Okinawan Language

[Myst]

Hi all,

I recently began training at an Okinawan Kenpo Karate Kobudo dojo, and the sensei there speaks conversational Okinawan with his students. I've been trying to pick up some things, but just wanted to clarify something. When we start the class, we all gather around and kneel, then the sensei says "Matte yame"(sp?) and they all sit. I've always known "Matte" to mean "stop". Is there a different meaning to it? Also, any conversational phrases (good evening, how are you, etc.) are most welcome!

[hinote]

Yame and Matte both mean stop.

[Yumiko]

From what I know, 'matte' means 'wait' and 'yame' means 'stop'.

[nago]

You are correct Yumiko-san. Although this is from conversational Japanese not conversational Okinawan. It is spoken in Okinawa, as Japanese is the main language here, but Okinawa has its own language which is totally separate from Japanese. Very few people actually speak proper Okinawan.

[Corpsronin]

One thing I learned in my year or so in OKI is don't call them japanese.