The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 17, No. 484, April 9, 1831 by Various
page 12 of 51 (23%)
page 12 of 51 (23%)
|
Canada_, says--"They think themselves by nature superior to the rest of
mankind, and call themselves _Ongue-honwe_--that is, men surpassing all others. The words expressing things lately come to their knowledge are all compounds. They have no labials in their language, nor can they pronounce perfectly any word wherein there is a labial; and when one endeavours to teach them to pronounce these words, they tell one they think it ridiculous that they must _shut their lips to speak_. Their language abounds with gutturals and strong aspirations: these make it very sonorous and bold; and their speeches abound with metaphors after the manner of the eastern nations. Sometimes one word among them includes an entire definition of the thing: for example--they call wine _Oneharadeschoengtseragherie_, as to say, a liquor made of the juice of the grape." N.B. It is hoped the above _guttural_ word will not stick in the _throat_ of the reader. P.T.W. * * * * * SONG. (_For the Mirror._) Oh fly with me my lady love, my island home is free, And its flowers will bloom more sweetly still, when gazed upon by thee; Come, lady, come, the stars are bright--in all their radiant power, |
|