NotW #57 Kayrìlien

[Kayrìlien]

First of all, sorry I'm late, guys. I had a ridiculously busy weekend. You can blame my professors; I had to turn in a 70-page report on Monday morning for my concrete design lab, then take a Thermodynamics midterm later in the day. Basically, all I did this weekend was work and study, then all I did Monday night was sleep. So...I'm doing this on Tuesday. My bad.

Anyway...let's get this road on the show.

Who are you?

Spoiler

Tell us about yourself! Where are you coming from, what languages do you speak, what do you do, how old are you, tell us a few words about your family, work etc. This is the job interview part.

Who am I? Who am I? I am the guardian of lost souls! I am the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Kayrìlien! (karma cookie to the first person that gets the reference) A lot of you guys probably know me; I've been around for a while, though not nearly as much recently as I'd like to be. Oe tsun pivlltxe nì'Ìnglìsì, nìEspanyol, sì nìNa'vi, slä kawkrr ke lu oeru krr lehawng a tsun ftivia nì'ul. Which is a damn shame, because I really do love the language, this community, and the people in it.

As far as personal info goes, I'm a 23-year-old structural engineering student from San Diego, California. I've been successfully toeing the line between "nerd" and "hippie" for some time now, and it works well for me. It's probably why Avatar was such a no-brainer film for me to fall in love with. Otherwise, I like Cherry Coke, Calvin and Hobbes, Brett Favre, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, playing the khaen, and nine-foot-tall blue women with longbows and neuro-connective ponytails.

Why are you here?

Spoiler

What brought you here to the Learn Na'vi forum in the first place? Did you fall in love with the language? With Pandora? With a character? Did someone invite you? Or did you stumble upon this site? Once here, why did you decide to stay? How much time do you spend here every day?

To be honest, I was initially rather indifferent towards Avatar. During the 2009 Christmas shopping season, we were being completely inundated by commercials and advertisements for the movie that I basically felt annoyed by the movie's ubiquity. By the third week of January, however, I really felt like, you know, actually going to see a movie in the theaters, and Avatar was easily the best choice. So I went, and it was awesome. Understatement, I know...there was a comic strip featured on here about 15 months ago that was more accurate that involved eyes orgasming.

I really didn't think much about the language in and of itself, but I was just looking around on the internet for more information about the film, and this was one of the first websites I saw. To put it in internet terms, at first I was like  , then I was like  . And now I'm better at speaking Na'vi than I am at Spanish. Sorry, Señora Beltran. You just weren't 3D enough for me. (Though your stories about Mary and Juana in class were hilarious, seeing as you didn't even get your own inadvertent joke.)

Where do your alias and profile pic come from?

Spoiler

Do they have a special significance? Is you alias a translation of your real name, or just a bunch of random letters thrown together? Is that you on your profile pic?

I'm pretty sure the profile picture is still Neytiri; I haven't changed it in over a year, but I like it, so why bother.

Kayrìlien is a Na'vi transliteration of (G. S.) Kyrillion, the generic go-to name I use whenever I have to use a fake name for something like signing up for email lists I don't really want to but am forced to receive. It's been around for a while now; I don't recall exactly where I saw the name in the first place, but it's served me well. Same email address for 9 years, still less than 2 spam emails/month.

Srak nga tsun nìna'vi pivlltxe?

Spoiler

How well? Why did you start to learn it? What is your ultimate goal with the language? Do you have specific methods/tools you use in learning the language? How did your friends, family, or colleagues react to your interest in learning Na'vi? Have you told them at all? Have you converted any of them?

Not nearly as often as I'd like and not nearly as conversationally as I'd like either. I'm really good at writing in Na'vi, because I have the time to think about everything that's being said and whether or not it's grammatically correct, but, due to lack of practice, I don't consider myself to be a good speaker. I have a firm grasp of the pronunciation, grammar, and dictionary, but in a very pedantic sort of way. I need to work on speaking more idiomatically and naturally rather than trying to derive sentences in my head as I'm trying to say them.

As far as learning the language goes, it really didn't take that long. To all of you guys out there that are thinking that you'll never be able to get good with the language, it really is easier than you think. It's just like anything; the more you practice, the better you are, and as soon as you fall out of practice (like myself), you slowly lose what you've learned.

What's you favorite Na'vi word? Did you incorporate it (or others) into your everyday vocab?

My favorite Na'vi word is txäremsiyu. If you don't know what it means, break it up into parts and derive the meaning. And yes, even though it's most assuredly not canon (nor should it be), I have incorporated it into my everyday vocabulary. And I do mean everyday. It's a wonderful alternative to skxawng as an epithet for the idiots around you. 

In your opinion, what are the top three user-created content on the LN website?

Spoiler

Anything from the main site, the wiki, or the forum including language docs, threads, quotes, literary works, images, etc.

Top three? That's absurd; there is such a great wealth of information on this website that I would feel terrible if I had to pick three and leave out something truly important.

Have you made any contributions to the LN community that you're particularly proud of?

Spoiler

What made you make those? Do you plan on contributing (again) in the future? How?

I have also been a Na'vi language teacher since around April 2010. I was the original West Coast USA karyu for Project NgayNume, and now Txonä Rolyu and I teach that class together (whenever it meets nowadays, which is unfortunately infrequently). I've created sixteen Na'vi language Prezis for people to learn from.

I've also contributed to Kaltxì Palulukan's activity books, both the original and the updated versions, I was a writer for the original Radio Avatar podcasts (notably, the Two and a Half Na'vi skit was mine), I created a Na'vi-language Scrabble tile assortment (which led to a fully-functional yet underutilized game), and I'm currently beginning a five-month term on the LEP new words committee.

Probably some other things too, but those are the most noteworthy. Basically, I've done a lot, but the vast majority of things were a while ago.

What is it that you liked/hated the most about Avatar ?

Spoiler

How many times have you seen it? How big of an Avatard are you? Prove it!

Liked the most? What I liked the most is that a movie that I expected to be so lackluster, aside from its special effects, turned out to be one of the best movies I'm ever seen. The best part of the movie is NOT the special effects, NOT the intricate and original plot (sarcasm), and NOT the over-the-top grandiloquence of James Cameron. It is, without a doubt, that I truly cared for the characters in the film. A movie that can make me feel empathy for computer-generated blue aliens? Especially heart-wrenching scenes such as Jake revealing to the Omatikaya that he has known all along that they would eventually be forced to leave Hometree and Neytiri shouts Kawkrr ke slayu nga Na'viyä hapxì!" - That just about does me in every time. And "EYWA HAS HEARD YOU!". Same thing. Waterworks every time.

Hated the most? The terrible anachronistic throwaway dialogue. If people are making cheap references to The Wizard of Oz and token pandering to flight attendants in 140 years, count me out.

As far as "Avatard" goes, I am planning on driving 1200 miles in 6 weeks to go to the Seattle meetup with a bunch of people I only know from the Internet. I'd say that qualifies. 

Has Avatar  changed your life in any way?

Spoiler

Are you trying to become a Na'vi? How and to what extent? Do you live on a tree? Do you wear your hair in a long braid? Or are you just simply blue? Do you bond with animals? Is Gaia on your contact list? Did you have your photo 'shopped?

Changed my life? Probably. I don't know how visibly; I mean, I already was environmentally conscious to the most practical extent possible. I live in a two-story three-bedroom condominium and have to drive 70 miles each day to get to and from campus, so I'm not exactly Captain Planet, but I always have been aware of the adverse effects of overconsumption and capitalistic zealotry. Avatar is simply an incredibly well done three hour special about exactly that. Being aware of the consequences of your actions. Taking responsibility for yourself and for others. And, most importantly, not being a stupid dildo like Colonel Quaritch or a money-hungry chode like Parker Selfridge.

If you could ask Frommer or Cameron three movie or language related questions what would they be?

Spoiler

You can make requests specific words/expressions too.

This is a hard one. I'd have to think more about it, and once I do, I'll post these questions in the thread later.

What else do you do in you free time?

Stereotypical as it sounds, I really do love taking long drives in the countryside just for the sake of sightseeing. (Coastal) Central California is a perfect location for it, too. I also enjoy playing and writing music, though I don't do as much of that as I'd like either. I used to waste a LOT of time playing computer games, but I just don't have the time anymore.

Name your top three favorite Earth animals from most favorite to least. Why those? What's the animal you're most terrified of?

Three animals? Hmm, that's a tough one. I love big cats, though it'd be hard to narrow down which one is my favorite. I'm also partial to Bateleur and Philippine eagles.

I can't say that there are any animals that terrify me. Would it be too bleeding-heart for me to say Man? Probably, but it's the closest thing to it.

Pirate, ninja, zombie, or robot?

Spoiler

Something else? Maybe a combo? Exactly what subtype? Why? (For those of you not so versed in trash tropes, this question basically amounts to asking "What superpowers would you like to have?")

Superpowers? Eeesh; I'm so sick and tired of the oversaturation of superhero movies over the last 10 years (which is probably why I was so indifferent to Avatar when I first heard of it; it looked like any action/fantasy movie). I guess if I had to be predictable, flying would be cool, as would shapeshifting, but what I'd really love to be able to do is have infinite capacity for creativity. I love creating things. Music, art, whatever...I'm not even particularly "good" at any of them, but I do love the creative process. Come live in MY world. It's nice there; we have ice-cold Cheerwine on tap. 

What three items would you take to a desert island and why?

Spoiler

Anything from books, movies, games, instruments, music, sporting equipment, etc. You'd be provided with means to fully utilize the chosen items – electricity, MP3 player, etc. –, but you couldn't use them for anything else. Escape is not possible.

Books/movies/music would get boring after a while, but having, say, the Internet at my disposal would ruin the whole premise of the hypothetical situation. So, I guess I'll say some sort of musical instrument that I'd be able to make music myself with. Ooh, or musicians that I could order around. "Zazu! Sing me a song!" "I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts..."

Actually, I might just choose Amy Adams. The other two things would be unimportant. Unless I could teach her how to speak Na'vi! ZOMG. Okay, that's it. Amy Adams, a copy of the dictionary, and...I dunno, a Samoyed puppy. So cute!!!

If you could travel to anywhere in space and time (including fictional universes), where would you go and why?

There was an XKCD comic a few months back that made a joke somewhat along these lines. Someone noticed a Three Wolf Moon shirt in a pile of laundry, and told its owner "Dude, is this a Three Wolf Moon shirt? 2009 called and they want their shirt back." The guy replies "DID YOU WARN THEM ABOUT HAITI AND JAPAN!?!?!" That might be the logical thing to do; prevent some sort of terrible disaster from happening.

But if I'm being strictly selfish, then the answer is probably pretty obvious. This is, of course, the Learn NA'VI forum, so I'll stick with "Pandora, present day", or perhaps 50 years ago so there's no chance whatsoever of their being humans mucking up the place. Of course, this only works if I also get to be a Na'vi; otherwise the whole atmosphere thing would sort of suck, lulz.

If you were granted one single wish what would it be?

One single wish? Depending on how awesome this one-third-of-a-genie is, I'd go with "I'd like the ability to create my own worlds; every aspect of them, including myself, would be fully customizable." Think about how awesome that would be. You could even take a bunch of things that you like and smush them all together. (Think Firefly: Cowboys AND Star Trek? You know there were nerdgasms in the creative office that day.) The possibilities would quite literally be endless.

What is a question you'd ask yourself? How would you answer it?

Question: Why is an ikran like a writing desk?
Answer: Let's let you guys come up with answers for this one...

True or false?

Spoiler

Write three statements about yourself, the more extravagant the better. At least one of them must be true. At the end of the week, you'll have to tell which ones were truthful and which made up.

Extravagant? Well, as much as I'd love to tell you all about my adventures in a hot air balloon with the Jonas Brothers and an army of rabid half-goat half-man ninja warriors hellbent on world domination, I think I'll stick with something less frightening.

A) I have met and keep up a personal correspondence with former US president Jimmy Carter.

B) I have met and keep up a personal correspondence with former Polish president Lech Wałęsa.

C) I have met and keep up a personal correspondence with former NFL quarterback Brett Favre.

What is the funniest, weirdest, or most embarrassing Na'vi or Avatar  related thing that has happened to you?

Spoiler

Something along the lines of a MLIA short.

I can't think of anything that's "happened" to me that's particularly MLIA in nature, but I'd say that convincing the vast majority of my friends to use skxawng and txäremsiyu as their go-to insults for people is definitely a win.

...

Spoiler

Asked by the previous NotW.

Question from Txonä Rolyu: "What were your first thoughts after seeing Avatar? (Or was your mind too blown to think lol)"

I'd say "mindblown" is a pretty accurate description. Like I said above, I didn't exactly have high expectations about the film going in, so when they were exceeded by lengths I didn't think possible, I was, quite literally, speechless. I might have made some pithy comments about the "I See You" song being obnoxious, but in all seriousness, "mindblown" really is the correct word.

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Sorry again for being late with the post, guys. I wanted to actually write one of these in Na'vi, but college is being its normal uncooperative b**** self. If you've got any questions for me, ask away.

Irayo nìtxan, ulte sìlpey oe tsnì ayngahu ultxa sivi ro Siätll ye'rìn,

ta ngeyä 'eylan tsmukansì,

Kayrìlien

kayrilien at yahoo dot com

[Tirea Aean]

Better late than never, Kay. grats, good sir.

[Alyara Arati]

Reference: introduction of Mushu from Mulan.
Congrats!
Questions: t/f/t (I'm really bad at this).

[Tirea Aean]

My favorite Na'vi word is txäremsiyu.

HAHAHAHAHAH!!! you wood.

Taking responsibility for yourself and for others. And, most importantly, not being a stupid dildo like Colonel Quaritch or a money-hungry chode like Parker Selfridge.

this made me LOL extremely hard. Why is my mind so corrupt??

and I can't even begin to think about what kind of ummm... interesting answer(s) there might be as to how an ikran is like a writing desk...

EDIT: FFT

[Nyx]

Seykxel sì nìtram ma Kayrìlien ^^

I gotta admit that "txäremsiyu" still cracks me up xD

Question: Why is an ikran like a writing desk?
Answer: Let's let you guys come up with answers for this one...

Answer: I haven't the slightest idea

@Alyara: MUSH...you had to beat me to it, didn't you?

['Itan Atxur]

Congrats!

I'm gonna go TTF

[Alyara Arati]

@Alyara: MUSH...you had to beat me to it, didn't you?

Sorry.  Mulan is probably my favorite Disney movie!

[Kayrìlien]

My favorite Na'vi word is txäremsiyu.

HAHAHAHAHAH!!! you wood.

Pun intended? 

[Txur’Itan]

seykxel sì nìtram!

T

T

T

[Tirea Aean]

My favorite Na'vi word is txäremsiyu.

HAHAHAHAHAH!!! you wood.

Pun intended? 

indeed.

[Swoka Ikran]

Congrats

F/F/T

['Oma Tirea]

Seykxel sì nitram, ma Kayr

I have to admire you as a great KS at PNgN

Kop: T/T/N

[Txonä Unil Stä'nìyu Rolyusì]

Well THERE you are ma tsmukan lehawngkrr! Hrhrh nah just givin ya crap.

Your post is so much cooler than mine*...it's actually funny! I lol'd so many times! Especially at

And, most importantly, not being a stupid dildo like Colonel Quaritch or a money-hungry chode like Parker Selfridge.

My favorite Na'vi word is txäremsiyu

NO surprise there LOL.

I am planning on driving 1200 miles in 6 weeks to go to the Seattle meetup with a bunch of people I only know from the Internet.

Furia ngahu ultxa si ke tsun pivey!

Question: Why is an ikran like a writing desk?

Uhmmm.....their wings can be used as a desk? Pshhh I have no idea lawlz.

Ugh, I just realized my bonus question is almost a repeat of one of the questions asked here. Blarg. I seriously couldn't think of anything else...that's the first thing that popped into my head.


Yeah, I think I made a good choice I mean, you've actually DONE stuff unlike me who just kinda lurks and makes a random post here and there. I really need to get off my txìm and do....something. It's just too bad that school takes up like all of our time. (I see a Y U NO meme in the near future). Anyways, great post enjoy the rest of the week Oh and uhhhhh....mmmmm....Ts/Ts/N....I guess. Those are....interesting N/Ts questions there lol.

-Txonä Rolyu

[Eyawng te Klltepayu]

Seykxel sì nìtram!  Another person I assumed had already been NotW!

[akiwiguy]

Seykxel sì nìtram, ma oeyä 'eylan!
N/T/N

[Ftxavanga Txe′lan]

Congratulations to you, ma Kayrìlien!

Hmm, even though I have no clue I think I'm gonna guess the following: False / True / True.

Question: Why is an ikran like a writing desk?

Uhmmm.....their wings can be used as a desk? Pshhh I have no idea lawlz.

hrh Now that's very funny and txantsan!

[Alyara Arati]

Question: Why is an ikran like a writing desk?
Answer: Let's let you guys come up with answers for this one...

Because both must choose you or you'll be very uncomfortable?  Lame answer, but I tried.

[Tirea Aean]

Question: Why is an ikran like a writing desk?
Answer: Let's let you guys come up with answers for this one...

"Have you guessed the riddle yet?"
"No, I give it up. What's the answer?"
"I haven't the slightest idea,"
"Nor I,"
"I think you might do something better with the time than wasting it in asking riddles that have no answers."

nice one Kay.

EDIT: oel snìmaytx uvanit.

[Toruk Makto]

Your post may be late, but it's the best read of the day.

Ts/N/N.

Why is an ikran like a writing desk? They both screech when you try to drag them!

[Eywa'eveng-tìranyu]

Seykxel sì nitram!

Questions: Ts/Ng/Ts

With the ikran?
You feel better when you sit on them rather than in front of them.