Language/Plateau-malagasy/Vocabulary/Family-Members
Plateau Malagasy is a Malagasy language spoken in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. In this lesson, we will learn the vocabulary related to family members. Family is an important part of Malagasy culture, and knowing these words will allow you to communicate effectively with Malagasy people and understand their values and traditions.
Family Members
Here are the most common names for family members in Plateau Malagasy:
| Plateau Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| mpianatr'ny aina | mpy-a-na-treen ayn | parent |
| ray | rail | father |
| renibe | ren-yeb | mother |
| iray | eer-ay | one (singular) |
| roa | roo-uh | two |
| telo | tel-uh | three |
| efatra | eh-fah-tra | four |
| dimy | dee-mee | five |
| enina | ay-nee-nuh | six |
| fito | fee-too | seven |
| valo | vah-loh | eight |
| sivy | see-vy | nine |
| folo | foo-loh | ten |
| anak, zanak'andro | uh-nuhk, zuh-nuhk ahn-droo | child, children |
| zokiolona | zoh-kee-oh-loh-nuh | sibling |
| rahalahy | rah-hah-lahy | brother |
| rahavavy | rah-hah-vah-vy | sister |
| zoky | zoh-kee | brother/sister |
| biby | bee-bee | pet |
| zavatra | zah-vah-truh | thing |
Some points to note:
- In Plateau Malagasy, the word for parent is "mpianatr'ny aina". This term is used to refer to both parents, regardless of their gender. - The word for father is "ray", and the word for mother is "renibe". - To express the concept of "one", the word "iray" is used. - The words for two, three, and four are "roa", "telo", and "efatra", respectively. - The words for five, six, and seven are "dimy", "enina", and "fito", respectively. - The words for eight, nine, and ten are "valo", "sivy", and "folo", respectively. - The word for child is "anak", and the plural form is "zanak'andro". This latter form is commonly used to refer to one's own children or to young children in general. - The word for sibling is "zokiolona" or "zoky". The latter term can refer to either a brother or a sister, while "zokiolona" specifically refers to a sibling of the same sex. - The word for brother is "rahalahy", and the word for sister is "rahavavy". These terms are used to refer to siblings of different sexes. - The word for pet is "biby", which can refer to various types of domesticated animals. - The word for thing is "zavatra".
Extended Family
In Malagasy culture, the concept of family often extends beyond immediate relatives to include more distant relations as well as close friends and neighbors. Here are some words and phrases that can be used to refer to extended family members:
- fanahy: cousin
- zanaka-bavy: niece
- zanaka-lahy: nephew
- biby fianakaviana: family pet
- taranak'i havana: relative
- foiben'i havana: neighbor
Some examples of usage:
- Taratasy valo izahay: There are eight (members) in our family.
- Mpianitr'ny ahy sy ny zanako no nosoratana: We wrote to my parents and my children.
- Raha mila fanampiana ianao, azonao atao izany aza: If you need help, you can do that (ask for it) from your relatives.
Vocabulary Practice
Here are some exercises to practice the vocabulary related to family members:
1. Translate the following words into Plateau Malagasy:
a. Mother b. Child c. Cousin d. Sibling e. Pet f. Neighbor
2. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word:
a. "Misaotra anao, ___." (Thank you, brother/sister.) b. "Miasa tsara i___." (My father works well.) c. "Mpankafy kely i___ mitady rano." (The little boy is looking for water.) d. "Mandehana any a___." (Let's go to their house.) e. "Maninona no tsy misy ___ aty?" (Why isn't there any pet here?) f. "Miaraka amin'i___ aho androany." (I'm going with my friends today.)
3. Create a dialogue using the following prompts:
Person A: Manao ahoana ianao? (How are you?) Person B: Tsara be, misaotra anao. Ary ianao? (Very good, thank you. And you?) Person A: Miala tsiny amin'ny tambazotra. ("Avoid small arguments.") Fanahy aloha ianao? (Are you my cousin?) Person B: Indray mandeha mifanohitra amin'ny fomba rehetra, tsy nefa ny fianakavianao ihany. (Yes, we are related in some way, not just through your family.) Ary ianao? Person A: Mpianatry ny ahy. (I'm a family member.) Rahalahy na rahavavy ianao? (Are you a brother or a sister?) Person B: Raha izy mpivady ny mpianatrao, dia ___ aho. (If your parent's partner is a man, I'm a brother.) Raha izy vehivavy, dia ___ aho. (If your parent's partner is a woman, I'm a sister.)
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have learned the names of family members in Plateau Malagasy. We have also touched upon the concept of extended family and close relationships. Knowing these words and phrases is essential to communicate effectively with Malagasy people and to better understand their culture and values. Keep practicing and learning, and you will soon be able to use these words and phrases with confidence!