hêm hing v. hear of, know about. hêuh n. 1. hot and humid. 2. hot and hêna v. fry. sweaty. hênÃl n. classifier : pŏk. wooden hê-i adj. having the desire not to board, wooden plank. waste something. hênÃl akŏ n. classifier : bh . pillow. hêwÃk v. reach one's hand into a hole in order to pull something out. 81 hêyÃl h:t hêyÃl adj. lonely, lonesome. hrŏ1 n. classifier : bh . long, conical hêyor adj. having the appearance of shaped bamboo fish trap. being ripe (of brightly colored hrŏ2 adj. reduced, decreased (as in fruits). quantity). hêyuh n. 1. steam, vapor. 2. breathe. hrŏm adv. together. hra n. salt. hrh adj. producing many offspring hrai v. scatter a grain-like substance. (of animals). hran v. snore. hrêi n. day. hraŏ n. classifier : ƀĕ . crossbow. hrêi anai n. today, the present day. hraŏ diu n. bow. hrêi dŏng n. noon. hrÃ 1 v. hurl, throw (of spears or hrêi sa n. Monday. spear-like objects). hruaĭ v. jump over (of animals). hrÃ 2 n. classifier : pŏk. paper. hruÃ v. cinch, tighten a belt or strap. hrÃ čih n. classifier : sŏp. notebook. hrui v. 1.gather in grain-like hrÃ sač n. classifier : sŏp. book. substances for storage. 2. draw hrÃm v. learn, study. a bucket out of the water by a hrÃng v. loop around (as in putting on rope. 3. coil string, rope, or fishing line. a belt). hrup adj. identical, the same. hrÃp v. sick of, tired of. hr-n v. push oneself with arms or hrek v. scream, shout. legs. hret v. zip. hua v. drag an object or load along hrĕ n. classifier : arÃt . string, the ground. thread, rope. huač v. whistle by inserting the hriÃng n. classifier : arÃt . chain. fingers into the mouth. hrip v. inhale through the nose. huÃ v. eat (of rice, or a combination hroi n. subgroup of the Jarai tribe. of rice and other food). 1 hrong adj. steady or increasing in huÃč1 n. classifier : bh . small rice population (of domestic wine jar. animals). huÃč2 adv. wastefully. hrong 2 n. classifier : bh . small woven huĭ adj. scared, afraid, fearful. bamboo basket used to contain h-p ham adj. greedy, covetous. small freshwater or marine animals. h-t adj. crazy.

82 i jÃm

I - i i n. classifier : bh . the fifteenth ia lÃk n. Vietnamese rice liquor. letter of the Jarai alphabet. ia ling n. dew. ia n. water. ia lŏk n. water that collects inside a ia apui n. kerosene. tree trunk. ia ƀlÃng n. pure drinking water. ia mŭn n. classifier : bh . well. ia čÃ n. spring water. ia ngm n. dew. ia čêƀu n. soap. ia plŏk n. water that collects in ia čêƀu ia n. liquid soap. potholes, such as in animal ia čêƀu têlŏ classifier : têlŏ. n. bar footprints. soap. ia sÃng n. gasoline. ia čênang n. spring water flowing ia têpŏng n. classifier : bh . well down and through a tube, used enclosed by cement. for showering, drinking, and ia têtÃng n. fast-running water. other purposes. ia trop n. water that collects on the ia čroh n. classifier : bh . creek. ground under the grass. ia dênao n. classifier : bh . lake, pond. ia tum n. deep whirlpool. ia hêni n. honey. ih pron. classifier : č. you. ia j0o n. 1. kerosene. 2. animal fat. in v. print. ia klu) n. classifier : atŏk, g*t . ir adv. having the characteristics perfume, cologne. of a large flame.

Ĭ - ĭ

ĭ n. classifier : bh . the sixteenth ĭk ĭk adv. having the sound of a letter of the Jarai alphabet. crowd.

J - j

jač v. be in a hurry, be in a rush, be jah v. cut small plants and/or grass hasty. with machete or other blade with a left-to-right motion. jam n. classifier : bh . plate.

jao djÃl2

jao v. entrust, appoint, assign, give jêl- v. hit or push swiftly with authority to. excessive force. Jarai n. referring to the Jarai people, jêman adj. tasty, delicious. language, or tribe of Vietnam. jênah n. classifier : bh . field that has jÃ v. glow, radiate, gleam. been left fallow. jÃm v. 1. blame. 2. accuse. jênŭm v. gather, congregate (mostly J*h 1 n. referring to the J!h people, for religious purposes). language, or tribe of Vietnam. jêngač adj. clean, clear (of water). j*h 2 v. press down, pack down. jêngŭm adj. not lonely, having j*k v. put in, place in. companionship. j adj. close, near. jrao n. medicine, remedy. jing v. 1. become, come to be. 2. is. jrÃ v. jab, poke, thrust. jĭ v. scrape out the roots of grass jr v. extend the arms forward. with a hoe. jrh v. poke, make a short prodding, jĭt n. dent. jabbing, or thrusting movement, jh v. break in two. especially repeatedly. jng n. classifier : ƀĕ . ax. jrk v. poke or stick into the skin at jp n. classifier : drêi . mud dauber. an angle. jruh v. fall, fall off (especially of jr v. 1. complain, bewail. 2. leaves or fruits). suction liquid through a small tube in order to release it into a jrŭm n. classifier : arÃt . needle. container. jua n. sound, noise. jê n. classifier : bh . the juai v. throw, toss, fling. seventeenth letter of the Jarai juÃ v. step on, stamp, trample. alphabet. juÃt v. 1. be acquainted with, be jêgÃn n. classifier : bh . partition. familiar with. 2. get used to. jêlan n. classifier : bh . road, street, jum dar adv. around, surrounding. trail. jŭ1 adj. black, dark in color. jŭ2 v. count.

DJ - dj djah n. 1. trash, waste, garbage. 2. djÃ v. 1. hold in the hand, grasp. 2. leftover (of food). 3. used (of bring. clothing). djÃl 1 adj. short in length. djai v. die. 84 djÃl2 kÃn kŏ djÃl 2 adv. soon, quickly, fast . Ih rai dj 1 adj. true, accurate, correct, djÃl hŏ! You come soon! right. dje v. claim a piece of land by dj 2 v. catch, be infected with (of marking its borders. disease). djel adv. clean, leaving nothing. P!l dj3 adv. 1. on target. 2. mentioning. kih sang djel biÃ mÃ. Pel djrang n. classifier : drêi . leopard. sweeps the house very clean. djring adv. pertaining to the sound of djep n. leftover rice husks. thunder or gong music. djet v. wring out the liquid. djrng n. classifier : drêi . shrew. djhl adj. light, not heavy. djru v. help, assist. djhl djhĕ adj. very light, not heavy at djruah n. classifier : drêi . deer. all. djruai adv. following one after another djik v. criticize, find fault with. in a continuous line. djŏp adv. 1. enough, sufficiently. 2. djr-ng adv. carefully, cautiously. all over. djuai n. 1. last name, family name, djê n. classifier : bh . the clan name. 2. kind (of plants or eighteenth letter of the Jarai animals). alphabet. djuh n. classifier : ƀĕ . unburned djêdjih adj. dribbling, oozing. firewood. djŭp v. smoke a cigarette.

K - k kač v. draw a line. kang 1 n. classifier : bh . 1. chin. 2. kah 1 v. divide, separate. jaw. kah 2 n. classifier : drêi . kind of kang 2 n. classifier : ƀĕ . stick used to black ant that lives in tree measure the amount of rice trunks. It makes a sticky nest, wine taken from the jar. which the Jarai use as glue, kap n. classifier : bh . Jarai animal especially for sealing holes. trap. kai v. 1. plow. 2. sweep aside. kar n. classifier : bh . large tin cup kaih adv. 1. late, slow in showing up. with a handle. 2. too slowly. kar hÃng adj. similar to, like. kak n. classifier : pŏk. card. kart n. classifier : ƀĕ . carrot. kanong n. classifier : ƀĕ . cannon. kÃč n. classifier : drêi . mosquito. kÃl v. fasten with a latch. 85 kÃn kl!r jŭ kÃn adv. not either. Su kÃn th&o khuer v. bore a hole. mn. He doesn't know either. khul n. 1. group, kind (of animals). kÃn kŏ n. classifier : drêi . millipede. 2. group, kind, race (of kÃp n. classifier : ƀĕ . scissors. humans). k0o pron. classifier : č. I, me, my, kh-i v. open a can or bottle with a mine. tool. keng n. classifier : ƀĕ . any musical kh-m adv. calmly, tranquilly, serenely instrument resembling a flute. (of humans). keo n. traditional Vietnamese game. kih v. sweep. kep v. grab with tongs or a tong-like kiêng n. classifier : bh . cooper instrument. necklace. ket v. choke. kĭ n. kilogram. kĕ v. 1. bite, sting. 2. shock (of kla 1 v. 1. pay. 2. pay back (of debt). electricity). 3. cause a small kla 2 n. bald. burn (of fire). kla 3 n. classifier : drêi . roach. kĕt keng adj. a lot, many, plentiful. klaih v. 1. escape. 2. quit, cease an k*l v. bite (of large fruit). action. Khač n. classifier : č. Chinese. klan n. classifier : drêi . parasite. khak v. clear mucus from the throat. klang 1 n. classifier : drêi . hawk. khÃn n. classifier : blah . towel. klang 2 n. classifier : pŏk. kite, frame khÃng adj. hard, tough, durable. covered with paper or cloth to khÃng khot adj. very hard, tough, or be flown in the air. durable. klao v. 1. laugh. 2. smile. khiêl n. classifier : bh . shield. klÃ 1 adj. nice, good, amiable. khong 1 v. cease raining. klÃ 2 v. crash into, hit, bump. khong 2 n. drought. klÃm n. afternoon. khot adj. 1. dry (of throat). 2. lacking klÃn n. classifier : drêi . python. water. klÃp n. classifier : drêi . winged khŏl adj. characterized by the termite. snapping or breaking sound of a kleh v. break off a branch from a stick-like object. plant. khŏm v. must, have to. klep 1 v. stick. khuÃ v. lock. klep 2 adj. 1. sticky. 2. clingy. khuek v. insert a stick-like object or kler n. classifier : drêi . mole finger into a hole. cricket.

86 klĕ kêdul klĕ v. steal, rob, swipe. kê 1 n. classifier : bh . the kl*r n. classifier : drêi . cricket. nineteenth letter of the Jarai kl*r jŭ n. classifier : drêi . field cricket. alphabet. 2 klih adj. stingy, mean, not generous. kê prep. for, to. klĭ n. classifier : pŏk. skin. kêƀah v. lack, be deficient, be klo adj. bald. inadequate. kêƀai n. classifier : bh klŏng n. classifier : drêi . carpenter . large copper bee. container used to store water. kêƀang n. classifier : bh klŏng kluah n. classifier : drêi . giraffe. . table. kêƀang čih n. classifier : bh klng v. scoop up with the arms or . board with a tool. used for writing (usually with chalk or charcoal). klua 1 v. 1. pour liquid into something kêƀŭng n. classifier : bh . copper (especially of hot water). 2. water container that is larger pour liquid over something. than kêƀai. klua 2 n. classifier : drêi . very kêčao v. grasp tightly with claws or slippery kind of freshwater fish fingernails. found in Vietnam's Central Highlands. kêčĕt v. pinch with two fingernails. klŭng 1 adj. characterized by being in a kêčik adv. characterized by a wide, pile. toothy smile. klŭng 2 n. the sound of a tall object kêčŏk n. classifier : bh . cup, mug. falling over. kêčŏk mênĭl n. classifier : bh . glass. kl-h v. pry apart. kêčŏng n. top, highest point. kl-ng v. boost with the hands. kêčuh v. spit out (usually of saliva). kol v. 1. tie a knot. 2. arrange future kêčŭn v. 1. bend (of leg and arm). 2. marriage for one's child. draw the knees to the chest. kor v. sweep aside. kêdah v. 1. kick backward. 2. bounce. kŏk n. classifier : bh . 1. animal kêdÃt v. jump over, jump a long bell. 2. carved bamboo tube that distance. is struck with a stick in order to kêd0o v. jump down. scare animals away from the kêdor n. classifier : drêi . paper wasp. farm. kêdt v. jump up and down. 1 kŏm adj. taboo, banned, forbidden. kêdr-h adj. respected, honorable, kŏm2 v. abstain from certain activities esteemed. that are deemed unhealthy or kêdul adj. a word emphasising a spiritually harmful. person's or animal's fatness. 87 kêdŭn kênŭk nêka kêdŭn v. move backward, back up, kê(uh 2 v. 1. shake out a piece of cloth- draw back. like material by holding it at kêdŭng n. classifier : blah . bag, one end with both hands and pocket, pouch. giving it one strong flap. 2. hit kêdŭng bÃk n. classifier : blah . purse. over the head with flat material kêdŭng gui n. classifier : bh . (especially with a flat basket). backpack. kê(ul n. heel. kêdŭng hrÃ n. classifier : bh . book kê(up adv. lowering one's head out of bag. respect or fear. kêdŭng sÃk kê( n. classifier : bh . kê(ŭt v. hump (as in sexual activity). camouflage backpack that is kêhêniÃ adj. tight, narrow, cramped. used by military personnel. kêiÃng n. the left and right sides of the kêd- n. classifier : kênua . uphill. waist. kê(ap v. take refuge, take shelter kêjÃp adj. firm, stable, secure. (usually temporarily). kêkuh 1 interj. hello, hey, hi. kê(Ã v. call a dog by making clicking kêkuh 2 v. bow, lower one's torso in sounds. showing respect. kê(eh v. pull the trigger. kêmai adŭng n. dried booger. kê(ĕ n. classifier : asÃr . smallest kêman n. manure bacteria that cause a type of freshwater snail. person to have itchy, cracked, kê(i n. matter, issue, case to be and scaly feet. judged. kêmlÃ n. lighting. kê(i čar n. politics. kêmlÃng adj. wild (of animals). kê(ong v. 1. get stuck on the other side kêml adj. mute, dumb, unable to of the river. 2. carry offspring in speak. the womb (of animals). kênai n. classifier : č. the term an kê(ong thÃn n. classifier : bh . older brother calls the husband military post, military unit, of his younger sister, or the military camp. term a man calls the older kê(ŏm v. stamp, affix a seal. brother of his wife. kê(uh 1 n. classifier : pŏk. 1. shell. 2. kênam v. hold a grudge against one's tree bark. close friend or family member by refusing to see that person. kênang v. 1. lean on, especially against a durable vertical object. 2. lean on, rely on.

88 kênao kêt:n kênao v. hit on the head with the kêtar v. twist with the hand or a screw knuckle. driver. kênÃm n. dark. kêtÃk n. sap (of trees or plants). kêni n. classifier : ƀĕ . one-stringed kêt0o n. classifier : drêi . lice. wooden musical instrument kêteh n. bead used to ornament played with a bow. clothing. kênŏng adj. only. kêthŭng n. classifier : bh . bucket, kênŭk nêka n. government. pail. kê)ai n. classifier : drêi . dung beetle. kêthŭng ia n. classifier : bh . water kê)ung n. classifier : drêi . tumblebug. container, jug. kêpaih n. cotton. kêthŭng djah n. classifier : bh . trash kêpal adj. thick, dense. can. kêpĭ v. apply pressure by squeezing kêthŭng phi n. classifier : bh . oil something or someone in drum. between. kêthŭng pruih n. watering can. kêpĭ kêpĕt v. oppress, suppress, kêtit v. 1. crush, squash, smash. 2. persecute. press (usually a button). kêpĭl adj. describing a person who kêtop n. classifier : drêi . does not listen when someone grasshopper. calls. kêtop jng n. classifier : drêi . large, kêplah prep. 1. during. 2. between. green-colored grasshopper. kêplah wah prep. in between, in the kêtop trang n. classifier : drêi . locust. middle of. kêtêng v. toss up into the air. kêpŏt v. make a fist. kêtraŏ adj. heavy. kêsÃk n. classifier : blah . sandbag. kêtr0o n. classifier : drêi . pigeon, kêsep adj. narrow. dove. kêsu 1 v. swish (of mouth). Kêtu n. a Montagnard tribe in kêsu 2 n. classifier : arÃt . 1. plastic. 2. Vietnam. rubber band. kêtuai v. 1. follow a track. 2. retrace a kêsua n. classifier : drêi . porcupine. story. kêtal 1 n. itch. kêtuaĭ n. classifier : bh . termite 2 mound. kêtal v. itch. 1 1 kêtŭ v. kêtang adj. 1. powerful, strong. 2. fart. 2 cruel, mean. kêtŭ n. fart. kêtang 2 adv. loudly. AnÃm pêhiÃp kêtŭng v. break a string. kêtang. Don't talk loudly. 89 kêt:n Kur kêt-n v. strive, make an effort to krm prep. space under a Jarai achieve. traditional longhouse. kêw-h v. pray, cry for help. krua n. classifier : drêi . 1. turtle. 2. kêy0o n. classifier : ƀĕ . tree. tortoise. kn v. weigh. kruh v. cover something with twigs, kra n. classifier : drêi . monkey. leaves, branches, and small kraih v. faint. plants. krŭk adv. with a gulping sound. kral n. classifier : bh . type of poisonous fruit used on an krŭk krŭk n. the clucking sound of a arrow tip. chicken. kram n. classifier : ƀĕ . large type of krŭng n. footprint, track. bamboo with a large hollow kuah v. 1. scratch. 2. scrape off. 3. space inside. shave. 4. grate. kran v. recognize. kuai v. 1. carry a person by placing kra) n. classifier : drêi . small type the legs over the shoulders. 2. of carp. dig with hands, feet, or claws. krao v. call, shout, speak in a loud 3. film. distinct voice. kuaĭ v. scoop up a grain-like krÃ n. burned rice on the bottom of substance with the hands or bowl-like object. the pan. kuar v. 1. stir. 2. hug, embrace. krÃng adj. rusty, corroded (of metal). kuÃng n. the space between the thighs. krÃp v. 1. wait, stay in place in expectation of. 2. waylay, lie in kuek n. oink. wait for. kueng n. classifier : bh . parcel of kr0o v. kill fish by immersing land that is surrounded by a poisonous plants in still water. dam or fence. krem n. classifier : arÃt . popsicle. kueo adj. u-shaped, like a fish hook. kret 1 adv. silently, quietly. kuĕk n. classifier : hruh . match box. kret 2 v. be quiet, be silent. kuĕl v. curl up. krih v. smooth or sharpen by kuh n. classifier : ƀĕ . sharp prod scraping with a knife. used to guide an elephant by kro adj. dry. poking its head. kuĭ v. twist strings in order to make krot krot adj. characterized by a a rope. crunchy sound. kuli n. classifier : č. coolie, krŏn adj. numb. unskilled laborer. krŏng v. stay up late at night. 90

Kur lih

Kur n. classifier : č. Cambodian. kŭn rŏng v. turn oneís back on kŭk n. classifier : ƀĕ . handle, stick someone. (of farming tools). kŭp v. bow the head, lie face down kŭl v. coil a thread, string, or rope. on the ground. kŭn v. 1. refuse to move when a k-t v. sing a traditional Rhade song. leash or rein is pulled (of k v. keep on. animals). 2. be slow to obey a command (of humans).

L - l la 1 n. the name of "A" note on the lÃh v. 1. spread apart (of legs). 2. musical scale. split apart. la 2 n. classifier : bh . spleen. lÃng v. look, gaze. lač v. 1. lie, prevaricate, trick. 2. lÃp adj. perfectly fitted, sufficient, maneuver (as in running). perfectly timed. lai 1 adj. racially mixed. lÃr adj. easily discharged (of lai 2 v. immerse a basket of rice or weapons). other substance in water in le adj. small amount, especially of order to remove the dross. money. laih adv. already, finished, lĕ adj. term used to emphasize a indicating a complete action. question. PêpÃ ;u nao lĕ? laĭ v. say, announce, tell. Where does he go? lam n. classifier : pŏk. razor. lĕl v. stick out the tongue. lang v. spread out a sheet-like l*l adj. 1. afraid, fearful, scared. 2. material on the surface. cowardly, chicken. lao 1 adj. clashing, incongruous. l*m v. roll (usually of tobacco). Lao 2 n. classifier : č. Lao people. l v. fall (usually of humans). lao ƀao adj. strongly clashing, highly lia v. 1. bow down and beg incongruous. someone for something. 2. lar adj. productive, multiplying (as dance gracefully with arms in offspring). stretching out horizontally. lar hiu v. popularize, make known. liah v. lick (of tongue). lÃ 1 v. subside, become less intense. lÃ 2 adj. small and flat-shaped (usually of rocks). 91 lih mÃ lih v. bless or honor someone with lê 2 n. date (of calendar). food and rice wine, as well as lê 3 n. classifier : bh . the twentieth having a shaman pray over that letter of the Jarai alphabet. person. lê 4 n. classifier : bh . the twentieth lik adj. 1. mushy, overcooked (of letter of the Jarai alphabet. cooked food). 2. ripe and soft lêi v. benefit, make a profit, gain. (of fruits). lêleh adj. silent, noiseless, soundless. lik têpik adj. 1. very mushy, extremely lêluih adj. shiny, glossy. overcooked (of cooked food). 2. lm prep. at, around, the time when. very ripe and soft (of fruits). lua v. stalk, go through (an area) in ling v. flood. search of prey. ling jang n. classifier : č. angel. luai v. swim. lit n. liter. luÃ adj. deviated, swerved, strayed loa n. classifier : bh . speaker (of (from the intended target). sound device). luÃ gŭ v. respect, hold in high regard. lŏk adv. repeatedly, again and lui v. 1. put, place, leave. 2. stop. 3. again. abandon. lŏm v. erase, delete. luih adj. worn out. lŏn n. 1. soil, earth. 2. land. luil n. oil. lŏn ia n. classifier : bh . country, luk v. mix, combine, or blend into nation. one mass. lŏn tênah n. classifier : bh . earth, luk lak v. mix thoroughly, combine world. completely. lŏng adj. having no menstrual lŭng n. classifier : bh . swelling in period. the vagina or penis (of lm v. cover a book or notebook. sickness). ln v. swallow. l-h v. put down, set down a burden ln lŏng v. swallow whole. that is carried on the body (such lng v. 1. try, attempt. 2. test, as a backpack). examine. l-k n. pectoral muscles (of men). lê 1 n. classifier : pŏk. calendar.

M - m mah n. classifier : têlŏ. gold. mak n. classifier : drêi . firefly, lightning bug. 92 mal mêkrah mal adj. glaring, bright. mlŭk mêgu adj. not very smart, man v. mold. ignorant. mÃ v. take, grab, pick up, seize. Mnng n. classifier : č. a Montagnard mÃh v. chew, masticate. tribal group. mÃm n. Vietnamese fish sauce. mŏng n. classifier : bh . small bowl. mÃt adj. 1. drunk. 2. sick from mng n. classifier : bh . 1. watch. 2. consuming a poisonous clock. 3. hour. 4. time. 5. substance. o'clock. Hêd:m m'ng ;u nao mÃt têpai adj. drunk (from alcohol). mÃ bruÃ? What time does he go to work? m0o n. color. mt n. classifier : drêi . 1. parasite. meng n. cheek. 2. mold. meo n. the sound a cat makes. m n. baby girl, young girl. met n. classifier : č. uncle mê n. classifier : bh . the twenty (husband of the father's or first letter of the Jarai alphabet. mother's younger sister). mêai adj. 1. always, perpetually, all mĕt n. meter. the time. 2. plenty, enough. Mi n. classifier : č. American. mêak adj. 1. amusing, enjoyable, mih adj. sweet. happy. 2. nice, good. mih m-h adj. mixed up, confused (of mêak mêai adj. very amusing, truly humans). enjoyable, very happy. min n. classifier : bh . mine (of mêao adj. prematurely ripe. explosives). mêbh v. bear fruit. ming v. place, put, lay, position. mêd adj. having equal height, length, mlÃm n. night, usually late night. or size. mlÃn anai n. tonight. MlÃm anai kênÃm mê(êr adj. having equal height, biÃ mÃ. Tonight is very dark. length, or size. ml0o adj. 1. shy, timid, meek. 2. mêgap adj. skilled or successful at embarrassed, humiliated, hunting. ashamed. mêgêi v. vibrate, shake, move. mlia v. smear, rub, smooth. mêguah n. morning. mlm v. suck on something with the mêhao v. desire, want (of physical mouth. needs or pleasures). mlun v. cause to vomit or throw up. mêhlŭn adj. naked, nude. mlŭk adj. stupid, ignorant, mêĭt v. send. unintelligent. mêja n. classifier : drêi . fox. 93 mêkrah m:n mêkrah n. half, fifty percent. mêta ƀl*ng n. classifier : bh . slanted mêmang adv. 1. meaninglessly. 2. eye. empty-handed. K&o rai mêtah adj. 1. green, blue. 2. raw, mêmang I'č. I came empty- uncooked. handed. mêtÃm adj. 1. immediately, at once. 2. mêmÃk adj. bright and alert (of eyes). exactly. mêmÃr adj. intensely bright and alert, mêtir adj. parallel and stuck together. wide awake (of eyes). mêtng adj. large in size (usually of mêmŏt n. evening, the hours after stomach). sunset. mêtuai v. wrap loincloth around the mênač v. deceive, manipulate, trick. waist. mênÃ n. classifier : č. prisoner, mêtut n. buttocks. inmate. mêyun adj. lucky, fortunate. mênÃn n. classifier : č. doula, mn adv. also, likewise. midwife. mng prep. from, since. Mng tm mênŏng n. meat. brêi. Since yesterday. mênuih n. classifier : č. human, mrai n. classifier : arÃt . thread. person. mraih adj. red. mênuih mênam n. classifier : č. mrŏk1 n. bush, thicket, shrub. human beings. mrŏk2 adj. messy, untidy, not neat. mê)am v. weave. mrŏn adj. ticklish. mê)iÃ n. sticky, tar-like substance mr n. number. made from tree sap. mrua n. classifier : drêi . large brown mê)um v. drink. lizard that lives in trees. mêsÃm adj. sour, having an acidic mrŭm n. fungal skin rash. taste. mua n. classifier : drêi . termite. mêsÃm ruač adj. very sour. muah n. classifier : drêi . gnat. mêsih adj. prophetic, predicative. mut n. classifier : ƀĕ . hammer. mêsĭn adj. salty. mŭm v. chew. mêsĭn trek adj. extremely salty. mŭn n. acne, pimple. mêta 1 n. 1. thing to do. 2. point, item. mŭt v. enter, come in. K&o hêm&o lu mêta bruÃ . I m-m adv. suddenly and closely have many things to do. (especially of meetings or mêta 2 n. classifier : bh . eye. encounters). m-n v. 1. feel, sense. 2. taste.

94 na ;ŭp

N - n na n. classifier : č. servant. nĕng n. classifier : drêi . puppy, a nač v. be angry, be mad. young dog. nah! interj. see? Nah? K&o laĭ laih nŏ v. is. AnÃn k&o nŏ Ƀlang. My kê ih. See? I told you. name is Blang. nai n. classifier : č. teacher, n n. classifier : č. boy, lad, master. young person. nanao adv. always, forever, np v. 1. contribute. 2. hand over, continuously. turn in. nao v. go, proceed. nê n. classifier : bh . the twenty nÃm adj. six. second letter of Jarai alphabet. neh n. classifier : č. aunt, a nênung adj. very heavy. younger sister of one's father or nng ai )u adv. 1. maybe, perhaps. 2. mother. probably. net adj. thin (of material). nua n. 1. price, value, worth. 2. net nuai adj. thin, lean (of human debt, liability. waist). nŭng n. classifier : drêi . raft spider.

@ - )

)ač v. 1. pound something in a )ĭk v. yank the hair. small mortar or bowl (with a )m 1 v. dye, color, tint. small pestle). 2. wring, squeeze )m 2 n. aluminum. (when washing clothes). )ê n. classifier : bh . the twenty )ak n. music. third letter of the Jarai alphabet. )ap n. draft, preliminary version. )ê)ĕk adv. repeatedly, continuously. )Ãr v. masturbate (of men). )ê)ui adj. very dark. )0ŏ v. drink alcohol and eat. )u n. he, she, it. )eh v. elbow, hit with the elbow. )ŭ v. dive. )et adv. having a mild sensation of )ŭp v. 1. immerse completely. 2. pain, burning, or stinging. bow the head from shyness or )ip 1 n. classifier : ƀĕ . barrette. guilt. )ip 2 n. rhythm, tempo.

95 ngai ot

NG - ng ngai adv. not ever, not under any ngĕl ngŏl adv. wobbling (of the head). condition. Su ƀu pêmÃng ngai. ngok n. monosodium glutamate He doesn't listen, period. (MSG). nga) adv. loudly, stridently. ngor v. 1. joke. 2. tease, annoy with nga) têƀa) adv. extremely loudly, repeated mocking. very stridently. ngŏng adj. horny, sexually excited. ngar adj. upset, angry, or crying and ngng n. classifier : drêi . goose. unable to calm down. ngê n. classifier : bh . the twenty ngÃ v. make, do, build. fourth letter of the Jarai ngÃ ang v. be proud, be arrogant, be alphabet. haughty. ngênguč adj. having a reddish ngÃ ƀlor v. pretend, feign, fake. appearance (as in ripening ngÃ dra v. embellish, adorn (of fruits). women). ngui v. 1. play. 2. visit. ngÃ gŏng jêlan v. bear witness, testify. ngui ngor v. 1. play. 2. have a party. ngÃ têdÃm v. beautify, adorn (of men). ngur 1 v. heat metal by putting it under ngÃn n. property, possession. hot charcoal. nge n. classifier : č. infant, ngur 2 adj. very ripe (of fruits). Pêtêi newborn. anai sÃ ngur. This banana is ngĕk ngŏk adv. wobbling back and very ripe. forth (of the head).

O - o o n. classifier : bh . the twenty ong adv. characterized by the fifth letter of the Jarai alphabet. buzzing sound of insects or ok n. back section inside a Jarai flies. longhouse. ot adv. characterized by the sound ol v. have something stuck in one's of a pig. throat.

ŏ1 

Ŏ - ŏ

ŏ1 v. throw up, vomit. ŏm v. bake, grill. ŏ2 n. classifier : bh . the twenty ŏng n. classifier : č. you sixth letter of the Jarai alphabet. (masculine singular, informal).

P -

1 interj. oh, used to express an h interj. not, a negative particle. emotion as in surprise or desire. ng 1 n. classifier : č. male. 2 n. classifier : bh . the twenty ng 2 n. classifier : drêi . rooster. seventh letter of the Jarai ng 3 adj. masculine. alphabet.

 - 

 n. classifier : bh . the twenty eighth letter of the Jarai alphabet.

R - ê

ê1 n. classifier : bh . the twenty Ri Adai classifier : č. n. God, ninth letter of the Jarai alphabet. Heavenly Father. ê2 adv. yes. êi tha n. classifier : č. old man. êi n. classifier : č. grandfather. êi yÃ n. classifier : č. grandparents. êi adai n. god, supernatural being that ê-êh adv. no. controls the sky and weather.

 - 

1 n. classifier : bh . the thirtieth 2 adv. yes, when expressing letter of the Jarai alphabet. certainty. 3 n. the sound of burping.

97 pač pi kian

P - p pač v. wash (the face). pha n. classifier : ƀĕ . thigh. pah 1 n. length of the palm of the phai v. open a dam to allow water to hand. flow. pah 2 v. 1. slap. 2. clap. phak v. punish, discipline, penalize. pai n. classifier : drêi . rabbit. phao n. classifier : ƀĕ . gun. paih v. brush or clear something off phao karbin n. classifier : ƀĕ . carbine. the surface (usually with the phao têle n. classifier : ƀĕ . pistol, hand, foot, or claw). handgun. pa) adj. curly. phara adj. different, dissimilar, pap v. 1. forgive. 2. have pity, distinct. compassion, sympathy. phat kê(i v. judge, decide, regulate (of pap mê)ai v. have pity, compassion, or legal cases). sympathy. phÃ v. 1. chisel. 2. destroy. pÃ n. four. phĭ adj. bitter tasting. pÃl v. wrap around (of vine, string, phŏ1 conj. if, in case. thread, or rope). phŏ2 adj. disintegrating (of dead pÃl wÃl v. run around (as when a child wood). is running around his parent). phŏ3 n. classifier : č. the second pÃng v. cover (usually with sheet-like lower in rank (as in vice materials). president). pel v. feel or touch with the fingers. phŏng n. classifier : bh . room, per n. classifier : č. priest, father compartment, cubicle. (of Catholic church). phn n. classifier : bh . telephone. pet n. classifier : drêi . a kind of phêĭ adj. easily broken apart (of tick found especially on cows. grain). pĕ v. 1. pick, pluck (of fruits or phn n. 1. fertilizer. 2. makeup, leaves). 2. play (of guitar or cosmetics. piano). 3. turn on (electrical phŭč adv. almost, barely missing. MÃ devices). 4. dodge, evade. 5. hrĕ anŭn phuč. Almost grab that break into pieces (as in bread). string. pĕ pêpha v. 1. break up into pieces and phŭn n. classifier : ƀĕ . trunk (of share. 2. share, distribute, trees). allocate. pi 1 adj. pregnant. 98 pi2 pŏke pi 2 v. hold in the arms. pleh v. 1. remove kernel from the pi kian adj. pregnant. cob, remove a leaf from the pik v. apply a creamy or gooey stem, or remove a stem from substance onto a surface. the stalk. 2. change clothes. pioh v. 1. put, place. 2. keep, put pleh ploh adj. unequal, incompatible. away. pler n. classifier : bh . hail. pĭl n. classifier : bh . battery. plĕ v. 1. drop, throw downward. 2. pĭt v. 1. sleep. 2. close (the eyes). miscarry (a fetus). pĭt gui v. fall asleep while sitting, pliu adv. deviating from the subject standing, or performing a task. or intended course. pĭt pai v. sleep with the eyes half-open. pliu plao v. deviating significantly from pĭt pok v. wake up late in the morning. the subject or intended course. plŏl v. stuff in, jam in (usually of pĭt wor v. oversleep. food into the mouth). pla 1 v. plant, grow. plŏm v. deceive, swindle, cheat. pla 2 n. classifier : bh . plate. plng v. 1. comfort, soothe. 2. woo, plač v. avoid a task by making up an pursue, court. excuse. plêi n. classifier : bh . hamlet, plah v. be in between two people and small village. hold their hands (as in a Jarai pluh n. ten. traditional dance). plum n. classifier : drêi . land leech. plai ƀiÃ v. much better (affirmative). plŭk adj. 1. having loose and sandy plak v. slice with anŏ plak, which is soil without vegetation. 2. a kind of wooden slicer (usually repeating the same behavior used to slice potato or cassava). while refusing to listen, heed, or plao adj. barren (of females). obey. plÃ 1 n. palm, sole. plŭng n. downhill. plÃ 2 conj. if, in case. PlÃ ih hêm&o plŭt adv. entering or exiting quickly. m'ng, ih nao pê sang ;u hŏ? If poh v. collapse on, fall on. Kêy&o you have time, go to his house, poh sang prŏng. The tree fell on ok? the big house. plÃ têkai n. sole of the foot. pong n. classifier : bh . 1. bird or plÃ têngan n. palm of the hand. chicken cage. 2. wheel. ple v. spend money on unnecessary por v. radio, transmit (through a things. sound device).

99 pŏk pêIŭt pŏk v. 1. open. 2. turn on (of radio, pêčeh v. 1. make up, fabricate. 2. television). compose, write (of songs). pŏke n. classifier : drêi . gecko. pêčeng v. place on the side, lie on one's pŏng v. hammer in, nail in. side. pŏr v. fly. pêčrang v. shine a light. p n. classifier : č. 1. person. 2. pêčŭt v. stir up dissent, incite people owner. to harbor ill-will. p gĭt gai n. classifier : č. director, pêdar v. 1. cause to circle or revolve manager. around. 2. collect support for a pê 1 prep. at. cause. 3. distribute, give out. pê 2 n. classifier : bh . the thirty pêdŏng v. 1. erect, put up vertically. 2. first letter of the Jarai alphabet. establish, develop. 3. appoint to pê 3 n. a prefix that changes the a position. meaning of a verb from pêdŏp v. hide, conceal, keep secret. something one does oneself to pêd v. 1. place, set down, put down. something one does for 2. appoint to a position. 3. someone else. Jonathan mênêi. marry someone, perform a Ama pêmênêi Jonathan. marriage ceremony for Jonathan is taking a bath. someone. Daddy is bathing Jonathan. pêdêi v. rest, relax. refrain from pêal v. complain and make an working. excuse. pêdrŏng adj. rich. pêala v. represent, act on behalf of, pê(am v. 1. hit, whack, swat. 2. substitute. contradict. pêang v. brag, boast, show off. pê(ang v. place face up. pêÃ n. armpit. pê(ao 1 adj. warm (of temperature). pêblang v. 1. explain. 2. translate, pê(ao 2 v. predict, guess, foretell. interpret. pê(ar v. request, ask a favor. pêƀÃ v. 1. transmit a disease (from a pê(eh n. rash. person). 2. place a person on pê(*ng v. tip, tilt. someone's back. pê(ih v. place horizontally on a pêƀuh v. display, show, make known. surface. pêƀŭt v. assemble, group, pile up. pê(ĭ v. 1. raise to a higher point. 2. pêčah v. shatter, break (of fragile place a cooking vessel over a objects). fire. 3. appoint to a position. pê(om v. save, put aside for. 100 pêI'ng pêsÃng pê(ng v. float. pêkŏ v. reserve for, save up for. pê(ŭt v. cause to stop, conclude, wrap pêkêhêmal v. inflict punishment, up. inflict a penalty for an offense. pêgang v. defend, prevent, or block an pêkêtraŏ v. make heavy, burden. attack. pêkro v. dry. pêgÃl v. talk back, argue. pêmêčra v. compare, contrast, pêgÃn v. 1. block a path. 2. refuse to correlate. allow someone to talk by pêmêd v. level, equalize. speaking when that person is pênŭ n. dowry. trying to say something. pê)ar n. classifier : ƀĕ . bayonet. pêgiŏng v. finish, complete. pê)ŭ v. 1. immerse, submerge, or pêg v. force, coerce, compel. drown. 2. baptize (only used by pêhaih v. confess, plead guilty. Catholics). pêhêdor v. remind, cause to remember. pêngÃl v. tease. pêhêmu v. compare, correlate. pêŏ n. classifier : bh . mango. pêhêmutu v. give an example. pêphŭn v. make, devise, or develop an pêhrp v. embellish, adorn (of the original plan. human body). pêplih v. 1. change, alter. 2. exchange. pêjÃm v. accuse or blame each other. pêpoh v. tap, knock (strike lightly, pêj0o n. classifier : č. shaman. especially with a slight sound). pêjing v. create, establish, develop. pêpŭ v. show respect or honor. pêjrao v. treat, doctor (with pêrÃm v. destroy, abolish. medication). pêrê n. a prefix that changes a verb pêj-h v. conclude, finish, end. to have a reciprocal meaning. pêdj v. correct, make or set right. Peo taih H'Bia. Peo pêrêtaih pêkÃ v. 1. make an appointment, set a hÃng H'Bia. Peo hits H'Bia. Peo time to meet. 2. measure. and H'Bia hit each other. pêkĕ v. 1. connect, conjoin, link up. pêrêčŭm v. kiss each other. 2. cause to bite each other. pêrêkao n. classifier : drêi . owl. pêklah v. separate, detach, disjoin. pêrêkĕ v. bite each other. pêklaih v. 1. release, let go. 2. pêrêsua v. dispute, fight to control untangle. 3. forgive, take away something. (a sin). pêrêtaih v. hit each other, fight each pêklep v. stick on, glue on, paste on. other. pêkol v. 1. get engaged. 2. tie a knot. pêsah adj. wet, soaked, drenched.

101 pêsÃn rah1 pêsÃn v. 1. make into powder. 2. preng adv. characterized by loud sacrifice. shouting, crying, singing, or pêsÃng v. discipline, correct, punish. screaming. pêsêi kê(ĭn n. classifier : arÃt . nail. prĭn adj. big, large. pêtao n. classifier : č. king. prĭn tha n. 1. ancestors. 2. a group of pêtÃ v. tell, relay a message to. elderly leaders. pêtÃ pêtÃn v. tell, relay a message to prok v. creep in slowly in order to (with emphasis). rape someone, especially while pêtÃn v. remind, cause to remember. that person is asleep. prŏ n. classifier : drêi . squirrel. pêt0o n. classifier : bh . rock, boulder. prŏng adj. big, large. pêtrŭt v. encourage. prŏng prĭn adj. enormously big, extremely large. pêtui v. offer food or other items to the dead by placing them on top pruaĭ n. classifier : arÃt . 1. intestine. of the grave. 2. inner tube (of a wheel or pra n. classifier : bh . flat wooden tire). structure placed above the prui adv. characterized by spreading hearth. or tingling (of pain). prah v. beat with a tree branch or pruih v. spray, sprinkle, water. cloth. prung v. disturb, interrupt, create pral adv. fast, quickly, rapidly. trouble. 1 pran jua n. 1. a person's spirit or inmost pr n. classifier : ƀĕ . tweezers. being. 2. a person's current pr2 n. classifier : ƀĕ . weaving stick. emotional state. puh v. 1. herd, drive (of animals). 2. Prang n. classifier : č. French person. scare away (usually of birds). prÃk n. classifier : pŏk. 1. money. 2. pŭ v. lift up (with two hands). bill. 3. currency. pŭm v. pump, put air in. prÃk kÃk n. money. p-h v. 1. shoo, scare off (by waving pre 1 n. classifier : ƀĕ . brake. the hands). 2. fan. pre 2 v. 1. prepare. 2. be ready.

R - r

Ra(* n. a Montagnard tribe.

102 rah1 r hÃng rah 1 adv. simultaneously, at the r*h v. 1. cut a sheet-like material. 2. same time. Ngui hÃng pêhiÃp eat away, gnaw, nibble. rah. Play and talk at the same r*k v. draw a line. time. r*ng v. make oneself do something. 2 rah v. 1. sprinkle, scatter (as in r*ng gah adj. 1. surrounding. 2. sowing seeds). 2. brush, comb. neighborhood, environs. Rahlan n. Jarai last name, family name, r n. classifier : č. great great or clan name. grandchild. rai v. 1. come. 2. derive, originate. riÃ v. heat up, cook (usually of raih 1 v. 1. spread out, distribute. 2. rice). strum. rih adj. promiscuous, having many raih 2 n. all, everything. Th&o raih. sexual relationships. Know everything. rin adj. poor, lacking material ra) n. classifier : bh . large possessions. bamboo basket used to store ring v. help, assist, support (usually grain. in person). rang v. dry. rĭm adj. every, each. rang ra n. classifier : drêi . cicada. rŏk n. grass. rao v. wash or clean by rubbing. rŏm v. kindle a fire by feeding it rap v. place or arrange objects for with firewood. the purpose of making rŏng n. back. something. rŏng ngÃ v. pretend, feign, fake. rÃ 1 v. tell, give a command. r v. flow (of liquid). rÃ 2 adj. greedy, gluttonous. rh n. classifier : č. enemy. rÃ anai adv. now, at the moment, at the rk v. follow along, walk along present time. something. rÃ glaĭ v. retell, recount. rk glaĭ v. repeat, remind again, recount rÃ ruai v. tell, narrate, recount (usually (of past events). of stories). rng v. tend, raise, take care of. rÃk v. keep, preserve, save. rp n. classifier : bh . conical- rÃm adj. 1. naughty. 2. damaged, shaped bamboo fish trap. broken, faulty. rt v. hang, strangle, throttle. rÃm rai adj. destroyed or completely r hÃng adj. like, akin to, similar to. Ƀŏ demolished. mêta ;u r hÃng ama ;u. His rÃng v. be careful, be cautious. face is similar to his father's. r0o v. wake up someone. 103 rê rênuk rê n. classifier : bh . the thirty rêhung n. classifier : č. evil person, second letter of the Jarai usually considered to be alphabet. possessed by evil spirits. The rê i n. classifier : bh . bowl-shaped Jarai believe that such a person bamboo basket. can devour someone's soul and rêa) v. be angry, get mad, be kill the body as well. outraged. rêjao n. classifier : blah . hammock. rêbai n. snow peas. rêka n. injury, scar. rêbÃn 1 adj. tired, fatigued, worn out. rêk0o v. beg, request, ask for. rêbÃn 2 n. million. Hêm&o sa rêbÃn rêkĭ n. classifier : bh . raft. I'la. Have one million dollars. rêkêi n. classifier : č. husband. rêb0o n. thousand, millennium. rêkŭt adj. absent, gone, not present. rêb*h adj. extra, additional. rêma n. five. rêbuh v. fall over. Rêmah 1 n. Jarai family name, last rêbŭng n. classifier : ƀĕ . bamboo name, or clan name. shoot. rêmah 2 n. classifier : drêi . rhinoceros. rêb-n n. classifier : bh . ring (for the rêmÃ n. animal fat. finger). rêmŏk n. classifier : bh . trailer (of rêƀung adj. having a spreading vehicles). infection that results from an rêmŏn adj. hungry. injury. rêmŏng adj. fat, plump, obese. Rêčom n. a Jarai last name, family rêm n. classifier : drêi . cow. name, or clan name. rêmuÃn adj. flexible, pliable, elastic. rêdah n. dawn. rêna) adj. careless, wasteful (of rêd*h n. classifier : bh . car. possessions). rê(ah adj. bright, clear. rênang adv. slowly, unhurriedly, rê(ah rê(ong adj. very bright, very sluggishly. clear, very easy to see. rênang blang adv. very slowly, very rêgah adj. stiff, tired. sluggishly. rêgao 1 adj. 1. expired, past the due rênang rênĕ adv. very slowly, very date. 2. completed. sluggishly. rêgao 2 prep. across, over. rênÃk v. 1. keep clean, keep neat. 2. rêg*h adj. cheap, inexpensive. preserve, keep safe. rêgh adj. clean, pure. rênÃng n. classifier : drêi . earthworm. rêgêi adj. smart, clever, intelligent. rênm v. get along, be at peace with. rênuč adj. ending, concluding. 104 rênuk r:ng rênuk n. generation. rêtah n. classifier : drêi . leech. rênŭk rênua adv. freely, rêtÃ n. bean. autonomously, independently. rêt*ng n. the edge of the veranda on a rênŭng n. classifier : drêi . eel. Jarai longhouse. rê)an n. classifier : bh . ladder, rêwa v. pass one's hands gently over stairs, staircase. the surface. rêngai adj. free, autonomous, rêya n. ginger. independent. ruah 1 adj. picky (especially referring Rêngao 1 n. a Montagnard tribe. to food or drink). rêngao 2 n. outside, out of doors. ruah 2 v. choose, select, pick out. rêng0o n. sesame. ruai 1 n. classifier : č. great great rêngiao prep. besides, other than. great grandchild. Rêngiao kê têlêi hrÃm hrÃ, k&o ruai 2 v. tell, recount (of past events). mÃ bruÃ. Besides studying, I ruai 3 n. classifier : drêi . fly. work. ruai rêkŭt v. gossip, talk behind rêngiÃ adj. lose. someone's back. rêngĭt n. sky. ruÃ v. hurt, have pain, ache, be sore. rêngl n. an abandoned village, former rui 1 v. crawl. town. rui 2 n. the term parents-in-law call rênguÃ v. be sad, be downcast, be each other. sorrowful. ruih v. dismantle, take apart. Rêo n. Jarai family name, last name, rup n. classifier : pŏk. image, or clan name. picture, photo. rêŏt adj. cold. rŭ v. 1. remove by digging and rê adj. cool. pulling up the root. 2. straighten rêpan n. classifier : drêi . centipede. up someone or something to a rêpêi v. dream. vertical position. rêpêi hiam v. have a good dream. rŭng 1 adj. tangled, knotted, snarled. rêpêi sat v. have a nightmare. rŭng 2 v. roll, beat continuously (of rêrÃk adj. eloquently, fluently. drums). rêrh adv. quickly (of slipping). rŭng rÃng adj. troublesome, rêsa n. classifier : drêi . caribou. cumbersome, bothersome. r-ng n. classifier : bh . farm that is rêsŭng n. classifier : bh . mortar (for located in a thick jungle. pounding).

105 sa sĭt1

S - s sa n. one. sang rng n. classifier : bh . sah adj. diluted, watered down. communal house. sai 1 adj. incorrect, false, wrong. sang rng čê(ai n. classifier : bh . sai 2 v. scatter. daycare center. saĭ v. 1. scoop water with a bucket sang sĭ mêdr n. classifier : bh . from one side of a dam to commercial building. another. 2. splash. sat adj. 1. ugly, unattractive, ill- sak drêi v. brag, boast. favored. 2. bad, evil. sam conj. but. sÃ adj. 1. cooked. 2. ripe. sang n. classifier : bh . 1. house, sÃl v. accuse, suspect, blame. shelter, lodge. 2. building, sÃn adj. pulverized. structure. sÃn blĭng adj. thoroughly pulverized. sang anŏ n. classifier : bh . family. sÃng adj. obedient, submissive, sang apui n. classifier : bh . kitchen. compliant. sang ƀŏng huÃ n. classifier : bh . se v. pull out facial hair with two restaurant. threads. sang čê n. classifier : bh . market, sem v. search, probe, look into. grocery store. seng v. throw a flat object (such as a sang eh n. classifier : bh . restroom. Frisbee). sang hrÃ n. classifier : bh . school. s*ng n. classifier : bh . large and sang ia n. classifier : bh . bathroom. circular shallow bamboo basket. sang ia jrao n. classifier : bh . s*ng hêni n. classifier : pŏk. beehive. hospital. si n. classifier : ƀĕ . comb, hair sang ia sÃng n. classifier : bh . gas brush. station. sikep n. classifier : ƀĕ . barrette. sang jênum n. classifier : bh . church. simÃng n. cement. sang j-h n. classifier : bh . hotel, inn. sir adj. 1. paid off. 2. sealed, sang j-h anĕt n. classifier : bh . closely knitted. motel. Siu n. Jarai last name, family name, sang kr n. classifier : bh . prison. or clan name. sang mênÃ n. classifier : bh . prison. sĭ v. 1. sell. 2. cut with a sawing sang prÃk n. classifier : bh . bank. motion. 106 sĭ mêdr' sŭm sĭ mêdr v. trade, exchange, do sŏng 1 n. classifier : bh . boat. business. sŏng 2 v. place vertically in a back sĭk n. sugar. basket (usually of firewood). sĭt1 adj. right, true, factual. sŏp hrÃ n. 1. deck of cards, stack of sĭt2 v. mend, patch up. cards. 2. volume (of a book or slip n. classifier : blah . underwear, notebook). underdrawers. sê n. classifier : bh . the thirty slĭt v. fold (of sheets and blankets). third letter of the Jarai alphabet. so 1 v. scrub. sêƀeng n. classifier : ƀĕ . crowbar. so 2 adj. used, secondhand. sêker n. classifier : blah . mosquito soai n. classifier : bh . fish trap net. made out of bamboo. sêmel n. classifier : bh . 1. soh adv. mistakenly, wrongly, binoculars. 2. telescope. incorrectly. sêng v. skim off. soh sel adv. with nothing, empty- sêpÃn n. eight. handed. sêrom n. IV (intravenous). sok n. placenta. sês0o n. breast. sol v. 1. be confused, be mixed up. sêset n. classifier : blah . sock. 2. unable to recognize or sn v. paint. identify as separate or distinct. su n. cent. som v. wrap a corpse. sua v. 1. grab and take without song v. exchange, substitute (of permission. 2. occupy, take humans). possession or control of. song pêklaih v. save, rescue, deliver suaih adj. healed, recovered. (of humans). suang v. dance. sor n. classifier : blah . farm that suÃ v. pull out, pull up, unplug. has been abandoned because it sui adv. taking too long, for a long is no longer productive. time. sŏ v. 1. scrape against each other sum n. classifier : blah . pants. because of a snug fit. 2. dish out sum ao n. classifier : blah . clothes or serve. 3. submerge a contain (usually pants and shirt). under the surface in order to sut v. wipe, scrub with a cloth. collect water. 4. pound food sŭm v. cover oneself with fabric (usually with a mortar and (especially with a blanket). pestle).

107 ta thŭn

T - t ta pron. classifier : č. we Tet n. Vietnamese New Year (inclusive). celebration. tah v. 1. block a blow sideways (in tĕ v. have sexual intercourse. a fight). 2. remove by tĕk v. 1. touch lightly, usually hammering (as in removing a unintentionally. 2. knock over, board that has been nailed to a usually by accident. 3. annoy, pole). irritate, aggravate (used mostly tai adj. 1. low in tone or pitch (of with negative commands). the voice or musical AnÃm tĕk g če anŭn 'h! Don't instruments) 2. slack, not tight touch that kettle! (of string or rope). t*r v. survey, examine, or inspect a taih v. hit, beat, spank, strike. farm by walking around the ta) adv. quickly, immediately, border. hurriedly. tha adj. old (of living things). tang wang n. classifier : bh . bicycle. tha thon adj. very old (of living things). tap v. spread flat material over a Tha Yang n. classifier : č. Lord (as in surface (such as a big leaf, the Bible). newspaper, thin board, etc.). Thaĭ n. classifier : č. Thai person. tÃ v. 1. slice with a small, thin th0o v. know, know how to. knife. 2. cut with a small, sharp thĕng adv. characterized by sudden blade (such as a razor or blade disappearance. of grass). thim v. increase, add to. tÃl n. 1. layer, stratum. 2. time, thing-ring adv. unsteadily, from side to instant (a point in a temporal side (as in walking). sequence). thŏng n. classifier : ƀĕ . knife. tÃng liÃng n. sadao. This plant has thng n. classifier : ƀĕ . shin. green stems, leaves and white thêi n. classifier : bh flowers. It is eaten by the Jarai . forehead. 1 despite its extremely bitter thu adj. dry. taste. thu 2 v. 1.take up donations. 2. claim tem v. classifier : pŏk. stamp, as due and receive payment for. postage. 3. confiscate, seize. 4. record teng n. classifier : asÃr . boil (of sound. 5. burn painfully (of sensation). skin). 108 thŭn têdu thŭn n. year. tê n. classifier : bh . the thirty th- n. classifier : pŏk. letter, piece fourth letter of the Jarai of mail. alphabet. tia v. 1. forge, reforge (with or têb0o n. classifier : ƀĕ . sugarcane. without heat). 2. tune a gong by têbor adj. slippery. hammering. têƀa) v. forge, form by heating and tian n. classifier : bh . abdomen, hammering (of metal). stomach, midsection, belly. têƀang 1 n. place where an object to v. elongate by adding on divides into two branches (especially of string or rope). (especially of trees). toh v. 1. undress, take off (of têƀang 2 n. classifier : bh . crescent or clothing). 2. unscrew and take half (of moon). off. têƀÃk v. hang, suspend. tong v. produce sound by beating an têƀeh v. remove with a sharp pointed object with a stick. object, usually a splinter. tŏ v. prop up. têƀeng n. classifier : ƀĕ . twig. tŏm v. 1. weave a thatch roof. 2. têƀong n. lip of the human mouth. clip, put in the hair (as in a têƀuaĭ n. beak, the bill of a bird. barrette). têč n. classifier : č. grandchild. tŏm brêi n. yesterday. têda n. chest, the part of the body tŏng v. scoop liquid, especially between the belly and neck. water. têdah conj. if, given a certain tŏng krah prep. in the middle, at the condition. center, amid. têdang conj. while, during the time tŏng ten adv. meticulously, carefully, when. scrupulously, attentively. têdÃm n. classifier : č. young tŏng yŏng prep. in the middle, at the unmarried man. center, amid. têdêi adv. later, next, subsequently, tl n. classifier : pŏk. thin sheet of afterward. tin used for roofing. têdrŏn n. meadow, land covered with tng n. classifier : bh . granary, a plants smaller than trees. storehouse for threshed grain. têdrŏn har n. classifier : bh . desert, t v. 1. get married. 2. pick up. arid land with sparse t ung m v. get married. vegetation. têdrng n. classifier : bh . bridge, overpass. 109 têdruÃ tênap têdruÃ pron. classifier : č. each other. têkuai ao n. classifier : pŏk. collar of a têdu adj. 1. low in air pressure. 2. shirt. weak, lethargic, sluggish. 3. têkui v. bend over (of humans). passive, tending not to take an têkuih n. classifier : drêi . mouse, rat. active or dominant part. têl adj. able to reach. têglh v. fall off from the handle têlang n. classifier : ƀĕ . bone. (usually referring to a blade). têl0o adj. having the characteristics têgêi n. classifier : bh . tooth. of baldness, such as shininess, têgu adj. leaning, slanted, tilted. smoothness, etc. têguÃn v. wait. têleh n. classifier : drêi . têgŭ v. stand up. woodpecker. têhek adj. torn. têlok 1 adj. bruised. têhla n. broken piece, fragment. têlok 2 v. bruise. têhênai n. sound, noise. têlŏ1 n. classifier : ƀĕ . a short log. têhênÃč v. trip, stumble. têlŏ2 n. classifier for a round object. têhêweo adj. characterized by a têlŏ hêgor n. classifier : ƀĕ . drumstick crooked mouth. (of a drum). têhrĭt n. classifier : č. orphan, a child têlŏk adj. rowdy, boisterous, unruly. deprived of parents by death. têlêi 1 n. problem, issue. têhrut v. slide a short distance out of têlêi 2 n. classifier : arÃt . rope, cord, position. string. têkai 1 n. classifier : bh . tire. têlêi 3 n. word that is used to têkai 2 n. classifier : ƀĕ . leg. nominalize a verb or an têk0o n. classifier : pŏk. fingernail. adjective. têkeng v. be born, give birth to (of têlêi hêdip n. life. humans). têlêi kêtang n. strength. têki 1 v. depend on, rely on. têluĭ n. classifier : č. the last child, têki 2 n. classifier : ƀĕ . horn. the youngest child (in the têko 1 n. classifier : ƀĕ . shuttle used in family). weaving. têluĭ apui n. classifier : ƀĕ . firebrand. têko 2 n. classifier : bh . coffin. têma adj. sharp, having a good têkng v. carry a heavy burden on one's cutting edge. shoulder. têmŭn n. classifier : bh . cantalope. têkuai n. neck. têmŭn ia n. classifier : bh . cucumber. têmŭn mêkai n. classifier : bh . watermelon. 110 tênap trŭt tênap adj. 1. difficult, hard, têt djêhir v. tremble violently (of complicated. 2. having a hard humans). time. têui 1 n. shade. tênap tap adj. 1. exceptionally têui 2 adj. shady, gloomy. difficult, very hard, very têŭt n. classifier : bh . knee. complicated. 2. having a very têy0o v. talk or walk in one's sleep. hard time. trah v. 1. cast a fishing net. 2. shave tênŏ v. nod off. wood with a knife or an ax. tên n. classifier : drêi . male trai v. grow by creeping (of plants). animal. trang 1 n. elephant grass. tênua) n. classifier : arÃt . thin strip of trang 2 n. classifier : pŏk. page. bamboo used for tying. trÃm v. soak. têngan n. classifier : ƀĕ . arm, hand. trel v. 1. trim hair. 2. carve a line têngÃl adj. sober, not drunk. around (of wood or bamboo). têngia n. classifier : pŏk. ear. treng n. classifier : bh . train. têngĭl adj. deaf. trep v. sip. tê v. burp, belch. triah v. 1. spray bullets. 2. run fingers têpai n. alcohol. through something in order to têpêi n. classifier : bh . yeast for spread it out evenly. fermenting alcohol. triÃ v. chop wood sideways with an têpŭl n. 1. crowd of people. 2. herd of ax. animals. tring n. canton (county, province, or têpŭng n. any kind of flour or powder- state territory). like substance. triu n. classifier : drêi . sheep. têthÃ adj. characterized by being tro v. pour a small amount of liquid clean, cleared, and flat from one vessel to another. (referring to flat surfaces). trŏm v. stomp, kick with the bottom têthul adj. characterized by cloudiness of one's foot. (of dust, smoke, or fog). trŏng n. classifier : bh . eggplant. têtreh adj. quiet, silent, without any truai n. classifier : bh . traditional movement or noises. Jarai spinning wheel. têtreh têtruai adj. very quiet, very truÃ v. wear (of footwear, glasses, or silent, without any movement headgear). or noises. truh v. arrive, come, reach a têt v. shiver, shake, tremble (of destination. humans). trŭn v. descend, go down. 111 trŭng ŭng trŭng adj. tangled, snarled. tuh v. 1. give birth (of animals). 2. trŭt v. push a heavy object along the pour out. 3. throw out. ground or across the floor. tui 1 adj. obedient, compliant, tu n. classifier : bh . cabinet. submissive. tuah v. scoop up with a cup, spoon, tui 2 v. 1. follow. 2. imitate. 3. obey, or bowl. comply, abide by. 4. resemble, tuai 1 n. classifier : blah . loincloth. bear similarity to. tuai 2 n. classifier : č. guest, visitor. tui hluai adj. according to one's tuai kêteh n. classifier : blah . loincloth preference. with beads attached to both tuĭ v. light a fire from another fire. ends. tŭk v. pound with one's fist. tuai nng n. classifier : blah . narrow, tŭl v. 1. pound with an object. 2. short loincloth used mostly by butt or punch with one's head. poor Jarai. 3. crash into (of cars). tuaĭ v. grab, catch (of thorns or tŭn v. pack down. sharp objects). t v. repeatedly demand tuek v. dip out with one's finger. repayment of a debt.

U - u u1 n. classifier : bh . the thirty uh v. 1. place oneís hands on the fifth letter of the Jarai alphabet. body to determine the source or u2 n. Vietnamese game similar to location of pain. 2. relieve pain tag. by placing a warm cloth or uÃ v. 1. wipe, clean by rubbing. 2. warm leaf on the body. dehusk, grind (usually of rice or ung n. classifier : č. husband. corn, by machine). 3. saw, cut. ur v. shout, yell, scream. ur ur n. 1. sound of the blowing wind. 2. thundering or rumbling sound (as in a herd of animals or a group of people running).

Ŭ - ŭ

ŭ n. classifier : bh . the thirty ŭn n. classifier : drêi . pig sixth letter of the Jarai alphabet. (domestic). 112

ŭng w

ŭng adj. having a dish-shaped appearance.

U - -

- n. classifier : bh . the thirty -m mêguah n. early morning, seventh letter of the Jarai daybreak. alphabet. -n n. classifier : bh . seat of a bike -k v. be very angry. or motorcycle. -m n. morning.

 - 

 n. classifier : bh . the thirty 1 v. fast, abstain from consuming. eighth letter of the Jarai 2 adv. yes, indicating agreement. alphabet.

W - w wa n. classifier : č. 1. uncle (older wÃ v. 1. be paranoid. 2. spread brother of mother or father). 2. apart in order to open, have aunt (older sister of mother or access to, or view. father). wÃč n. gall bladder. wah v. fish (with a fishing pole, line, wÃl v. skip over (leave untouched) a and hook). plot or area of land while clear- wai v. watch over, protect. cutting, plowing, or digging. wan n. classifier : č. beloved wÃn n. spare time, free time. (mostly used in Jarai traditional wÃng v. skip, fail to attend or songs, expressions, or poetry). participate in (especially a wa) v. twist, wring. class). wang v. tend, look after (of animals). wÃng wai n. classifier : drêi . spider. wang dar v. surround, encircle, enclose. wÃt n. classifier : drêi . quail. wang wĭl n. classifier : drêi . tarantula. we v. draw, sketch. war n. classifier : bh . pen, barn wek n. the sound of a pigís (small enclosure for animals). squealing. wĕ n. classifier : pŏk. ticket. w*h v. 1. move aside. 2. turn. 113 w!ng y&o1 w*ng v. snuggle, cuddle. wŏt2 v. crank, swing in a circular w*r v. go around, avoid. motion. w adj. not straight, crooked, bent, wê n. classifier : bh . the thirty winding. ninth letter of the Jarai alphabet. wĭl adj. round, circular in shape. wêwao adv. incessantly and loudly wĭt v. return, come back, go back. (referring to speech). wo v. perform a martial art move. w-h v. tilt, set at an angle. wor v. forget, fail to remember. w-t adv. characterized by being wor rêbit v. forget, fail to remember. briefly visible (of something or someone in motion). wŏk v. break in two (usually with the w v. hands, of stick-like objects). increase in size or height. wŏt1 adv. also, too.

Y - y ya adj. having the characteristic of yang lŏn n. classifier : č. spirit of the being fake, artificial, soil or earth, god of the soil or counterfeit, or an impostor (of earth. materials, animals, or humans). yang rêbang n. classifier : č. referring yang n. classifier : č. spirit, deity, to all spirits, deities, or gods. god, supernatural being. yang sat n. classifier : č. 1. Satan. 2. yang adai n. classifier : č. spirit of the evil spirit, god, or deity. sky, sky god. yap 1 n. length of a person's pace, yang but n. classifier : č. god of step, or stride. destiny , god of fortune. yap 2 v. count. yang ƀlan n. classifier : bh . moon. yap ba v. recognize, acknowledge. yang č n. spirit of the mountain. yÃ 1 n. classifier : č. grandmother, yang g n. classifier : č. kitchen god. grandma, granny. yang hiam n. classifier : č. good yÃ 2 n. price, cost, value. spirit, benign spirit. yÃ Ãm n. classifier : bh . scarecrow. yang hri n. classifier : č. god of the yÃ grač n. classifier : drêi . katydid. crop, god of the harvest yÃ j0o n. classifier : drêi . mantis. (especially of rice, also corn). yÃ tha n. classifier : č. old woman, yang hrêi n. classifier : bh . sun. elderly woman. yang ia n. classifier : č. spirit of the water. 114 y&o1 YuÃn y0o 1 adj. handsome, beautiful, good yêy adv. slowly (referring to motion looking (of humans). in a single direction). y0o 2 v. fish (for fish, crabs, shrimp, yu n. classifier : pŏk. parachute. snails, etc.) with a loosely yua v. use, utilize. woven bamboo basket (grang) yuadah conj. because, given that, since. by dragging it with both hands yuÃ v. cut with a sickle or scissors along the bottom of the river or (referring to grass, rice, or hair). stream. YuÃn n. classifier : č. Kinh people, y0ŏ n. diacritic, accent, or tone the majority ethnic group of mark. Vietnam. y0ŏ Ã n. classifier : bh . breve

diacritical mark. y0ŏ nga n. tilde diacritical mark. y0ŏ ê n. classifier : bh . hook, whiskered diacritical mark. y0ŏ  n. circumflex diacritical mark. yŏng v. lift or pick up a heavy object (either animate or inanimate), usually with both hands. yl v. hang something heavy. ym adj. valuable, of great worth. ym pêphan adj. important, significant. yng n. classifier : ƀĕ . beam which lies horizontally in notches or grooves atop support poles and which supports the roof of a longhouse. yê n. classifier : bh . the fortieth letter of the Jarai alphabet. yêh adv. 1. already (indicates a completed action). 2. let's. Nao ƀŏng yêh. Let's eat. yêi n. swelling of the glands of the neck. yêr v. 1. raise one's hand. 2. reach or stretch out one's hand. 115