Language Geek Corner: Aferin

 

A New Column!

 
Besides being the Belly Dance Geek™, I’m also a language geek.
 
 
 
I speak 5 languages (although I’m incredibly rusty at two of them…), and I’ve been studying Turkish for just under 2 years.

Learning another language opens doors. Besides helping you understand the music you’re dancing to, it lets you connect with the culture beyond music and dance.

(Even if you’re not very good at it! Most people are thrilled that you want to learn their language.)
 
So I thought I’d start sharing

For the record, I shamelessly stole this idea from the lovely ladies at Dans Aşkına in Mineappolis, who include some Turkish vocabulary in their newsletter.

http://www.bellydanceamina.com/dansaskina.html
 
 

Featured word: Aferin!

That’s pronounced ah-fair-een.

(Hear it said by a native speaker)
https://forvo.com/word/aferin/#tr

 

What it means

It means “well done!”.

The internets tell me that it’s a Persian loan word.

Back in the day, it meant a certificate of commendation given to students.
(That’s according to turkishdictionary.net)

But these days, it just means “good job!”.

(Kind of like how we could say “A+” or “gold star!” as a compliment.)

 

Variations

You can use it by itself, or you can say “aferin sana!”, which means “good for you!” or “go you!”.

(Ah-fair-een sah-nah – hear it pronounced)
https://forvo.com/word/aferin_sana/#tr

 

How to use it

You can use it to compliment your students in class.
(It’s often used with school children.)

According to the Justin and Büşra at the Turkish Tea Time podcast (https://turkishteatime.com/), you can also use it sarcastically, just like we might say “good for you” sarcastically. (Like “What do you want, a medal?”)

To make it sound sarcastic, lengthen the first ah sound. “Aaaaah-fer-in”.

But be careful who you use it with. Since a lot of people associate it with encouraging children, using it with someone older than you (outside of a teacher/student relationship) can be taken as disrespectful.

 

 

Want to learn more?

I found my Turkish teacher through iTalki, a web site that books language teachers and tutors who teach over Skype. (Most of them are VERY affordable.)

It also has some great free community features like conversation partners and forums.

Use my affiliate link to sign up, and we’ll both get a $10 after you take your first lesson.

(And if you want a recommendation for a good Turkish teacher, drop me a line at info@bellydancegeek.com!)

 

Your Turn

Are you a language geek too?

What language(s) do you study or speak?

What are some of your challenges in learning languages?

Is there a word or phrase that tickles you right now?

Share your thoughts in the comments!