Learn Nuer (Thok Nath)
Learn the Naath (Nuer) language through lessons, vocabulary, pronunciation, children’s books, and cultural learning tools.
Nuer Alphabet
Consonants: b, c, d, dh, g, j, k, l, m, n, ny, p, r, t, th, w, y
Vowels: a, ä, ɛ, e, i, o, ɔ, u
Long Vowels: aa, ää, ɛɛ, ee, ii, oo, ɔɔ, uu
Pronunciation Guide
- C = “ch” (Ciɛl = sky)
- Ny = “ñ” sound
- Dh / Th = soft tongue sounds
- Ä / ɛ / ɔ = unique Naath vowels
Basic Greetings
| English | Thok Nath |
|---|---|
| Hello | Maalɛ (or Male) |
| How are you? | Ma̱l puɔ̱nydu ? |
| I am fine | ma̱l puɔ̱nydä |
| Thank you | Ci lɔcdä tɛɛth |
| Come here | Bër wa̱nɛmɛ |
Numbers (1–10)
| Number | Thok Nath |
|---|---|
| 1 | kɛl |
| 2 | rɛw |
| 3 | diɔ̱k |
| 4 | ŋuaan |
| 5 | dhiëc |
| 6 | bäkɛl |
| 7 | bärɔbärɔw |
| 8 | bädäk |
| 9 | bäŋua̱n |
| 10 | wäl |
Family Words
- Father — gua̱n ra̱n
- Mother — man
- Son — gatdä
- Daughter — Gat nya̱l
- Brother — däma̱r
- Sister — nyima̱n ra̱n
Useful Phrases
- I am Nuer — Ɛ ɣän Nuëri
- What is your name? — cɔa̱l ji idi?
- My name is… — Cɔa̱lkɛ ɣä i... …
- Where do you come from? — Kä ji̱n bi̱i̱ nikä?
Learning Books
Book 1
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4