| Although nearly everyone on Guam speaks English, it is not the King’s
English. It’s not even the President’s. English is Guam’s last language. The island’s original language is Chamorro. But as the Chamorros were conquered by one group after another, they learned to speak Spanish, English, and Japanese. Even so, the native language remained, adapting and borrowing as necessary. Many Chamorro words are very Spanish (“uno” and “dos” for “one” and “two”). And some are variations of English (“trankilidat" for "tranquility."). Friends who have studied the language tell me a few words are German derivations. In addition to this rich linguistic history, “Guamanian English” is now influenced by Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Micronesian cultures. Consequently, English here doesn’t necessarily sound like English. Words are not always used the same as they are in North America. For example, we live ON Guam, not IN Guam. An island isn’t big enough to live IN. You live ON an island. (This distinction is easily seen in Hawaii. People live IN Hawaii, but ON Oahu or Maui.) Instead of going “uptown” we go “upisland.” Instead of apparel that says “Got milk?” ours says, “Got red rice?” All of these usages are straightforward. But one expression still baffles me. People do not “live” in a certain place. Rather, they “stay” there. A common question is: “Where do you stay?” I’ve been trying to analyze this usage since arriving. It implies people don’t necessarily “live” where they “stay” and vice versa. Or that they move so much that they never feel as if they live one place. The first theory has merit. Children are often shifted among the extended family, so often they are not reared by their biological parents. Their biological family might live in Dededo while they stay in Yigo. The second isn’t as valid. People do move around the island often, but even those who always live in one place still use “stay.” I can’t figure it out. Maybe someday a Chamorro friend will explain it. In the meantime, we’re in the process of moving up-island. After living two years in the southern village of Yona, we’re buying a house in a central village, Toto. (I think “Toto” is Chamorro for “little black lost Kansan dog.”) But wherever we live, Yona or Toto, one thing is sure. We’re staying on Guam. (Note: "toto" is actually a verb, meaning "to recline." Maybe this means we'll be able to relax and recline in our new home. I wish.) |