Tokiponization Guidelines

To create the Toki Pona version of a foreign name, you may use the following guidelines. Also see Alphabet and sounds (Page ) for rules on what Toki Pona syllables and words are possible.

• It is always better to translate the "idea" of a foreign word before attempting to create a new phonetic transcription that may not be recognizable by everyone. (Example: Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada = jan lawa pi ma Kanata, rather than jan Kesijen)
• Use the native pronunciation as a basis, rather than the spelling.
• If more than one language is spoken locally, use the dominant one.
• If it does not belong to any one language, use an international form. (Example: Atlantik = Alansi)
• Use the colloquial pronunciation that locals actually and commonly use, rather than the "proper" or standard pronunciation. (Example: Toronto = Towano, not Tolonto)
• If a person chooses to have a Toki Pona name, he can choose whatever he wants and does not necessarily have to follow these guidelines.
• Names of nations, languages, religions have already been established. If one is missing from the official list, make a suggestion on the Toki Pona discussion list.
• If possible, find a common root between the name of the nation, the language and the people. (Example: England, English, English(wo)man = Inli)
• Cities and locations can be given a Toki Pona name, but they will only have an official name if they are internationally known.
• If full Tokiponization would compromise intelligibility, you can always leave a foreign name as is.