The Hebrew that is translated as “roar” in English is reinforced in its sound in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) bu bu (“Let the sound of the great river with everything in it speak bu bu“). Bu bu otherwise is often used for thunder. (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
Language-specific Insights
throb (heart)
The Hebrew that is translated as “(my heart) throbs” in English is reinforced in its sound in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) diw diw (“My heart throbs diw diw“). Diw diw “emphasizes the extreme weakness, the troubled spirit of the psalmist in the face of his triumphant friends.” (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
smooth
The Hebrew that is translated as “smoother” or “softer” (than oil) in English is reinforced in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) lɔ́ḿ lɔ́ḿ to express the slowness and flexibility (“His words are colder lɔ́ḿ lɔ́ḿ than oil.”) (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
See also smooth.
silence
The Hebrew in Psalm 115:17 that is translated as “silence” in English is reinforced in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) kúkúkú (“a place which is silent kúkúkú“). Kúkúkú expresses “calm (lack of noise), slow movement, or something fixed. Examples: the sky which is covered with big clouds, the great calm which reigns in the middle of the night, the clouds which move, very slowly, without wind, rain or noise.” (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
See also silent (to me) and silent.
despoil
The Hebrew that is translated as “despoil” or “destroy” in English is reinforced in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) gúú (“the wicked who plundered me gúú“). Gúú expresses force and violence. (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
See also plunder.
plunder
The Hebrew in Psalm 109:11 that is translated as “plunder” in English is reinforced in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) gúú (“strangers take his winnings gúú“). Gúú expresses force and violence. (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
See also despoil.
shudder (mountains)
The Hebrew that is translated as “shudder” in English is reinforced in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) ngin ngin (“The roots of the mountain dance / move ngin ngin“). Ngin ngin “evokes bulky, imposing, strong things (noise, shaking). Examples: the cold makes you tremble hard, the big drum makes a loud rolling noise, the thunder rolls, distant noise, depositing large droppings somewhere.” (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
See also shake.
shake
The Hebrew in Psalm 77:18 that is translated as “shake” in English is reinforced in Sar with the ideophone (a word that expresses what is perceived by the five senses) ngin ngin (“The earth trembles and dances ngin ngin“). Ngin ngin “evokes bulky, imposing, strong things (noise, shaking). Examples: the cold makes you tremble hard, the big drum makes a loud rolling noise, the thunder rolls, distant noise, depositing large droppings somewhere.” (Source: Ngarbolnan Riminan in Le Sycomore 2000, p. 20ff. )
See also shudder.