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2/04/2015

Valentine's Thought




Here are some thoughts for you, as you find that perfect Valentine's Day Sentiment... consider saying "I eat your liver." instead of "I think you're cute!"
In Papua New Guinea, 'lewa' or 'liver' is used similarly to how we in America say the word 'heart'.

hat tip to Karl Franklin and Steven Thomas http://www-01.sil.org/silewp/2006/silewp2006-004.pdf
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The lexeme lewa, as in examples (8)–(11), refers primarily to the "liver," which is often
considered to be the seat of emotions in Papua New Guinean languages. So it can be associated
with various degrees of affection. In examples (9)–(11), the verbs katim 'to cut something',
brukim 'to break open', and kaikaim 'to eat something' refer to penetration into the emotional
center...
 8. katim lewa (cut the liver) "very attractive"
 9. brukim lewa (break the liver) "very sorry"
10. kaikaim lewa bilong yu (eat liver of yours) "show extreme attraction/devotion to someone"
11. lewa bilong mi (liver of mine) "my true love"
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