The Language Secretariat of Greenland

Nina Ramaputra

From: Jakarta, Indonesia.

Age: 49

The year you arrived to Greenland: November 29 2000 to Aasiaat

You first thoughts about Kalaallisut language?

Eqqaamanngilara iluamik, kisianni eqqaamavara papiliamik ataatsimik tunisikkama tassani allaqqavoq kisitsisit ataaseq, marluk, qulit tuungaanut taava suliffinni ingerlaanaq nammineq ilikkarpara, sorlu uanitsut, taratsut allallu.

What was your motivation to learn Kalaallisut?

That I live here in Greenland (that time I was in Aasiaat). Also there is a quotation I have known since I was at gymnasium : ”when you are in Rome do as Romans”. I was thinking that I had arrived here (in Aasiaat), no way back so that’s why I should learn the language. 

What was the hardest in learning Kalaallisut?

When I had to find out by myself because no one could explain to me in English and I had to learn two language at the same time.

What was beneficial learning Kalaallisut?

To feel home and accepted by others. For example I once met a nice lady who becomes “kalaallit nunaani anaanaga” in Aasiaat and her family accepted me as their own family. Another example, many people in Aasiaat who know me or when people hear I speak kalaallisut, they always say that I am “Aasiaammiuvunga” or “Aasiaammiutut oqaluppunga”.

What is the most important thing in learning Kalaallisut language?

To use it everyday and never feel hesitated or afraid to say the words even it sounds funny to others.