[moopierof]

That is interesting, what other languages did you learn?

Tok Pisin is the only one we were taught at Wycliffe's camp - since the grammar is fairly simple and much of the vocabulary is English-based, it works well to test the language-learning ability of prospective translators. Our group was able to pick up enough in two weeks to conduct a church service completely in Tok Pisin.

The other languages I've studied are German and Ancient Greek, plus I've dabbled to various degrees in Latin, Spanish, Quenya, Sindarin, Korean, and a few others (mostly isolated words and phrases). I'd be in serious trouble if I had to converse or read even semi-fluently in anything but English, though . I've been considering trying my hand at Russian - there are native Russian speakers in my parish, so at least I'd be able to talk to someone with it! (plus the bonus benefit of being able to read more icons!)

I don't feel comfortable with the change from t to d though - unless Tok Pisin doesn't have a "d". Maybe they picked up some Latin from a wandering Roman Catholic priest.

It does have a "d", but it shows up more often at the beginning of a word than in the middle or at the end. There are other words that show the "d to t" change, like "pret" for "afraid", "praut" for "proud", or "ausait" for "outside". Other words (like "solda" for "shoulder") keep the "d"; I don't know if there's any rhyme or reason to it.

Mike