Did you know that the islands have their own dialect? Maybe you have noticed the extensive use of the word “nice” on Saaremaa? Locals use it to describe almost everything, but that doesn’t necessarily always show their appreciation.
“What a nice story” (“kena lugu küll – ed) is often meant ironically – when something is unusual or funny. Simply saying “Nice!” could mean “Alright!”. It is so characteristic to Saaremaa, that people from Hiiumaa even refer to Saaremaa residents as “nice ones” or “nices”. “Here those nice ones go again!” they might say.
There is actually a special term for people from the mainland as well. On Hiiumaa, they are referred to as “pötku”. If you need a comparison, then it’s a bit like in the Harry Potter books, in which a “muggle” is a person without magic powers.
On the mainland, however, people from Saaremaa are known for not using the Estonian letter Õ. Instead, they use Ö. These letters may be equally confusing to most foreigners, but Estonians do tell the difference, and if you say “öun” instead of “õun” (“apple” in Estonian – ed), they will know you are from Saaremaa. And almost as if to avoid using that letter, the word for apple on Saaremaa is “ubin” instead of the regular “õun”.
Even though there is some friendly rivalry and banter between the islands, a common trait for all of them is their love for the sea. Therefore, it’s not surprising that there are many expressions about the sea that may sound weird to the mainlanders. “Meri on plekk” would mean “the sea is sheet metal” in literal translation, but what is actually meant is that the sea is as smooth and clear as sheet metal, without a single wave. That sounds like a good day for going fishing, doesn’t it?
The Hiiu language is a dialect that is spoken on Hiiumaa. Grammar-wise, it is quite like mainland Estonian. The difference is mostly in pronunciation and vocabulary. Hiiumaa has issued its own dictionary, which contains many findings that may surprise even Hiiumaa locals, not to mention other Estonians, as well as simply being something interesting to study for anyone who wants to get the first glimpse of the island way of thinking and expressing themselves.
Hiiu language – Saare language – mainland Estonian – English
karvakala – mustu – hüljes – seal
koiku – koigas – voodi – bed
kuigilinnud – kuigilinnud – luiged – swans
paargu – paargu – väliköök – an outdoor kitchen
tinuneitsid – ätsad, neitsitina – pääsusilmad – bird’s-eye primrose
mandilaga – nott – hapukoorekaste – sour cream sauce
muku – kena, tuiu – armas, ilus – cute, beautiful
pitsu – pink – väike madal pink – a small bench
All islanders are very proud of their heritage. They use their dialect gladly and keep teaching it to younger generations. For example, Muhu has even published a spelling book in their dialect. As proper islanders, the authors have said it was partly fuelled by envy and island stubbornness, because Kihnu already had their own spelling book, but Muhu didn’t. The creators of the Muhu Oabits – the title of the spelling book – hope that this book helps to preserve and continue Muhu identity and traditions.
Saaremaa’s largest peninsula Sõrve has also issued their own spelling book. “Sörulase aabits” is the first book covering the essence of being sörulane (a person living in Sõrve region – ed).
Customs and traditions are generally well-preserved on all the western Estonian islands. They can be spotted in the architecture, tasted in the local cuisine, and felt in nature. It is only natural that the dialect also makes a small impression on you during your stay on the islands.