JanineChijioke Ojukwu has provided a beautiful and stirring poem about learning languages, and also some basic phrases in Slovak Roma. Learning a language can be difficult for some, and easy for others – but picking up a few key phrases can be fun, and rewarding.
Learning a new language can seem
Learning to Love, by Chijioke Ojukwu
To be a daunting task
That is perhaps
Too time-consuming
And hard:
Like a dance of an unmasked masquerade
Yet sometimes appearance can be deceitful.
Because even beauty often hides
In-between
The unseen and the unknown:
In the melting pot of a thousand tongues,
And the willingness to
Be known:
In the desire to know others
As they are.
Learning a new language can be
Embarrassing and slow,
Slow enough to face the sound
Of a strange music that can weave
A nest of friendship and home.
Never mind how many times
You have to chew the same words.
Or the vulnerability of not knowing
How to carry spices and salt on the tongue.
Basic greetings in Slovak Roma
| English | Slovak Roma | Pronunciation |
| Go | Dža | [ja] |
| How are you? | Sar dzives? | [Sar gii-vis?] |
| I’m Fine | Lačes | [Latches] |
| Thank you | Palikerav | [pali-kehr-av] |
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
