Wok

[Mesulam Aisoli]

"wokpainim", is the most recently used "tokpisin" by academics in PNG,
especially for research work. Never known in 1950 - mid 1960. It is a two
separate english words "work" and "find" so in Pidgin English becomes one
word "wokpainim". Never heard of "wokpain" before. In the general use of the
two words "wok" and "painim" by villagers, is common in many rural villages
in the New Guinea Islands. Say for instance, if some one lost his or her
knife and you come across him or her looking for it. In Tokpisin, you could
ask, "yu wokim wanem?" in reply she/he could say, "mi "wok" long "painim"
naip bilong mi, i lus aste". 

> ----------
> From: 	Richard Scaglion[SMTP:scaglion+ at pitt.edu]
> Sent: 	Saturday, 2 February 2002 1:24am
> To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: 	Re: Wok
> 
> 
> > In Lababia (Huon Gulf area) my research was routinely
> > referred to by villagers as "wok painimaut". I never
> > heard "wok pain" or wok painim" being used however.
> 
> In the East Sepik in the 1980s, I heard Provincial officials (sometimes 
> when speaking on Radio East Sepik) refer to research studies as "wok 
> painim."
> 
> Rick
>