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Learning Croatian: Lesson 1 - The Dalmatian Grunt

Written by Paul Bradbury on Tuesday, 08 November 2011. Posted in Jelsa, Island News, Language, Culture

Understanding local communication

Learning Croatian: Lesson 1 - The Dalmatian Grunt

A tranquil cafe scene, espresso on the table, stone buildings and an azure Adriatic in the late morning sun.  Nothing could be more relaxing.

Until suddenly, from nowhere, the peaceful scene is shattered by a loud grunt from nowhere, quickly echoed by another.  Two locals greeting other warmly.  Far from being rude, this manner of greeting between locals is an accepted part of local life.

Many thanks to Frank John Dubokovich, owner of the excellent Dvor Dubokovich restaurant in Pitve, for walking us through some introductory salutations in the video below.

Once you feel you have mastered that, it's time for Lesson 2.

Comments (10)

  • Majda

    Majda

    08 November 2011 at 14:47 |
    AHAHAHHAA the best post ever, congratulations!!
    • Carol

      Carol

      08 November 2011 at 15:14 |
      Fantastic!!!!
      • Carol

        Carol

        08 November 2011 at 15:18 |
        More, please! How about the female counterpart?
        • Fernando

          Fernando

          08 November 2011 at 18:06 |
          It's so easy!!!
          • Ingrid

            Ingrid

            08 November 2011 at 18:43 |
            To learn the Croatian language is easier than I thought....
            • Paul

              Paul

              08 November 2011 at 18:45 |
              Hi Fernando,

              Yes it is all very easy, isn't it? All those years of struggle with Croatian grammar books are completely unnecessary. All you need to do is pop down to Cafe Splendid in Jelsa, order yourself a cherry strudel and espresso (or something stronger), then start grunting away, and you will pick up the language in no time!

              This has been a popular post, so will give some thought into do a series of short videos on the local language. Suggestions welcome.

              cheers Paul
              • Goat Shed Sal

                Goat Shed Sal

                09 November 2011 at 22:16 |
                Frankie you are a legend, Paul you are wasted, in more ways than one. Sooooooo funny. keep up the good work keeping us amused with Island life. you have had the Leedham family in stitches.
                • Paul

                  Paul

                  10 November 2011 at 07:31 |
                  Mrs Goat,

                  Glad you enjoyed. Frankie is on the way to becoming an Internet legend, and has eclipsed the Leedham Sisters as the most popular post already. I have an idea for a series, so will post Lesson 2 next week. I think we also need to do a video series on Life at the Selca Goat Shed next time you are over.

                  By the way, greetings from your favourite restaurant in Hvar Town. Went to try Junior on your recommendation. It was excellent. https://total-hvar.com/index.php/hvar-blog/item/winter-dining-in-hvar-town-restaurant-junior

                  cheers Paul
                  • Mrs Goat

                    Mrs Goat

                    26 November 2011 at 17:26 |
                    Dear Paul, Frankie and Sunny Jelsa

                    Fantastic, just seen lesson 2. These lessons are proving to be an important contribution to learning the croatian language. I have caught Andy spending an evening ,rewinding and repeating every phrase.

                    The Leedham sisters are very treatened and are desperate to thrash Frankies ratings. They will have their debut album recorded by next week, and are interested to see what croatian grunts this will provoke.

                    Glad you enjoyed Junior, love the write up.

                    Keep them coming

                    The Goats
                  • David Cunliffe

                    David Cunliffe

                    15 November 2011 at 12:32 |
                    It's very similar to my second language...Fluent Bullshit! Nice one Frankie.

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