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Exploring the concept of time through the lens of the Wakhi language is like embarking on a cultural journey. The Wakhi people have a unique way of perceiving and describing time, rich in vocabulary and deeply connected to their daily lives and natural surroundings. Let’s delve into this fascinating temporal tapestry and discover the words that weave together their days and nights.
Today and Yesterday
wuðg - today
yez - yesterday
yezi - yesterday (adverb)
yezʉng - yesterday's
In Wakhi, the present and the immediate past are captured with simplicity. "Wuðg" and "yez" are commonly used to denote today and yesterday, respectively.
The Days Around Us
torti - the day before yesterday
torter - the day after tomorrow
tortʉng - the day before yesterday's
piɣ̌a - tomorrow
Wakhi speakers have precise terms for days just beyond today and yesterday. "Torti" refers to the day before yesterday, while "torter" and "piɣ̌a" look forward to the day after tomorrow and tomorrow, respectively.
Morning Light to Evening Glow
oɣoz - daybreak, beginning
sahar - morning
sari - morning
sarila - in the morning
yišiɣ̌en - in the very early morning
yišiɣ̌ - dawn, daybreak
The Wakhi vocabulary for morning times is abundant, reflecting the significance of this part of the day in their culture. "Oɣoz" marks the beginning of the day, while "sahar" and "sari" are used for the morning. "Yišiɣ̌en" and "yišiɣ̌" denote the very early morning and dawn, respectively.
High Noon to Afternoon
mʉðʉr - noon
mʉðʉrer - in the future, at noon
mʉðʉri - past, at noon
yiparz - afternoon
yiparzer - in the afternoon
yiparzi - in the afternoon
The middle of the day is marked by "mʉðʉr," with variations for past and future references. The afternoon, or "yiparz," is also richly described, showing the importance of this time for various activities.
Evening and Night
pʉrz - evening
pʉrzi - last evening
pʉrzer - in the evening
pʉrzla - in the evening
pʉrzʉng - of last night
ṣ̌um - evening
ṣ̌umer - in the evening
ṣ̌umla - in the evening
naɣ̌d - night
naɣ̌der - in the future, at night
naɣ̌di - past, at night
naɣ̌dla - at night
Wakhi has multiple words for evening and night, each with nuanced meanings. "Pʉrz" and "ṣ̌um" are used for evening, while "naɣ̌d" is the term for night. These words can be adapted to talk about the past, present, and future, showcasing the language's flexibility.
Seasons and Years
oxir - last
pardi - last year (adverb)
rex̌kʉng sol - last year
The passage of years and the changing seasons are also encapsulated in Wakhi vocabulary. "Oxir" and "pardi" look back to the previous year, while "rex̌kʉng sol" denotes last year more specifically.
A Day in Wakhi
Understanding the Wakhi concept of time offers a glimpse into their way of life, where each part of the day and year is observed and articulated with care. This rich lexicon not only enhances communication but also deepens the connection to the natural rhythms of their environment.
So next time you think about the passage of time, remember the Wakhi words that beautifully capture each moment, from the break of dawn to the quiet of night.
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