Antiguan Creole's West Kmtyw Connection-gctid42093

[Akua Ma'at]

"The Antiguan Creole today has several words which are of West Kmtyw origin, based on the tribes who came to the island. Here are some of them:

Bassa bassa - fooling around

Antrober - 'trober (plant)

Catta - a wad of cloth placed on the head to facilitate the carrying of heavy loads. From Twi, kata to cover or protect. Congo:nkata

Kunumunu - a man easily controlled by a woman. From Yoruba: kunun, lacking in self-confidence. Kong-kong-sa, to take side, biased. From Twi.

Nyam - to eat greedily. From a number of overlapping Kmtyw languages

Wagie/Waggi/Wajy - used clothing; hand me downs. From Igbo: wa, to divide. Je, to wear

Yabba - a round, open, earthen ware vessel used mostly for cooking. Varies in size. From Twi: ayawa, an earthen vessel or dish

Yampi/yampie - mucus exuded in the corner of the eyes especially after sleeping. Fro Twi: mpe

Warri - a game played with marbles or nichars. From Twi: ware. Fante: oware

Source: Kmtyws to Antiguans: The Slavery Experience
References collected by Desmond Nicholson
Historical overview and epilogue by Edward Henry

[KwameD]

Ah, kunumunu, warri and definitely bassa bassa have connections with Akan/Twi. In Twi, 'bassa bassa' means messing about and it can also be used to connote a haphazard action.

[Akua Ma'at]

we also say cocobay for leprosy. in Twi its kokobe.

there are a couple books (2 that i know of) that discuss the linguistic connection between Antigua and Ghana... very interesting.

[KwameD]

Akua meda wo ase for this info...please post the book titles if you still have them so that I can check them out!

[Akua Ma'at]

To the best of my knowledge, they aren't available outside of Antigua. One is called "The Way We Talk" and the name of the other is hiding from me right now. Both are by Antiguan historian and author, Joy Lawrence.
I gave my copies to Okyeame Kwame to assist his work at AKALI. You've given me the perfect "excuse" to go back to the bookstore this weekend. I've post the other name then.

[KwameD]

Akua, please do post the other name. You're right, I couldn't find them online although I tried! I may have to order them directly from the Caribbean.

[Akua Ma'at]

Joy Lawrence, one of Antigua and Barbuda Most Prolific Poets and Activists in the Literary Arts

The following are some of the topics discussed in the book, "The Way We Talk and other Antiguan Folkways":

Local dialect and the English translation
Our Kmtyw heritage
Antiguan folkways - past and present
Proverbs and idioms of Antiguans and Barbudans
Memorable characters of St. John's in the 20th century
Pictorial relics of the past

The following are some of the topics discussed in the book "Colours and Rhythms of Selected Caribbean Creoles":

A comparison of folkways in Antigua, Jamaica and Guyana
Proverbs, idioms and their meanings - Antigua, Jamaica and Guyana
National symbols of Antigua, Jamaica and Guyana
Games played by children of the Caribbean in the 20th century.

To Order These books send Money Order or Certified Check For $14.95.00 US (price includes Shipping and Handling) per book to:

Joy Lawrence
P.O. Box 1745W
Woods Centre
St. John's
Antigua,
West Indies

Email: antiguanpoet@yahoo.com

[KwameD]

Meda ase paa ara! These days I read books that come mostly from recommendations or those that cross my path one way or another, rather than going out to hunt for books.

[NubianNewsNetwork]

Thank you so much for the wisdom - your response guided us here and compelled us to join the site. Are the books you listed only available at various bookstores in Antigua or in the libraries?