Chapter V

The Gipseys come from Hindostan.

It is justly asserted, that one of the most infallible methods of determining the origin of these people with certainty, would be the discovery of a country where their language was in common use. The first and most necessary examination here, therefore, will be, to find out the part of the globe in which the Gipseys’ language is that of the natives: and this country is no other than Hindostan. But before we endeavour to prove this assertion, by a comparison of the Hindostan and Gipsey languages, it will be proper to premise something, which will serve as an introduction of considerable weight. It is an article of intelligence, to be found in the Vienna Gazette, and comes from a Captain Szekely von Doba, a man who was thinking of nothing less than of searching for the Gipseys and their language in the East Indies.

“In the year 1763, on the 6th of November,” says Captain Szekely, “a printer, whose name was Stephen Pap Szathmar Nemethi, came to see me. Talking upon various subjects, we at last fell upon that of the Gipseys; and my guest related to me the following anecdote, from the mouth of a preacher of the reformed church, Stephen Vali, at Almasch in the county of Komora.—When the said Vali studied at the university of Leyden, he was intimately acquainted with some young Malabars, of whom three are obliged constantly to study there, nor can they return home till relieved by three others. Having observed that their native language bore a great affinity to that spoken by the Gipseys, he availed himself of the opportunity to note down, from themselves, upwards of one thousand words, together with their significations. They assured him, at the same time, that upon their island was a tract of land, or province, called Czigania (but it is not laid down on the map). After Vali was returned from the university, he informed himself, among the Raber Gipseys, concerning the meaning of his Malabar words, which they explained without trouble or hesitation.”

In this anecdote, every thing seems to happen by chance; even to the learned man who published it in the Gazette, it appeared as if fallen from the clouds, and entirely oversets his system; for he was the person, mentioned above, who broached the opinion of the Gipseys being Mongol Tartars. So much more weighty, therefore, and unexceptionable, are the hints it throws out, for the discovery of the Gipseys’ mother country, by means of their language.

The consideration that, according to this anecdote, the Gipsey language is declared to be Malabar, and we have pronounced it Hindostan, does not create any difficulty, although they are very different from each other. Probably the three young men, from whom Vali took down his words, were Bramins’ sons, whose language was that proper to the learned Bramins, or the Shanscritt. But the affinity between this and the common language spoken by the people of Hindostan, is the same as between pure Latin and modern Italian. It was therefore very natural that the Raber Gipseys should understand, if not all, at least the greatest part of the words which Vali repeated to them.

However, we do not want this come-off. The difficulty will subside without it, when we examine the connection between the Gipsey and Hindostan languages. The next thing, therefore, is to give a list of words from both.

Numerals.

Gipsey. Hindostan. English.

Ick; Ek Ek One

Duj; Doj Du Two

Trin; Tri Tin Three

Schtar; Star Tschar Four

Pantsch; Pansch Pansch Five

Tschowe; Schow; Sof Tscho Six

Efta Hefta; Sat Seven

Ochto Aute Eight

Enja; Eija Now Nine

Desch; Des Dos; Des Ten

Besch; Bisch; Bis Bjs Twenty

Trianda; Tranda Tjs Thirty

Starweldesch; Saranda Tschaljs Forty

Pantschwerdesch; Panda Pontsandis Petschass Fifty

Tschowerdesch; Schoandis Sytt Sixty

Estawerdesch Syttr Seventy

Ochtowerdesch Asseh Eighty

Eijawerdesch; Enjandis Nubbeh Ninety

Tschèl; Schèl; Sel Souw Hundred

Deschwerschel; Ekezeros Ekhazar; Hazar Thousand

O Gluno; a Jékto Pajla The First

O Duito; a Duito Dusera The Second

O Trito Tjssera The Third

O Schtarto Tscharta The Fourth

Nouns Substantive.

Gipsey. Hindustan. English.

Tziro Wakht Time

Bersch Burz; Sal A Year

Manet; Tschon Meina A Month

Diwes Diw; Rase Day

Ratti; Rattgin; Rat Rateh Night

Feizrile Fazir; Nur Morning

Kurko Etwar Sunday

Doga Tschis An Affair; a Thing

Kak Tulad; Rykem The Sex

Arti Zatt The Sort

Goswro Gustur; Moffikj The Manner

Jek; Otter Tschan; Tukra A Piece

Gin Adadah The Number

Dewe; Dewel; Dewol; Dewla Khoda; Allah God

Deuw Deuw; Muret An Idol

Bollopen; Boliben Dune The World

Mulro Dumm The Spirit

Sie; Wode Jan The Soul

Trupo; Teschta Dhj; Ang; Hal The Body

Shweto; Tscherosz Behescht; Asman Heaven

Tserhenje; Tscherhenja Tara A Star

Cham; Cam; Okam Kam; Surez The Sun

Schon; Tschemut; Mrascha Tschand The Moon

Prabal Howah The Air

Jag; Jak; Jago Ag Fire

Panj; Pango Panj Water

Pu; Bhu; Pube; Epebu Zemin The Earth

Balwal, Bear Beiar; Batas The Wind

Felhoeschnodi Baddel A Cloud

Felheschine Bjdschelj Lightening

Tschetogasch Meg Thunder

Brischint; Brechindo Birrsat Rain

Mrascha; Osch Kohassa; Osh The Dew

Koeddo Kohassa; Kohol Fog

Temm Muluk The Soil

Akra Moidan The Field

Hedjo Pahr A Mountain

Bar Pytter; Kaja A Hillock

Gere; Wermo Gerrah A Pit

Wesch Djp An Island

Baro Pani Deriauw The Ocean

Sero Dschjl The Sea

Kunara; Parra Kinerj The Shore

Tato Panj; Poschi Tschata Morass; Slough

Hani; Foljasi Pohara A Spring

Hanj; Hanik Huah; Koka A Well

Tallo Tallauw A Dike

Flammus Tjm; Lu Flame

Jangar; Angar Koyla Coal

Mommli; Mumeli Batthj Light

Schik Moil Mud

Tschar; Djiplo Rag; Bowus Ashes

Mescho Tscuna Chalk

Balu Bull; Rith Sand

Bàre; Bar Sanka; Pytter Stone

Wahlin; Tcheklo Belun Glass

Jegekoro bar Patter Flint-stone

Sonnai; Sonnikey; Schomnakai Suna Gold

Rùp Ruppa Silver

Tzaster; Trascht Luha Iron

Tschino Kelley Tin

Molliwo Mulwa; Sjscha Lead

Tzindo rup Parrat Quicksilver

Lohn; Lon Nun Salt

Lonkeren Sura Saltpetre

Kandini momelli Genden Sulphur

Char; Tschar; Wira Gas Grass

Jiv Giuw Wheat

Gib; Arpa Jou Barley

Tzirja: Pura Ljsun Garlic

Purum; Lolipurum Peiaz Onion

Schach Kubj Cabbage

Hirhil Mytter Peas

Dudum Hulla A Gourd

Herbuzho Terbus A Melon

Boborka Birka A Cucumber

Rùk Garsch A Tree

Pabuj Pawug; Sjuw An Apple

Brohl Prohlo A Pear

Télel Januwr A Beast

Kirmo Kentschuwa A Worm Silk

Rezh Rissem Silk

Birlin Mumukkj; Schehetkj A Bee

Jerni Mum Wax

Gwju; Mescho Schahed Honey

Kirja Kiro; Tschontj An Ant

Jua; Tzua Juj A Louse

Puzhum; Puschan Pjsche A Flea

Matschu; Matscho; Mulo Mutschli Fish

Alo Bam An Eel

Tschirikli; Tschiriklo Tschuri A Bird

Bischothilo Ghido The Eagle

Papin; Papim; Papi Hans A Goose

Hiretza; Retschori Buttugh A Duck

Tovadei Tubbuter; Tschetschlj A Dove

Jaros; Garum Unnda An Egg

Baro peng; Oroschlana Sjr; Sing The Lion

Ru Bira; Hundar A Wolf

Jùkel; Tzùkel; Juket; Tschokel; Schokel; Tschikel Kuttha A Dog

Schoschi; Tschoschai Sassa; Khurr A Hare

Papinori Baner An Ape

Gra; Grea; Krej Gorra; Ghassi A Horse

Gratsch; Grast Gorra A Stallion

Grasnj; Graschni Gorrj A Mare

Dernagresch Batscheru A Foal

Gurrub; Guru; Gurni Gorna; Boil An Ox

Guruni; Kircumni; Gurongatsch Gaj; Borjuko A Cow

Warjuhilo Batschera A Calf

Bàkera: Bakra; Bakro Bhjra; Bhjri; Mendha; Mendhi A Sheep

Bakero; Bhara dohilo Mendhj batscha A Lamb

Jeschingingri; Ketschka Bukkrj A Goat

Balo; Bala Pala; Sur A Swine

Bikarisch krohilo Sur A Boar

Balóra Surbatscha A Pig

Djanba Beng; Mendowk A Frog

Tsap Sarap A Snake

Beng Guddj A Dragon

Kazht; Karscht Lakerj Wood

Tschjlka; Borka Tschal The Bark

Patrin Pat A Leaf

Pèperi Mirritz Pepper

Bàl; Pàl Bàl The Hair

Puzhum Ojr Wool

Pori Dum The Tail

Rat Lohu Blood

Tud Dhud Milk

Kjl Kel; Mukken Butter

Kiral; Chiral; Kiras Panjr Cheese

Tulo Tschjli Fat

Swa Ansu A Tear

Mas; Masz Ghost Flesh

Tschero; Schero; Cheru Ser The Head

Aok; Jaok; Jaka; Po; Aran Awk The Eye

Kan Kawn The Ear

Nàk Nakk The Nose

Tscham Gal The Cheek

Tchammedini Thori A Slap on the Face

Tschor Dharri The Beard

Mui; Moi Mu The Mouth

Dant Dant A Tooth

Tschib; Tscheb Jibb The Tongue

Men Gerdhen; Gulla The Neck

Dummo Piteh The Back

Andririk Terrik The Side

Gew; Buhl Tschutter The Behind

Kelin Tschatti The Breast

Per Piteh The Belly

Mossin; Mucia Bhan; Hateh The Arm

Wast; Wass Hateh The Hand

Kuzhilo; Guzhdo; Gusto Awngli A Finger

Ghazdo; Paltzo Anguta The Thumb

Heroi Tingeri The Leg

Piro Par; Pauw The Foot

Tschangu Gunga The Knee

Naj Nouh A Finger Nail

Sie; Si Djl The Heart

Buko Sjiger The Liver

Buchlipen Jagga A Place

Rundo Nala A District

Geb Gibah; Tsched A Hole

But; Behjr Pot A Multitude

Pisla Toro A Scarcity

Lowe; Löwe Peyssa Money

Libra Sere A Pound

Jemia; Miga Koss A Mile

Buda; Purana Potdjna Age

Tschiwawa Tiuw; Ratbhah Life

Rikewela Ehad The Memory

Sunjo Sunnj The Hearing

Sung Sunkh The smell

Sik Tschik The Taste

Rakerpen; Rakriben; Tschip Bat; Juvanj The Speech

Lab; Alo Bat; Kelam A Word

Nao; Lawe Nom A Name

Liel Khutt An Epistle

Buchos Ketab A Book

Schin Rengeh Colour

Pul; Pos Pual Straw

Baxt Bukhtj Fortune

Dromnazhedum Aheb; Tiffauti Error

Sik Minet Diligence

Merla Mordanj; Mot Death

Bkò Buk Hunger

Truzhilo Peas Thirst

Sentinella Para; Tschokkj Watching

Sowawa Njn; Khab Sleep

Dùk Dirk Smart

Dòko Dumm The Breath

Ghas Kassj A Cough

Butin Kar; Kam Labour

Muskatella Mekljm Balsam

Tschinneben Zukhmj; Gatel A Wound

Ker Gurr; Havelj A House

Tschater; Chör Tschater A Tent; Roof

Gadsi Kassi; Juru A Wife

Tschowo; Tschabo Lirrka A Child

Tsche; Tschaj Tschuknj A Girl

Tschabe; Tschawo Tschokna A Boy

Tschek Tschekerin A Virgin

Dade; Dadi Bab A Father

Daj; Daju; Dajo Ma A Mother

Mami A Grandmother

Tschawo; Schave Beth A Son

Tschaj; Schaj Bethj A Daughter

Tschakrorum Jamwatsch Son-in-law

Kako Tsche-tscherabhais Cousin

Dades Krupral Tschatscha Father’s Brother

Dades Kripen Tschatschi Father’s Sister

Pewli Rhenduj; Rand A Widow

Velèto Noker; Tschaker Man Servant

Rakli Tschakerin Maid Servant

Wirthus Gurkka-Suheb A Landlord

Werda Seratsch; Kham An Inn

Sikerwawa Talima Instruction

Putzjum Sowal A Question

Pen Bjn; Jivab An Answer

Mangawa Urrizi A Petition

Schegari; Sidah The Chase

Wezheskro Scheggar A Huntsman

Kellipen Kele; Notsch A Game

Schetra Serinda A Violin

Tschorori Tscherjfi; Konkatj Poverty

Drum Musafferj A Voyage; Journey

Jangustri; Gostring; Gusderin Angutri A Ring

Tower; Tober Kulhari An Ax; A Bill

Pàl Mes; Tukhta A Board

Bechari Piala; Tschasj A Cup

Tschupni Tschabukk A Whip

Tschor Tschur A Thief

Tschordas Tschurj A Theft

Goro; Chadum Dhoro; Krjs A Sword; Dagger

Pleisserdum Masuri A Reward

Tschatscho Jnsaf; Sjera Right

Paro; Birda Bharr; Birz Weight; Burthen

Tchumoben Tschuma A Kiss

Dori Sutlj; Fjtha A Band

Manru; Maro Rutj Bread

Jaro; Aro Atà; Moidda Meal

Gabèn Konna Food; Eatables

Kjl Mukken Butter

Raja; Rajah Raja The Prince

Ranj Roji The Princess

Raz Raz; Surdari The Principality

Buklo Koluff A Castle

Kuroben Jungro War

Kutwnaskro Gardj; Tscholdar A Warrior

Harmi Hattiar A Breastplate

Puschka; Banduk Sanduk A Musket

Gaue; Gal; Jegag Gauw; Busti A Village

Tombun Tumbur A Drum

Kandini momelli Genden Brimstone

Thu Dhuah Smoke

Paka Bosu The Wing

Palmande Musaka The Rear

Romm; Manusch Murd; Manusch Man, Mankind

Jammadar Surrdar Commander

Klusturi Takkor bar A Cloister

Kangri; Kangheri Musizam A Church

Isba Ischba; Kuterj Apartment

Skaurnin Tschukire A Chair

Kambana Guntha Ghittal A Bell

Gowr Kibr The Grave

Doga Tschjs The Matter

Nani kek Quotsch-netsch Nobody

Schut Sirrka Vinegar

Ker; Baua Havelj; Emarat An Edifice

Klidin Tschabj; Kili A Key

Schoste Petschamma Drawers

Koro Kurti A Coat

Kuni Map; Kejasa A Measure

Kutschahu Kitseh Potter’s Clay

Goji Goig A Sausage

Mol Angur; Schrab Wine

Gereta Karamitti Chalk

Sapuni Savin Soap

Kammawa Guna Accusation; Debt

Gono Kissa A Knapsack

Por; For Purr; Por A Feather

Madjho; Matzlin Mudkj A Fly

Adjectives.

Gipsey. Hindostan. English.

Schoker Jssekta; Hakabat Respectable

Puro Purana; Buda Old

Dumino Pagla Simple

Prinjerdo Tschinta Known

Nango Nenga Bare

Nanilalsch; Erio Budd; Khrab Wicked

Bulhàila Tschaura Broad

Duber; Aduito Duara Double

Sana Schano; Pittla Thin

Tschori ropen Kambukht Miserable

Ajecto Ekara Single

Tschimaster Netko; Kerned Eternal

Latschila; Wingro Juta False

Tamlo Nerassa Dark

Piro Kalasch Free

Zelo Sumutscha Entire

Baro Burra Great

Latscho Bala Good

Tschorero Budd-suret Ugly, Hateful

Pral Unscha High

Boko Buka Hungry

Baugo Benka; Tera Crooked

Tikno; Tigno Tengna Short

Bango Lingra; Aftara Lame

Lokes; Betschuker Djla; Derrtschka Slow

Sorlo Jeura Powerful

Kindo Binga Wet

Nevo Naia New

Barwello Matwir; Talivirr Rich

Kalo; Kala Kala; Sjah Black

Mitschach Tik Severe

Bharahilo Barri Heavy

Gudlo Mitha Sweet

Gor Gehera Deep

Merla; Mojas Mua; Whakka Dead

Schukrohilo Sukka Dry

Gojemen Kuffa Arrogant

But Bot; Fatta Much

Perdo Purra; Bharra Full

Massob Kaberdar Watchful

Tscha Sutscha True

Tatto; Tatip Gorm Warm

Parna Saffed; Vjela White

Dur Tschaura Far

Naneleskeksi Tschimmero Tough

Verbs.

Gipsey. Hindostan. English.

Riokerwawa Mul-kurrna To esteem

Wias Pontschna To arrive

Kovokardas Luggauna To entice

Tschindas Schina-kurrna To charge

Pekgum Tamburine-pukkauna To bake

Tschjl Hjlna To shake

Mongawa Mangna To beg

Gohena Bjramet-kurrna To cheat

Pàkjum Turauna To break

Bandopen Bandna To bind

Lubekirdaspas Zanakari-kurrna To commit adultery

Pral Derkarhuna To be poor

Pratterdum Dantna To threaten

Tscherodia stele Sir-katna To behead

Perdo Bhurrna To accomplish

Stildum Pukkerna; Bojena To seize

Gana; Kha Kauna To eat

Androssaster kordo Zinjir; Luggauna To fetter

Nasch Tschuna To flow

Jarawe I fear

Jirrna; Dirrhuna To fear

Muterwawa Mutna To make water

Bango Lingra huna To halt (go lame)

Getschaha Jauna To go any-where

Ghas Kassi-kurrna To cough

Nazh Schegar-kurrna To hunt

Kindjelle Mul-lena To buy

Tschumauna To kiss

Tschumedele She kisses

Savva Hussna To laugh

Muk Mukhset-kurrna To leave

Schiwawa Jjna To live

Tscharawa Tschatna To lick

Deletschedoman Sulah-huna To lie down

Gochoben Jut bolena To lye

Kerla Kurrna To make

Siwawa Siwena To sew

Lawa Lena; Pukkerna To take

Nabe Nomdena To name

Tschi-kurrna To sneeze

Tschikatele He sneezes

Barreskro Barretsch-karrna To boast

Sennelowisa Djwana huna To be mad; to rave

Birrsna To rain

Dias brischendo It did rain

Zhinawa Ginna; Tikna To reckon

Tsatschoben Jnsaf dena To right one

Songawa; Sung Sunkhna; Bokurrna To smell

Pennawa Kabena; Bolena To say

Tschinnawa Karat-kurrna To saw

Giuwawa Guwena To sing

Limmaugi Kurrauna To provide

Zamander Judda-kurrna To divide

Zhinger Galljdena To scold

Kàrj Urauna To shoot

Kuroben Kassa-kurrna To slay

Bezhawna; Bezh Bahetna To sit

Tschor Tschure-kurrna To steal

Mujas; Mulo Muena To die

Mongna Duntena To seek

Lejauna Lena To carry

Luno Zumma-kurrna To marry

Kuroben Marna To meet

Piava; Pi Piena To drink

Puro Purana To grow obsolete

Latsakerjl Benschna To sell

Tschinna To know

Me tschana I know

Tzawari Jadu-kurrna To bewitch

Dekkna To see

Me dikkaha I saw

Sana To hear

Ne schunele I do not hear

Example how the two Languages decline.

1. Without being joined to an Adjective.

Singular Number.

Gadzo Adami A Man

Gadzeskero Adamika Of the Man

Gadzsko Adamiko To the Man

Gadzo Adami; Adamiko The Man

O Gadzo O Adami O Man

Gadzestar; Gadzese Adamise from, with the Man

Plural Number.

Gadze Adamjon Men

Gadzengero Adamjonka Of the Men

Gadzengo Adamjonko To the Men

Gadze Adamjon; Adamjonko The Men

O Gadze O Adamjon O Men

Gadzendar; Gadzense Adamjonse from, with the Men

Singular Number.

Kafidi Mes The Table

Kafidjakero Meska Of the Table

Kafidjake Mesko To the Table

Kafidi Mes; Mesko The Table

O Kafidi O Mes O Table

Kafidjater; Kafidjse Messe from, with the Table

Plural Number.

Kafidja Mese The Tables

Kafidjakero Meseka Of the Tables

Kafidjenge Meseko To the Tables

Kafidja Mese The Tables

O Kafidja O Mese O Tables

Kafidjendar; Kafidjase Mesese from, with the Tables

2. With an Adjective.

Singular Number.

Baru balo Burra sur The great Hog

Bari balis Buna surka Of the great Hog

Bari balis Burra surko To the great Hog

Baru balis Buna sur The great Hog

O Baru bails O Burra sur O great Hog

Bari balister; balisse Burra surse from, with the great Hog

Plural Number.

Baru balen Burre sure The great Hogs

Bari balen Burre sureka Of the great Hogs

Bari balen Burre sureko To the great Hogs

Baru balen Burre sure The great Hogs

O Baru balen O Burre sure O great Hogs

Bar balender; balense Burre surese from, with the great Hogs

Remark I. Those syllables which, in the oblique cases, are printed in Italics, are the article. In the Gipsey, as well as in the Hindustan language, the article is not placed before the noun, but affixed behind it, and that is the sole indication of the case of a noun. In the Gipsey tongue, the article of the nominative case is o or i; in the Hindostan, a or i.

Remark II. The Gipsey language, as well as the Hindostan, has only two genders, the masculine and feminine. Those nouns which end in i, are, in both languages, feminine, and all the rest masculine. Both languages change the masculine into the feminine gender, by putting a j or an i for the termination. For Example,

Gipsey, Raja, the Prince, Ranj, the Princess

Hindostan, Raja, Raji

Some Pronouns.

1. I: Me; Me, Mo.

Singular Number.

Me Me; Mo I

Mrohi; Man Merra; Meika Of me

Mange; Man Mejko To me

Mange; Man Mejko Me

Mander Mejse from Me

Plural Number.

Amen; Men Humra We

Amerohi Hummarra; Huraka Of us

Amenge; Men Hummko To us

Amen; Men Hummare; Humko Us

Amendar; Amense Hummse from, with Us

2. Thou: Tu; Tu.

Singular Number.

Tu Tu Thou

Trohi; Tute Terra Of Thee

Tuke; Tute Tuko To Thee

Tutte; Tut Tusko Thee

O Tu O Tu O Thou

Tutarhi; Tuter Tuse from Thee

Plural Number.

Tumen; Tume Tum You

Tumarohi; Tumende Tumarra Of You

Tumengole; Tamen Tumko To You

Tumen; Tume Tumarre; Tumko You

O Tume O Tum O You

Tumendar; Tumense Tumse from, with You

3. a. He: Job; Uweh.

Singular Number.

Uweh He

Leste Jssika Of Him

Las Jssiko To Him

Les Jssiko Him

Lester; Leha Jssise from, with Him

3. b. She: Joi; Uwehi

Singular Number.

Joi Uwehi She

Lati Uska Of Her

La Usko To Her

La Usko Her

Later; Laha Usise from, with Her

Plural Number, common to both Genders.

Jole Jnne They

Lente Jnneka Of them

Len Jnneko To Them

Lea Jnne Them

Lender Jnnese from Them

4. My: Maro; Merra Mari; Merri

Masculine, Feminine. Masculine. Feminine.

Miro Miri Merra Merri My

Meri Merraka Merrika Of My

Merige Merrako Merriko To My

Merige Merra Merri My

O Miro O Miri O Merra O Merri O My

Merider Merrase Merrse from My

5. Our: Maro; Hummarra Mari; Hummarri

Singular Number.

Maro Miri Hummarra Hummarri Our

Mari Hummarraka Hummarrika Of Our

Marige Miro Hummarrako Hummarriko To Our

Marige Hummarra Hummarri Our

O Maro O Mari O Hummarra O Hummarri O Our

Marider Hummarrase Hummarrise from Our

6. Thy: Tiro; Terra Tiri; Terri

Singular Number.

Masculine. Feminine. Masculine. Feminine.

Tiro Tiri Terra Terri Thy

Teri Terraka Terrika Of Thy

Terige Terrako Terriko To Thy

Terige Terra Terri Thy

O Tiro O Tiri O Terra O Terri O Thy

Terider Terrase Terrise from, with Thy

Terise

7. Your: Tumaro; Tummarra Tumari; Tummarri

Singular Number.

Tumaro Tumari Tummarra Tummarri Your

Tumari Tummaraka Tummarrika Of Your

Tumarige Tummarrako Tummarriko To Your

Tumarige Tummarra Tummarri Your

O Tumaro O Tumari O Tummarra O Tummarri O Your

Tamarider; Tumarise Tummarrase Tummarrise from, with You

8. Who? Kohn? Gipsey; Koun? Hindostan.

Examples of the conjugation of both Languages.

I am: Me Hom; Me Hej

Present.—Singular Number.

Gipsey. Hindostan. English.

Masculine. Feminine. Masculine. Feminine.

Me Hom; Kom Sinjom He Hej; Mem Hu; Hota Hoti I am

Tu Hal Sinjel Ty Hej; Tem Hae; Hota Hoti Thou art

Job Hi Si Vweh Hej; Wo Hae; Hota Hoti He is

Plural Number.

Men Ham Sinjam Hum Hei; Ham Haem; Hote Hotia We are

Tume Ham Sinjan Tum Hej; Tom Ho; Hote Hotia Ye are

Jole Hi Sinja Jnne Hei; We Haem; Hote Hotia They are

Imperfect.—Singular Number.

Me Hames Me Hua; Mem Tha Thi I was

Tu Hales Tu Hua; Tem Tha Thi Thou wast

Job Has Uweh Hua; Woh Tha Thi He was

Plural Number.

Men Hames Hum Hue; Ham The Thia We were

Tume Hames Tum Hue; Tom The Thia Ye were

Jole Has Inne Hue; We The Thia They were

Perfect.—Singular Number.

Me Sinjomahi Me Huatha I have been

Tu Sinjalahi Tu Huatha Thou hast been

Job Sinja Uweh Huatha He hath been

Plural Number.

Men Sinjamahi Hum Huathe We have been

Tume Sinjanahi Tum Huathe Ye have been

Jole Sinje Jnne Huathe They have been

Future.—Singular Number.

Gipsey. Hindostan. English.

Me Owa Me Huga I shall be

Du Oweha Tu Huga Thou shalt be

Job Ula Uweh Huga He shall be

Plural Number.

Men Owaha Hum Huge We shall be

Tume Una Tum Huge Ye shall be

Jole Owena Jnne Huge They shall be

Infinitive.

Huna To be

To make; do: Kerja; Kurrna.

Present.—Singular Number.

Me Kerel Me Kurrta I make

Tu Kerech Tu Kurrta Thou makest

Job Kerel Uweh Kurrta He maketh

Plural Number.

Scho Kerjem Hum Kurrte We make

Tumen Kerjen Tum Kurrte Ye make

Ou Kerde Jnne Kurrte They make

Imperfect.—Singular Number.

Me Kerjom Me Kurrtatha I did make

Tu Kerjel Tu Kurrtatha Thou didst make

O Kerje Uweh Kurrtatha He did make

Plural Number.

Scho Kerjom Hum Kurrtathe We did make

Tumen Kerjen Tum Kurrtathe Ye did make

On Kerde Jnne Kurrtathe They did make

The comparison thus far will, it is presumed, be sufficient to convince every person of the truth of the position, that the Gipsey language is really that of Hindostan. Let the reader look over the catalogue once more, and it will appear, on the average, that every third Gipsey word is likewise an Hindostan one; or still more, out of thirty Gipsey words, eleven or twelve are constantly of Hindostan. This agreement is uncommonly great: it must at the same time be remembered, that the words above communicated have been learned from the Gipseys within a few years; consequently, at a time when they had been nearly four complete centuries away from Hindostan, their native country (as we may now assert it to be), among people who spoke languages totally different, and in which the Gipseys themselves conversed. Under the constant, and so long continued, influx of these languages, their own must necessarily have suffered great alteration; more especially as they are a people entirely ignorant, without either writing or literature. One foreign word after another must have crept into their language; consequently, by the frequent use of such words, the Gipsey word of the same signification was more rarely used, and by degrees lost from their recollection: by which circumstance the original composition of their language became completely deranged; [190] which is the reason why, as any person may convince himself by inspection, various languages and idioms—Turkish, Grecian, Latin, Wallachian, Hungarian, Sclavonian, German, and others—make part of the foregoing vocabulary. The word rome, man, is Coptic; with, perhaps, a few more. It does not appear that there is so much Persian in the Gipsey language, as has been generally imagined; and even what there is of it they may have brought with them from their native country, as many Persian words are current in Hindostan.

After all these reflections, we ought rather to wonder that the number of Hindostan words in the Gipsey language is so considerable, than to require it should be greater, in order to furnish sufficient proof of the Hindostan language being the Gipseys’ mother tongue.

But we have a right, from the agreement which appears in the catalogue published, to conclude the affinity is much more intimate. The idea hitherto adopted has been that, among the Gipsey words quoted, all those of the Hindostan language, answering to the annexed meaning, appear, which are still extant in the Gipsey language. But this is certainly by no means the case. It will be recollected, from the first part, how great a secret the Gipseys make of their language, and how suspicious they appear when any person wishes to learn a few words of it. Even if the Gipsey is not perverse, he is very inattentive; and is consequently likely to answer some other rather than the true Gipsey word. Under such circumstances, it is very possible, nay even probable, that in the foregoing catalogue there may many words be inserted, for which true Gipsey, of course Hindostan, words might be found; but that the Gipseys when enquired of, either from levity or by design, did not declare them.

Further, it is not all absurd to pronounce, that there remain more, or at least different, true Gipsey words among those residing in one country than another. And if, at a future period, some person should, as an experiment on the above catalogue, examine a second or third time parties of Gipseys in different countries, and compare the words obtained with those already delivered, the catalogue would certainly receive a considerable augmentation in favour of our hypothesis.

Finally, we must consider the Hindostan language itself. This, it is true, is fundamentally the same all over Hindostan; but, like every other language in the world, has different dialects in the various provinces. The eastern dialect, spoken about the Ganges, has different names for some things, and different inflexions of some words, from the western one spoken about the Indus. There is, besides, a third, varying from both these, viz. the Surat dialect, which has a number of Malabar and other words mixed with it. To this must be added, that in the Hindostan, as well as in every other language, there are often several names for the same thing. The particular dialect bearing the closest affinity to the Gipsey language, as will appear hereafter, is the western, and perhaps more especially that of Surat. Had this therefore, or the western one in general, been the standard of the above comparison; and had we not, for want of words in these dialects, been obliged frequently to have recourse to the eastern one, spoken in Bengal; or had we, even in the latter, been able to obtain so many words, that where the Gipsey, from not knowing any more, could only give us a single expression, we might have produced, not one or two as at present, but all, or at least the greater part, of the synonymous appellations: we should infallibly in this manner recover, in the Hindostan language, many a Gipsey word, which even the learned are unable to derive from the European or any other language, and yet have as little appearance of being Hindostan. With respect to the construction and inflexions of the two languages, they are evidently the same. That of Hindostan has only two genders; the Gipsey the same. In the former every word ended in j is feminine, all the rest masculine; in the latter the same rule is observed. That makes the inflections entirely by the article, adding it at the end of the word; the Gipsey language proceeds exactly in the same manner. Finally, likewise, bating a trifling variation, this identical similarity is evident in the pronouns.

So much for the language of the Gipseys. As this is indubitably Hindostan, it would be sufficient of itself to prove the descent of those people from Hindostan. But we shall now proceed to other grounds, which, united with the proofs from the language, will leave us less reason to doubt concerning this matter.

That the Gipseys, and natives of Hindostan, resemble each other in complexion and shape, and are equally timorous and cowardly, is undeniable. But we shall pass over these, together with some other circumstances; as, perhaps, neither the one nor the other are such distinguishing marks as not to be met with among other Oriental people.

The name of Polgar, likewise, carries some weight with it, which we find among the Gipseys in the earliest times, before they began to change the names they brought with them for those used in Europe. Polgar, as we may remember, was the name of the leader who, in the year 1496, obtained a safe-conduct from the Hungarian king Uladislaus II. by virtue of which he, with his horde, consisting of twenty-five tents or families, had the liberty of travelling about where he pleased. This name Polgar originates in India, where it is the appellation of a deity presiding over marriages and matrimonial concerns: the Indians are very fond of bearing this name, as well as the names of their other deities.

In reciting the employments of the Gipseys, their smith’s business was mentioned; when it was remarked, that their anvil is a stone, and what more implements they use consist in a pair of hand-bellows, a pair of tongs, a hammer, a vise, and a file. With such a portable apparatus, the travelling Gipsey wanders from place to place. We will compare this account with what Sonnerat relates of the Indian smiths: the following are his own words: “The smith carries his tools, his shop, and his forge, about with him, and works in any place where he can find employment: he erects his shop before the house of his employer, raising a low wall with beaten earth, before which he places his hearth; behind this wall he fixes two leathern bellows, which his apprentice blows alternately, to keep up the fire. He has a stone instead of an anvil, and his whole apparatus is a pair of tongs, a hammer, a beetle, and a file.” The most striking circumstance relating to this coincidence is, that both Gipsey and Indian should use the same kind of hand-bellows, and both have exactly two. As the apprentice works these for the Indian, so does the wife or one of the children for the Gipsey.

What is asserted of the young Gipsey girls, rambling about with their fathers who are musicians, dancing with all kinds of indecent and lascivious attitudes and gestures, to divert any person who is willing to give them a small gratuity for so acting, is likewise perfectly Indian. Sonnerat confirms this also.—“Surat is,” he says, “famous for its dancing girls. These young women devote themselves entirely to the worship of the Gods, whom they attend in the processions, dancing and singing before the representations of them. The handycraftsmen generally destine the youngest of their daughters to this service, and send them to the pagoda before they come to the age of puberty. There they have dancing and music masters, with persons to teach them to sing. The Bramins form their young minds, and deflower them; in the end, they become common prostitutes. They then join in companies, take musicians with them, to entertain any-body who chooses to engage them, with music and dancing.” Sonnerat speaks here likewise of the wanton gestures of these dancing girls, of which he has given a drawing; and ends his description thus: “The blinking of their eyes—half open, half shut—and the negligent sinking of their bodies, to the most languishing music, shew that their whole frame breathes nothing but lasciviousness.”

Fortune-telling is practised all over the east; but the peculiar kind professed by the Gipseys, viz. chiromancy—constantly referring to whether the parties shall be rich or poor, fortunate or unhappy in marriage; whether they shall have many or few children, &c.—is no-where met with but in India. The following instance will evince, how perfectly Gipseyish it is: “It once happened,” says Baldæus, “that the Rajah Khans made his appearance before the inhabitants; when being given to understand that an experienced Bramin was arrived, he ordered him to be brought before him, and said—‘Narret (that was his name), look at my daughter’s hand, and inform me whether she will be happy or unfortunate, poor or rich; whether she will have many or few children; if her life will be long or short: speak out freely, and conceal nothing.’ The Bramin having looked at her hand, replied, ‘May it please your Majesty, according to the indication of these lines, I read thus—She shall bear seven children, viz. six sons and a daughter; the youngest of whom shall not only deprive you of your crown and empire, but likewise of your head and life, and afterwards place himself in your seat.’” This method, Baldæus adds, of looking in the hands, is very common among the heathens.

The excessive loquacity of the Gipseys, as well as their very advantageous natural qualities, which have been before noticed, are likewise distinguishing characteristics of the Indian; besides, the very name Zigeuner, or, according to a broader way of pronunciation, Ciganen and Tchingenen, is the appellation of an Indian people, living at the mouth of the Indus, as mentioned by Thevenot.

Another striking intimation of the Indian descent of the Gipseys, is the partiality of the latter for red colours, or saffron: in like manner the Bramin performs all his religious duties in a white dress, without the least mixture of any other colour. On his return home from these functions, he changes his white turban for a red one. The common Indians also prefer this colour for their little round caps: and these last, especially on holidays, make a double deep yellow stripe on their foreheads with fat, saffron, and sacred cow-dung. The Bramins make the same stripe with red, as a mark of pre-eminence. Again, the Gipseys as Twiss assures us of those in Spain, never intermarry with any people who are not, like themselves, of Gipsey extraction; which puts us strongly in mind of the Indian castes.