Fiji's leading Fijian language expert Paul Geraghty tells Fijileaks what he thinks Radrodro meant when Prasad was compared to Waiqele Bus driver

19/5/2016

20 Comments

Fijileaks: What did Aseri Radrodro mean when he said:
'Kari bagi e via draiva tiko la ni basi ni Waiqele o tamana… tovolea mada nai dabedabe ni pasidia talega.'

Associate Professor of Linguistics, Dr Paul Geraghty of the University of the South Pacific

Associate Professor Paul Geraghty:
"I have been following the discussion concerning the 'correct' translation and can confirm the following":
(1). Kari Bagi does not mean 'curry baigan' or anything like it!
(2). A lot of commentators seem to think it's a Kadavu expression, which it may be, but it's also Standard Fijian, though maybe not much used among the younger generation
(3). Kari Bagi is hard to translate accurately into English but the following come close:
so it appears that... it turns out that... to my surprise... so my attempt at an idiomatic translation of the whole thing:

"It turns out that this fellow just wants to be the driver of the Waiqele bus... maybe he should try being a passenger for once."

PIP, PIP: Give way to others!

20 Comments

joe law

20/5/2016 09:04:41 am

the first time i read your translation of "kari bagi" i couldnt stop laughing.... :)
anyways, here is my translation and its abit closer to Paul's
i understood the words "kari bagi" to mean the same as "O koya beka"
Its usually used as part of a question about some one, in a sadistic manner but with a sense of doubt...as a way making a joke about someone, but you have no idea what the person did or the motive behind that persons action..
Heres an example:
a group of friends talking about Hayne's wanting to play for Fiji 7s, and one of the guys said"o kari bagi via vaqara rogo ga" In English, it would tanslate to "Maybe he just wants to be famous...?"

i would translate the words "Kari Bagi" to "Koya Beka" in the widely used fijian dialect. In English it would be something like this "maybe he just want to..."

Rustam

20/5/2016 09:24:39 am

It is indeed very heartening to see an academic interest and clarification forthcoming from Professor Geraghty. Thank You Sir.

It is a relief that ‘Kari Bargi’ doesn’t mean ‘curry baigan’ – for there we were berating Radrodro for being a racist…and it would have been a bit too much to have a Professor ‘Curry Baigan’ and as well as a Professor Paratha in a small country like Fiji.

Fijian

20/5/2016 07:34:13 pm

We use "Kari bagi" in our daily conversations.... In our dialect it is "qare bagi"..... Sorry Paula we use it daily..and it is not Kari baigani

Aaraam Se link

20/5/2016 10:21:17 am

The Associate Professor Paul Geraghty is a coward trying to mislead the nation with his explanation.In the context in which these words are used,it can only mean "curry baigan' and nothing else.I am surprised that academics of Paul's caliber are now trying to mislead the nation.....Come on Prof. Paul you have made the mistake of your life.....Kari Bagi can only mean "curry baigan" in the context it was used and both literally and metaphorically,Professor Paul.Do not gang up to mislead,truth does not need any support.

Frank Woody

21/5/2016 05:56:28 am

And along comes an imbecile Aaraam Se who wants to see only what she wants to see and ignore reality. Come out from under the rock and let the sun disinfect your brain. Kari Bagi doesnt mean kari baigani. Get that into your thick skull, idiot

joe law

20/5/2016 02:05:50 pm

and Paul is right when he said, that the words "Kari bagi" are hardly used by younger generations.
You will hear this words alot among older folks, especially in a group of older women engaged in gossiping, or just being jealous......

Fijian

20/5/2016 10:01:54 pm

Now we use Kari bagi ....or qare bagi..in lau dialect every day and it is very commonly used.....only if you don't know Fijian or don't speak it daily then you would not know ........it is not Kari baigani..if you wanna be a Fijian please respect and understand our lingo do not twist it out of context.
.

Kutesebe

20/5/2016 08:55:14 pm

Dear Editor,
Having curry baigan and paratha for breakfast or dinner is bloody good combination. Reminds me childhood, farm , mother and joys of poverty!

Pita

21/5/2016 01:56:27 am

Okay we've kicked the Kari Bagi term to death, What of the Waiqele bus and "o Tamano" comment? What about also the context of what the member said? He was fuming at Biman when he uttered those words. In the context of Fiji's history of racial slurs by politicians like Timoci Vesikula's water and kerosene remark to the PM at the Tailevu Provincial Council, SDL's Asenaca Caucau's "Indians are like weeds" remark in Parliament and Sayed Khaiyum's Darth Varder gorilla pose to the largely Fijian opposition Radrodro's use of those loaded words like Kar Bagi and ethnic stereotypes like Waiqele bus and o tamana are ethnic put downs and therefore racist.
We who have the future of Fiji at heart should not allow these comments to go unchannelled. For as Ben Ryan said the standards we walk past become the standards we become

Aaraam Se link

21/5/2016 08:56:39 am

Frank Woody,would care to tell the nation of your translation of the words "Kari Bagi"? You had a feeble attempt to dismiss my claim that Kari Bagi can only mean "curry baigan" in that context of the utterances made by the MP.The rest of your comment is not worth commenting.Please do not expose your stupidity.....Every right thinking person knows what that MP meant and said.Or can you give a better explanation?

Frank Woody

22/5/2016 01:02:07 pm

the meaning has been given by native speakers and expert linguists like paul geraghty ... and it doesnt mean kari baigani though they almost spell similar. why cant you accept that? didnt you learn this in high school or uni foundation english courses?
are you a native speaker? did you grow up and live amongst fijians of various provinces in fiji to learn and speak the various dialects and nuances and hows its understood by those who speak it? obviously you didnt. so get off your high horse and stop imposing your silly kari baigani meaning onto something you have no knowledge of.
he simply said something like this - "hmmm apparently he wants to remain the bus driver and doesnt want to accept being a passenger too." nothing to do with your yellow kari baigani and nothing to do with bimans father, as some allege. and stop reading race into everything

Sobo Aaraam Se

21/5/2016 06:46:44 pm

Sobo Aaraam Se if you are so smart...why can't you accept the real meaning of that remark as now expertly explained by Mr PG. It seems its people like you who wish to read race in everything one does. The comments by the MP in the given context if you read the mail in its entirety could only mean, he was also taking a dig at the people calling for his dismissal. Remember, he was reacting to accusations leveled at him unfairly by the Accusers who never used to believed AG before, and for their own benefit, are now choosing to believe?! Let's take that speck out of our eyes and look at facts as facts rather then fiction! It doesn't help Fiji move forward.

Jonekila@gmail.com

21/5/2016 08:03:06 pm

My favourite is curry baigan, tinfish and potatoe with roti and tea.

Friendly Fiji

21/5/2016 11:20:47 pm

My interpretation is that "kari bagi” could mean “clearly or it appears” “draiva ni Waiqele” refers to the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee, “la & tamana” refers to Dr Biman and "dabedabe ni pasidia” perhaps refers to membership of the committee.

Dr Biman Prasad & Radrodro are both our political leaders that deserve respect. But for goodness sake Radrodro, there is a place & time for Fijian sense of humour and code talk. In context, I believe that Radrodro was disrespectful to Dr Biman, it was definitely uncalled for and very insensitive on his part since Dr Binam is not an indigenous Fijian nor come from the province that uses that way of talking/sense of humor.

I only hope that Radrodro offer an apologise to Dr Biman Prasad as a true political leader.

Fijian

22/5/2016 01:23:46 am

Contextually Friendly Fiji you stated it rightfully and I believe you Mr Radrodro should seek forgiveness on his part to ensure 'veilomani' really what brings everyone together. Kudos to you my friend what a fine statement!!!!!

Fijian

22/5/2016 12:22:29 am

Words are beautiful they unveil a picture meant to be seen and felt. They create bridges of understanding and form binding forces of love which actually springs out freedom and peace.They form interactions with different cultures which mold our society into a uniform entity. I for one admire and respect hindi language whenever I can I would ask my Indo Fijian brothers and sisters about the meanings of certain hindi words and we would relate to each other from our different cultural backgrounds I mean its so wonderful.When they explain their language to me it opens a channel for me to see and understand their culture it brings us closer.Now my friend here is still pushing his/her agenda into twisting the real meaning of the Fijian words 'Kari Bagi' into something totally wrong and unacceptable. That is really so sad ...it reallyis heart breaking...how can that be so...?

Friendly Fiji

22/5/2016 04:49:13 am

You are absolutely right “Fijian”, “words... unravel a picture meant to be seen and felt.” In this context, my point is that these words were spoken to spite Dr Biman and therefore the intention was to paint an ironical or cartoon/funny picture of the guy who happens to be a distinguished academic and now an honorable member of parliament.

Similarly, these words “unravel a picture” of the author in terms of his caliber, temperamental, leadership qualities....

Vinaka Fijian, truly, words of apology will “create bridges of understanding ...freedom and peace.”

Fijian

22/5/2016 07:06:52 pm

Friendly Fijian.... Thanks so much ...can they sit together n at least shake hands after all they're our leaders...man plis.....we have to move forward my friend....totoka nomu vakamacala

On-Song

24/5/2016 12:56:24 am

Kari Bagi; Fijian, Friendly Fijian and the rest of you contributors to this column - seeing Radrodro explain to Biman the interpretations of his comments and then shaking hands on it would be great for all.
You see, the kari bagi in my context simply means "karaik" or "o sobo!!" which I believe was truly the original meaning when first uttered, but taken out of context and became a debate on words.

shando

8/3/2017 03:21:02 pm

very stupid topic

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