The V/W Syndrome

In the Philippines we have a lot of grammatical syndromes.  Thanks I believe to the Spanish language where most of these come from (if you notice, Spanish-speaking folks also have similar syndromes like the P & F) or just plain inability to enunciate. 

Notice there is no "wa" because it's the same as "va"

In Sri Lanka, grammatical syndromes also exist.  The most obvious of which is the V and W where they change V into W.  This is because in Sinhala script and language, there is only one character for V and W.

So let’s have some examples:

Visa = Wisa

Vacation = Wacation

Victory = Wictory

A lot of confusion can exist if you are not aware!  Especially if you are SMS-ing with them.  You will notice a lot of “V”’s.  They are not “very” as we would write it, but rather “we.”

Once, we asked the owner of the Kabayan Filipino Restaurant (more on this later!), Ate Leah if aside from Efficacent Oil, does she also have Vicks.  She said, “available yan dito!  Pero kailangan sabihin mo Wicks.”  (“that is available locally!  But you have to ask for Wick.)”  Hmm...

During a Filipino community gathering just this Sunday, we formally met a lady who was on the same flight when we came home last April.  I asked for her name and she said, “Wilma.”  I repeated, “ah Wilma.”  And she caught herself and said, “ay, Vilma.  Ano ba yan, nalito na ako.  Dito kasi nasanay na ako sabihing Wilma. (“oh, Vilma.  I got confused there!  Here I have been used to saying Wilma.”) 

Oo nga naman.

So if ever you find yourself talking to a Sri Lankan, be aware of the V/W Syndrome and it can save you a lot of confusion.  A friendly reminder from Livin’ La Vida Lanka!