ikōn
The English phrase "be quiet" is translated into Marshallese as ikōn.
ikōn is a command used to tell someone to stop making noise.
Did you know?
- Marshallese is a member of the Oceanic branch of Austronesian languages, meaning the roots of ikōn are distantly related to languages spoken as far away as Madagascar.
- In many Marshallese contexts, silence is not just the absence of noise, but a respectful way to show that you are listening to an elder or a leader.
- While ikōn serves as a command, Marshallese social etiquette often favors indirectness, meaning a direct command can sometimes be perceived as unnecessarily harsh or aggressive in a communal setting.
Example conversation
Rose and David are in a library.
- RoseDavid, ikōn!David, be quiet!
- DavidSorrō, Rose.Sorry, Rose.
- RoseIitōk eōm̧ kōm̧m̧an ebur.You are making too much noise.
- DavidIjjām̧ kōm̧m̧an ebur.I won't make noise.
