Language Learning

1. "Thank you" kalaallisut qanoq taaneqarpa?

   How do you say "thank you" in Greenlandic?

   Usage

   Used to ask for a basic expression in Greenlandic

   Grammar Note

   Kalaallisut is the standard form of West Greenlandic. It is a polysynthetic Inuit language

2. Arriinnerusumik oqaluniarit.

   Please speak more slowly.

   Usage

   A polite request to slow down speech

   Grammar Note

   "Slowly" is arriitsumik. Inserting the comparative -neru- gives arriinnerusumik "more slowly" (the same alternation as annikitsoq → annikinnerusoq). imminnut means "to each other", not "slowly"

3. Tamanna allassinnaaviuk?

   Can you write that down for me?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to write something down

   Grammar Note

   allappaa is "writes it"; -viuk is the interrogative ending for a 2nd-person subject acting on a 3rd-person-singular object.

4. Oqaaseq una qanoq isumaqarpa?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Used to ask the meaning of a Greenlandic word

   Grammar Note

   Greenlandic roots take multiple suffixes to express complex meanings in a single word

5. Kalaallisut ilinniarpunga — oqaloqatigisinnaavakkit?

   I'm studying Greenlandic — can we practice together?

   Usage

   Used when looking for a Greenlandic language practice partner

   Grammar Note

   The subject is the speaker, so the verb is the 1sg ilinniarpunga, not ilinniarpoq. oqaloqatigaa is "speaks with him/her" (cf. oqaloqatigiipput "they talk together"); -vakkit marks a 1sg subject acting on a 2sg object.

6. Una qanoq taaneqartarpa?

   How is this pronounced?

   Usage

   Used to confirm pronunciation of a Greenlandic word

   Grammar Note

   The Greenlandic "q" is a uvular sound. Distinguishing "k" and "q" is important for meaning

7. Kalaallisut ilinniarnermut atuakkanik siunnersorsinnaavinga?

   Can you recommend a good Greenlandic language learning resource?

   Usage

   Used to ask for Greenlandic language learning resource recommendations

   Grammar Note

   atuagaq is "book", instrumental plural atuakkanik. siunnersorpaa is "advises him/her, suggests to him/her"; the interrogative with a 2sg subject and a 1sg object ends in -vinga.

8. Maani sumiorpaluut qanoq ippa?

   What is the local dialect like?

   Usage

   Used to ask about regional variation in Greenlandic

   Grammar Note

   Sumiorpaluut means dialect; -miorpaluppoq means speaks with the accent of that place. Qanoq ippa? is the set phrase "what is it like?", singular of qanoq ippat?. The three main varieties are West, East and North; West Greenlandic is the standard.

9. Maani kalaallisut pikkorissarfeqarpa?

   Is there a language exchange event here?

   Usage

   Used to look for language exchange events

   Grammar Note

   pikkorissarpoq means "practises; takes a course", and adding the place suffix -fik gives pikkorissarfik (a place to practise). When -qar- ("has") is added to -fik it becomes -feqar-

10. Pileqqaavunga. Ilalaarniarit!

    I'm a beginner — please be patient with me!

    Usage

    Used to say you are a beginner and ask for patience in Greenlandic

    Grammar Note

    ilalaarpoq is "is patient"; inserting -niar- softens the imperative. paamitsajuippoq is a near synonym.

Browse all TravelPhrases languages