The inspiration for this blog is the Marquesan Phrasebook / Livre des phrases marquisiennes, which opens with the following words: “To Enata, Enana and all those who continue to speak and teach their e’o”

This book is the first of its kind, and translates Marquesan into both French and English.  Drawing on my long experience in the Marquesas, the book includes hundreds of phrases useful in everyday island interactions organized by theme.  Two quick guides on the inside of the front and back covers help the user find key expressions with optimal speed.  A small dictionary at the back of the book is another good source for vocabulary that can be referenced using Marquesan, English or French.  Spread throughout are a selection of “Marquesan Fun Facts” that help to familiarize the reader with the Marquesas Islands and their inhabitants.

The book is 172 pages and includes more than 20 stunning color photographs.  The final third of the book is filled with three short dictionaries, one for French-Marquesan, one for English-Marquesan, and one for Marquesan-English-French.

Please visit emilydonaldson.org for more information, or to order a copy of your own!