Dictionary Entries explained

Each entry has at least a Chung word or phrase and a translation in English. This can include several different senses (meanings of the word). Some words also give other information. The following things are inside the word list:

Entry word

The entry word is given using the Chung alphabet. Spelling rules are explained in the Orthography Guide. Nouns are written in the singular and verbs in their shortest form (imperative).

Examples:

Bikisi  nprop Chung day 1 of the week

dzaŋ  n rain

fwɔ  v pick up, gather (wild plants)

jwɔfi  num  ten (10)

Homonyms

Homonyms are words which are identical in spelling but have different tone or meanings. Each homonym is listed separately. (These are marked with a small number after the word to indicate they are different words):

gəŋ₁ v  carry

gəŋ₂ (pl gə́ŋ ) c9/10 n  guinea corn

Plural form

When possible, the plural form and noun class are given for nouns. The plural form is shown in parenthesis, and the noun class numbers (singular/plural) follow:

finkɔfi (pl minkɔfi) c19/18a n knife

kiŋwɛli (pl biŋwɛli) c7/8 n key, opener

kpa (pl kaaŋ) c3/4 n day, whole day

mwi c6a n water

nsuŋ (pl kinsuŋ) c5/27 n cooking stone, stone of fire place

Gloss

The English translation is given as at least one word, sometimes there is more information. If a word/phrase is followed by (P) it means the gloss is in Pidgin English.

ŋkəm (pl bəŋkəm) c1/2 n kenja (P), basket for transporting fowls

Senses

When a word has more than one sense (related meaning), the meanings are each given a number. The different senses may not be ordered according to which ones are most familiar or most frequently used.

ŋgwuki (pl bəŋɡwuki) c1/2 n 1) canoe 2) boat 3) paddle (for boat) 4) wooden gong