Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational PhraseBook (with audio CDs)

Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ...Kiswahili! the language of Afrika, the graceful language, let us speak Kiswahili, tuongee Kiswahili...! Conversational Phrases 2 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Book Title: Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational PhraseBook (with audio CDs) F IRST EDITION, 2012 ISBN: 978-9966-123-01-5 Copyright © 2012, Ojijo. All rights reserved. This work is copyrighted by the author. No parts of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without permission of the publisher. ojijobooks.com Tirupati Mazima Mall, Nsambya, Ggaba-Road, Plot 2530, P. O. Box 34416. Kampala, Uganda. Tel: +256 41 4696004/31 251 7908 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ojijobooks.com (256) 0776 1000 59 * (256) 0701 1000 59 * (256) 772 864 893 Conversational Phrases 3 OJIJO’ S 55 BOOKS Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo FINANCIAL L ITERACY B OOKS 1. Doing Business For Financial Freedom-Ojijo's Guide to Building A Business System 2. Managing Business Cashflow (Ojijo’s Guide to Raising, Protecting and Growing Business Finances) 3. Invest: Ojijo’s Guide to Financial Instruments & Alternative Investment Products 4. Successful Saccos - Managers' Guide to Acquire, Retain and Grow Membership, Savings and Assets 5. Making Money Together: Ojijo’s Investment Club Manual 6. Making My Child Financially Intelligent: Money Lessons by Age Group (from 3-13yrs) 7. Retire Happy: 21 Questions to Plan My Retirement 8. 69 Ways to Earn Extra Money While Keeping My Day Job 9. What Can I Sell? 101 Business Ideas for Youth in Africa 10. My Business Is Dying, What Can I Do? 11. I Am A Network Marketer - Ojijo's Network Marketing Guide 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. PERSONAL B RANDING BOOKS Stupid Writers: Ojijo’s Guide to Writing Articles, Reports, Plans, Profiles & Proposals People Buy People - 23 Ways To Use Networking Skills To Sell Myself and My Products Talanta: Ojijo’s Guide to Identifying, Developing & Selling My Talent This Is How To Treat A Man (Fathers, Husbands, Lovers, Sons, Brothers) Soft Sweet Words: Romantic Whispers to My Woman Cause Action: Ojijo’s Public Speaking Handbook The Formula Of Getting Rich! Seventy-7 Moves of a Sexy Woman Self-Discipline - What, Why & How 99 Ways to Make People Laugh LAW BOOKS Business Transactions & Contracts Law Handbook Family Law Handbook Intellectual Property Law Handbook Alternative Dispute Resolution Law Handbook Real Estate Law Handbook Civil Litigation Law Handbook Energy Law Handbook Labour Relations Law Handbook Administrative Law Handbook Environmental Law Handbook Criminal Litigation Law Handbook Ojijo’s Financial Services Law Rich Lawyers, Poor Lawyers : Law Firm Management Handbook African Jurisprudence, Luo Jurisprudence: Theories, Institutions and Procedures of Law and Justice (Introduction to Law) Legal Rhetoric: Ojijo’s Guide to Legal Writing, Legal Arguments & Legal Interpretation Policy & Legal Issues in E-Commerce & E-Governance (ICT Law) 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. POLITICS AND R ELIGION Why Did Hitler Kill The Jews? Politics of Poverty: The Odinga Curse to the Luos Open Religion: My Religion is the Best Religion Garveyism: The Philosophy of Marcus Garvey 100 Upright Men: World’s Greatest Revolutionary Politicians The Mungiki: Terrorists, Victims, Saints: Three Sides of the Same Coin! This Is How To Manipulate Voters: Ojijo's Guide for Campaign iManagers, Politicians and Aspiring Politicians! 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. OTHER B OOKS Fireplace Stories: Ojijo’s Performance Poems Killing The Luo The Half Story of My Life: Follow Your Heart, Live Your Dream I Speak Luo: Conversational Phrases of Luo Language The Luo Nation: History & Culture of Joluo (The Luo People Of Kenya) Luo Traditional Medicine : Curative and Preventive Plant, Animal and Mineral Extracts Tuongee Kiswahili: A Conversational Phrasebook With Audio CDs Eat Rich, Keep Fit-Foods & Exercises for Healthy Living This Is How To Improve School Performance-Responsibilities of Teachers, Students & Non Academic Staff I Am Sorry Father-A True Life Story of HIV-AIDS Teenager My Body: 100 Common Medical Symptoms, Causes, Possible Diseases, Treatment, Home Remedies & Prevention Conversational Phrases 4 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Preface Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational Phrasebook is designed to help me speak Kiswahili in basic daily situations rapidly, effectively, and easily. This Conversational phrasebook has 33 topical lessons (accompanied by Audio CDs), covering everything that I need to know to understand and speak Kiswahili. By reading this book, I will be able to introduce myself, get help in an emergency; shop; order in a restaurant; communicate in the office, talk about myself and family and even discuss literature, politics and public affairs. Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational Course is a Conversational course that uses this phrasebook together with audio CDs to make me want to study. It does not waste my time just teaching me vocabulary and grammar. If I am going to learn Kiswahili, or any other language for that matter, I HAVE to speak it. The motto is “Listen, Repeat, and Speak Kiswahili.” Each topic in the book is written in the format of Conversational Phrases; followed by Vocabulary. For instance, the topic of greetings will have basic conversational phrases used in greetings, followed by the vocabulary in the greetings. This is a unique Self-Learning course. It has been designed to give me a very easy way to learn to speak, read, and write Swahili words correctly. It gives me the ability to learn new Swahili words not only by the way they are written, but also with correct pronunciation. Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational Phrasebook is divided into two sections. Section A is an overview of the origin and history of the Swahili and the various Swahili language groups and dialects. Section B is divided into five parts, addressing the conversational phrases covering basic phrases; getting around; public affairs; grammar and literature. Basic Phrases 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Greetings & Goodbyes Introducing Myself &A Friend Asking for Something Numbers and Arithmetic Time, Days & Directions Colours, Sizes & Measurements Family & Relationships Body Parts, Hygiene &Clothing Getting Around 1. Travel & Accommodation 2. Shopping Conversational Phrases 5 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Office, Work & Occupations The Home The Farm Health & Hospital Eating Out & Entertainment Games & Sports Public Affairs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Government & Executive Legislature & Politics Law & Justice Economy & Development Security Education Religion The Media Grammar 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Nouns Pronouns Verbs Adverbs Adjectives Prepositions Conjunctions Punctuations Literature 1. 2. 3. 4. Music Dance Poetry Oral Tradition Conversational Phrases 6 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Contents! PREFACE ........................................................... 5 SECTION A: ORIGIN OF THE SWAHILI ........... 11 ¥ Overview of Swahili History ....................................................................... 11 ¥ A Brief History of the Swahili Language .................................................... 12 ¥ Swahili Dialects ......................................................................................... 14 SECTION B: CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES ..... 16 PART ONE: BASIC PHRASES .......................... 16 LESSON 1:......................................................................... GREETINGS & GOODBYES ¥ Greeting Someone! ................................................................................... 17 ¥ Inquiring After someone’s Condition! ........................................................ 21 ¥ Responses to Greetings! ........................................................................... 22 ¥ Special Greetings ..................................................................................... 25 ¥ Saying Goodbye ....................................................................................... 26 ¥ Swahili as Harmonious Language ............................................................. 27 LESSON 2: .........................................INTRODUCING MYSELF & A FRIEND ¥ Introducing Someone ................................................................................ 31 ¥ Asking someone’s Name .......................................................................... 33 ¥ Asking Where Someone Comes From ...................................................... 34 ¥ Asking How Much Kiswahili Someone Knows........................................... 36 LESSON 3: ............................................................. ASKING FOR SOMETHING ¥ The Three Question Verbs! (I Need; I Want; I Would Like!) ...................... 39 ¥ How to Ask General Questions ................................................................ 42 LESSON 4: ........................................................... NUMBERS & ARITHMETICS ¥ Cardinal Numbers ..................................................................................... 44 ¥ Parts/Sehemu ........................................................................................... 46 ¥ Ordinal Numbers ....................................................................................... 49 ¥ Alama/Signs .............................................................................................. 49 LESSON 5: .......................................................... TIME, DAYS & DIRECTIONS ¥ Time and Dates ......................................................................................... 52 ¥ Days .......................................................................................................... 58 ¥ Directions .................................................................................................. 61 LESSON 6: ......................................... COLOURS, SIZES & MEASUREMENTS ¥ Colours...................................................................................................... 64 ¥ Shapes ...................................................................................................... 64 ¥ Sizes ......................................................................................................... 65 ¥ Measurements, Measuring Units & Measuring Tools ................................ 67 LESSON 7: ....................................... RELATIONSHIPS (FAMILY & FRIENDS) ¥ Family ....................................................................................................... 70 ¥ Friends ...................................................................................................... 77 ¥ Marriage .................................................................................................... 80 Conversational Phrases 7 16 30 38 44 52 64 70 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 8: ..................................... BODY PARTS, HYGIENE & CLOTHING 82 ¥ Body Parts ................................................................................................ 82 ¥ Clothes & Dressing ................................................................................... 88 ¥ Kanga ....................................................................................................... 90 ¥ Ceremonial Clothing (Wedding, Officials, Etc) ........................................ 103 ¥ Hygiene & Cleanliness ............................................................................ 103 ¥ Hair 105 PART TWO: GETTING AROUND ..................... 106 LESSON 9: .......................................................... TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION ¥ Travelling ................................................................................................ 106 ¥ Transportation ......................................................................................... 112 ¥ Accommodation ...................................................................................... 116 ¥ Asking For The Embassy ........................................................................ 119 LESSON 10: ......................................................................................... SHOPPING ¥ Markets ................................................................................................... 120 ¥ Shopping ................................................................................................. 123 ¥ Money ..................................................................................................... 124 LESSON 11: ........................................... EATING OUT & ENTERTAINMENT ¥ Restaurant .............................................................................................. 126 ¥ Entertainment .......................................................................................... 131 ¥ Creative Arts ........................................................................................... 133 ¥ Performance Arts .................................................................................... 135 ¥ Asking Someone Out .............................................................................. 136 LESSON 12: ............................................ OFFICE, WORK & OCCUPATIONS ¥ Occupations ............................................................................................ 140 ¥ Office ...................................................................................................... 146 ¥ Receiving Phone Call .............................................................................. 148 LESSON 13: ..................................................................... HEALTH & HOSPITAL ¥ Hospital ................................................................................................... 150 ¥ Diseases & Ailments ............................................................................... 151 ¥ Death & Burial ......................................................................................... 157 LESSON 14: ........................................................................................ THE HOME ¥ Rooms in the House................................................................................ 160 ¥ Household Objects .................................................................................. 162 ¥ Eating At Home (Kitchen) ........................................................................ 166 LESSON 15: ........................................................................................... THE FARM ¥ Plants ...................................................................................................... 172 ¥ Structures in the Farm............................................................................. 172 ¥ Animals ................................................................................................... 174 ¥ Climate .................................................................................................... 176 ¥ Places in the Farm .................................................................................. 178 LESSON 16: ............................................................................ SPORTS & GAMES ¥ Types of Sports & Games ....................................................................... 180 ¥ People in Sports ...................................................................................... 182 Conversational Phrases 8 106 120 126 139 150 160 172 180 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Sport Events & Competitions .................................................................. 183 LESSON 17: .......................................................................................EDUCATION 185 ¥ Classroom ............................................................................................... 185 ¥ Asking About Someone's Education ....................................................... 196 ¥ Education Institutions .............................................................................. 197 LESSON 18: ................................. RELIGION & RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS 199 ¥ Religions ................................................................................................. 199 ¥ Religious Institutions ............................................................................... 202 PART THREE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS ................... 206 LESSON 19: GOVERNMENT & EXECUTIVE ........................................... 206 ¥ Government ............................................................................................ 206 ¥ Executive ................................................................................................ 209 ¥ Countries, Nationalities & Citizenship ..................................................... 211 LESSON 20: .............................................................LEGISLATURE & POLITICS ¥ Parliament ............................................................................................... 216 ¥ Politics .................................................................................................... 217 LESSON 21: ........................................................ LAW, JUSTICE & JUDICIARY ¥ Law & Legal Process .............................................................................. 226 ¥ Judicial Institutions .................................................................................. 226 ¥ At the Court ............................................................................................. 228 LESSON 22:.................................................... ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT ¥ Economic Theories & Institutions ............................................................ 229 ¥ Microeconomics ...................................................................................... 237 ¥ Economic Sectors & Performance .......................................................... 243 ¥ Personal Financial Management ............................................................. 245 LESSON 23:............................................................................................. SECURITY ¥ Security Institutions ................................................................................. 249 ¥ Security Personnel .................................................................................. 252 ¥ At the Police Station ................................................................................ 253 LESSON 24:........................................................................................ THE MEDIA ¥ Media Services ....................................................................................... 254 ¥ People in the Media ................................................................................ 255 216 226 229 249 254 PART FOUR: GRAMMAR ............................... 258 LESSON 25: NOUNS ..................................................................................... 258 ¥ Defining a Noun! ..................................................................................... 258 ¥ Noun Classification in Swahili ................................................................. 258 LESSON 26:.......................................................................PRONOUNS/ VIJINA 265 ¥ Types of Pronouns .................................................................................. 265 ¥ Free Pronouns ........................................................................................ 266 ¥ Reflexive Pronouns ................................................................................. 271 LESSON 27:.................................................................................................... VERBS 273 ¥ Verbs & Tenses ...................................................................................... 274 ¥ To Be ...................................................................................................... 275 Conversational Phrases 9 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 28:................................................................................................ ADVERB ¥ Types of Adverbs .................................................................................... 277 ¥ Uses of Adverbs ...................................................................................... 281 LESSON 29:............................................................... ADJECTIVES/VIVUMISHI ¥ Role of Adjectives ................................................................................... 281 ¥ Classification of Adjectives ...................................................................... 282 LESSON 30: ................................................................................. PREPOSITIONS ¥ Role of Prepositions! ............................................................................... 291 ¥ List of Prepositions! ................................................................................. 291 LESSON 31: ...................................................... CONJUNCTIONS/VISHIRIKISHI ¥ Role of Conjunction! ................................................................................ 294 ¥ Types of Conjunctions............................................................................. 294 ¥ Reason/Result Conjunction ..................................................................... 298 LESSON 32: PUNCTUATION MARKS/ALAMA ..................................... 304 ¥ Fourteen Punctuation Marks in English/Kiswahili Grammar .................... 304 ¥ Punctuations Marks for Sentence Endings ............................................. 305 ¥ Punctuations Marks For Pause in Series/Lists ........................................ 306 ¥ Punctuations Marks to Contain Words/ Ideas ......................................... 308 ¥ Other Punctuations Marks ....................................................................... 309 LESSON 33: ORAL LITERATURE/FASIHI ................................................... 311 ¥ Introduction to Swahili Literature ............................................................. 311 ¥ Music & Dance ........................................................................................ 313 ¥ Poetry ..................................................................................................... 314 ¥ Folk Tales/Story Telling........................................................................... 316 ¥ Idioms & Expressions (Kanga Writings) .................................................. 317 ¥ Riddles .................................................................................................... 322 ¥ Proverbs.................................................................................................. 325 APPENDICES ................................................. 334 TUONGEE KISWAHILI CURRICULUM .................................................................. 334 Conversational Phrases 10 277 281 291 294 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo SECTION A: ORIGIN OF THE SWAHILI ¥ Overview of Swahili History The Swahili is the name given to the coastal people who historically could be found as far North as Mogadishu (Somalia) and as far south as the Rovuma River (Mozambique). They share a common language, widely spoken by non-Swahilis, called Ki-Swahili, and enjoy a city-based fusion of African and Arab culture. The Swahili tribe are a coastal people with a very rich historical and cultural heritage. The Swahili are a Bantu people who inhabit the Coastal region of Kenya especially around Mombasa area. They originated from the Arab culture who intermarried amongst Africans thus giving rise to the Swahili peoples. Most of the Swahili people practice Islam. This is due to the origin of the tribe (most Arabs are Muslim). The Swahili are not really one ethnic group but a combination of various sub-groups. The town of Mombasa is described as having been "governed" by three Sheikhs of the three Arabs of Mvita, 'the older and consequently nobler' groups of the Swahili of Mombasa and of the Kilindini then the far larger groups. Together the three tribes (Theletha Taifa) of the Kilindini and the Nine Tribes (Tissa Taifa) of the Mvita constituted the Twelve Tribes (Thenashara Taifa) of the Swahili of Mombasa. The Swahili exported millet, Indian corn, ivory, gum copal and sim sim. The millet grew in surrounding plantation worked by slaves. They also traded with people as far away as China for porcelain. They are well known for their being knowledgeable in ship building skills as well as wood carvings. Conversational Phrases 11 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ A Brief History of the Swahili Language "Kiswahili" is the Swahili word for the Swahili language, and this is also sometimes used in English. The name 'Kiswahili' comes from the plural sawāḥil of the Arabic word sāḥil, meaning "boundary" or "coast" (used as an adjective to mean "coastal dwellers" or, by adding 'ki-' ["language"] to mean "coastal language"). 'Ki-' is a prefix attached to nouns of the noun class that includes languages. Kiswahili refers to the Swahili language; Waswahili refers to the people of the Swahili Coast; and Uswahili refers to the culture of the Swahili people. Kiswahili is the main lingua franca in Eastern Africa and in some parts of central and southern Africa with about 300,000,000 speakers. Kiswahili is spoken in Kenya, Tanzania, Southern Coast of Somalia, Northern Coast of Mozambique and the various islands dotting the Indian Ocean. It is also spoken in Uganda, southern parts of Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), northern parts of Zambia, Malawi, the Comoros islands and north western Coast of Madagascar. Kiswahili too is an official and national language in Kenya and Tanzania, and recently in Uganda. Currently, it is being studied in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions within and without Africa and is a discipline of academia in many Universities globally. And across the Atlantic, African Americans were introduced to Kiswahili in the late 60s by way of Kwanzaa, an African American celebration of African cultural roots developed by Maulana Karenga and other cultural nationalists. It is also a language of various media—broadcast (television & radio) and print (newspapers, books & posters) in and outside Africa. It is features in some world radio stations such as, the BBC, Radio Cairo (Egypt), the Voice of America (U.S.A.), Radio Deutschewelle (Germany), Radio Moscow International (Russia), Voice of Russia, Radio Japan International, Radio China International, Radio Sudan, and Radio South Africa. There's a friendly joke that has been going around in East Africa claiming that 'Swahili was born in Zanzibar, grew up in Tanzania, fell sick in Kenya, died in Uganda and was buried in Congo'. The interesting thing is that this refers to a 'proper' Swahili language, generally accepted to be the variety spoken on the East African coast in Kenya and Tanzania. The Swahili language is also making its presence in the art world - in songs, theatres, movies and television programs. For example, the lyrics for the song titled "Liberian girl" by Michael Jackson has Swahili phrases: "Nakupenda pia, nakutaka pia, mpenzi we!" (I love you, and I want you, my dear!). The well-celebrated Disney movie, "The Lion King" features several Swahili words, for example "simba" (lion), "rafiki" (friend), as the names of the characters. The Swahili phrase "hakuna matata" (No troubles or no problems) was also used in that movie. Conversational Phrases 12 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The African Union (AU) has adopted it as one of the official languages to conduct its businesses. Of recent, there are discussions to make it an official language of the United Nations (UN). The dream of Kiswahili as pan Afrikan language was revived recently when the outgoing president of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, delivered his farewell speech to the African Union (AU) in Kiswahili. Kiswahili also has "official working language" status in the African Union. Regarding the history of the Swahili language, it borrows from various languages, but is basically of Bantu (African) origin. Taking an example of the numbers as they are spoken in Swahili, the words "moja" = one, "mbili" = two, "tatu" = three, "nne" = four, "tano" = five, "nane" = eight, "kumi" = ten, are all of Bantu origin. On the other hand there is "sita" = six, "saba" = seven and "tisa" = nine, that are borrowed from Arabic. The Arabic word "tisa" actually replaced the Bantu word "kenda" for "nine". In some cases the word "kenda" is still used. Further, soko is from the Arabic souk, which means market place. The Swahili words, "chai" = tea, "achari" = pickle, "serikali" = government, "diwani" = councillor, "sheha" = village councillor, are some of the words borrowed from Persian bearing testimony to the older connections with Persian merchants. Some of the words that the Swahili language absorbed from the Portuguese include "leso" (handkerchief), "meza" (table), "gereza" (prison), "pesa" ('peso', money), etc. Swahili bull-fighting, still popular on the Pemba island, is also a Portuguese legacy from that period. The Swahili language also borrowed some words from languages of the later colonial powers on the East African coast - English (British) and German. Swahilized English words include "baiskeli" (bicycle), "basi" (bus), "penseli" (pencil), "mashine" (machine), "koti" (coat), etc. The Swahilized German words include "shule" for school and "hela" for a German coin. Conversational Phrases 13 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Swahili Dialects ‫ ق‬Main Dialects Among the native Swahili speakers, there exist several Swahili dialects. The most well known Swahili dialects include: Amu, spoken by the Lamu people; Mvita, a dialect of the Mombasa Swahilis; Pemba, a dialect spoken in Pemba; and Unguja, a dialect spoken in Zanzibar. However, the standard version of the Swahili language is the national language of both Kenya and Tanzania and is also spoken widely across other Eastern and Central Africa countries. This is the modern standard Swahili, and it is based on Kiunguja, the dialect spoken in Zanzibar town. There are numerous dialects of Swahili, some of which are mutually unintelligible, including the following. ‫ ق‬Old Dialects In addition, there are some old dialects, as below:                Chimwiini was traditionally spoken around the Somali town of Barawa. In recent years, most of its speakers have fled to Kenya to escape civil war. Whether Chimwiini is Swahili or a distinct language is a question that provokes division within each of the following groups: linguists specializing in Swahili, Chimwiini speakers, and speakers of other Swahili dialects. Kitikuu, also called Kigunya or Kibajuni, spoken on the coast and islands on both sides of the Somalia-Kenya border and in the northern part of the Lamu archipelago. Kiamu: spoken in and around the island of Lamu (Amu). Kimvita: the major dialect of Mombasa (also known as "Mvita", which means "war", in reference to the many wars which were fought over it), the other major dialect alongside Kiunguja. Kingare: subdialect of the Mombasa area. Chijomvu: subdialect of the Mombasa area. Chichifundi: dialect of the southern Kenya coast. Kivumba: dialect of the southern Kenya coast. Kipemba: local dialect of the Pemba Island. Kiunguja: spoken in Zanzibar City and environs on Unguja (Zanzibar) Island. Other dialects occupy the bulk of the island. Kitumbatu and Kimakunduchi: the countryside dialects of the island of Zanzibar. Kimakunduchi is a recent renaming of "Kihadimu"; the old name means "serf", hence it is considered pejorative. Kimrima: spoken around Pangani, Vanga, Dar es Salaam, Rufiji and Mafia Island. Kimgao: formerly spoken around Kilwa District and to the south. Kimwani: spoken in the Kerimba Islands and northern coastal Mozambique. Kichagga: spoken by the Chagga people who are living around the Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. Conversational Phrases 14 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Recent Dialects However, there are also recent dialects of Kiswahili language as below:  Kingwana: spoken in the eastern and southern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sometimes called Copperbelt Swahili, especially the variety spoken in the south.  Sheng: a street patois that blends Swahili, English, and ethnic languages spoken in and around Nairobi. Sheng originated in the Nairobi slums and is considered fashionable and cosmopolitan among a growing segment of the population. Indeed, there are dictionaries for sheng’. Conversational Phrases 15 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo SECTION B: CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES PART ONE: BASIC PHRASES LESSON 1: GREETINGS & GOODBYES Introduction This is lesson one of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! is a unique Teach Myself Kiswahili Conversational course that makes me want to study. It will not waste my time just teaching me vocabulary and grammar. If I am going to learn Kiswahili, or any other language for that matter, I HAVE to speak it. Tuongee Kiswahili motto is “Listen, Repeat, and Speak Kiswahili.” In this lesson, I will learn how to greet someone informally and formally and how to say goodbye. I will also learn how to inquire after someone’s condition and how to respond when asked after my condition. Finally, I will learn how to say seasonal greetings and special greetings prevalent in the Kiswahili culture. Here is the first conversation I will study. Ojijo: Habari Asha Asha: Habari Ojijo Ojijo: U hali gani? Asha: Njema, nashukuru! Labda yako? Ojijo: Nashukuru! This is such a basic conversation that I will have it over and over again! So it is worth the time to study. Here is the conversation a second time, except in English. Ojijo: Hello Asha Asha: Hello Ojijo Ojijo: How are you? Asha: Fine, I am grateful! Maybe yours? Ojijo: I am grateful! Conversational Phrases 16 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Greeting Someone! ‫ ق‬Formal & Informal Greeting! Kiswahili, like most African languages, and many language sin general, is a very polite language and culture. There are different greeting words depending on my relationship with the person who is greeting me. 1. Habari! When I am greeting someone I already know, Habari! or hello, is a perfectly acceptable greeting. Habari literally is news. When I meet someone, I want to know if there is something new in their lives. If they have a report to give, so I ask for ‘any news?’ I ask them, Habari! More or less like, what is up? 2. Habari Yako! Further, instead of just asking Habari? Which means, any news? I can also make my question personal and direct by saying Habari Yako?, which is, How are you? 3. Jambo! Another very common greeting in Kiswahili is Jambo! Jambo! Literally means matter! But in the context of greeting, it is hi! Or Hello! Also, I can use Jambo! To ask after how someone is doing. I will say, Hujambo! Which means is anything the matter? Or what is the matter? But is used in this case to mean is everything alright? And when someone asks me whether something is the matter, unless there is a very disturbing matter, I will say, everything is alright! I will say, Sijambo! Sijambo is a short form for sina jambo, which is, literally is, I don’t have matter, or, more grammatically, it is nothing is the matter, or everything is all right. Sina is I do not have Jambo is matter. I can also respond thus, "Sijambo - hofu ni kwako tu" " Conversational Phrases 17 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Literally meaning “I'm fine - the anxiety is just yours”, meaning, don't worry about me; or, I am fine, but worried about you. However, if I am greeting an adult, or a person in authority or a stranger, I say, Shikamoo! Shikamoo is a respectful term of greeting an adult, it literally means, my respects to you! This is used when addressing a stranger, a parent, an adult, or a lecturer/teacher, etc. And their response will be, Marahabaa! Marahabaa is Thank you! It is recognition of respect I have been accorded as an adult when greeted as Shikamoo! In the alternative, instead of saying my respects! I may also address the person as sir or madam. So, to say, Hello, sir! I say, Habari, Bwana! I will remember that Habari is what’s up? or Hello! Bwana literally means husband, but is also used to address a male person in position of authority, to mean Sir. And to say Hello, Madam! I say, Habari, Bibi! Bibi literally is either wife or a grandmother, but is used in this context to respectfully address a woman in a position of authority to mean Madam! ‫ ق‬Greeting One Person & Many People If they are many people, I will greet them as Hamjambo! And they will reply as Hatujambo! And if I want to make the greeting personal and direct, for instance, if I am entering a room full of people and I want to greet all of them once, I will say, Habari zenu? Which means, how are you, but in plural. This is in contrast to Habari Yako, which is how are you? But in singular. Conversational Phrases 18 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Morning, Afternoon & Evening Greeting! Kiswahili, like some other languages, has different greetings depending on the person being addressed and the time of the day. And if I met someone in the morning, and I want to say good morning, I say, Habari za asubuhi Habari is, how are you? Za is of Asubuhi is, morning! So, Habari za asubuhi literally is how are you of morning? But grammatically, how is your morning? And if I wanted to greet someone in the afternoon, I would say how is your afternoon? Or good afternoon! Habari za adhuhuri! Habari is, news, or hello, and za is of Adhuhuri is afternoon And if I wanted to greet someone in the evening, I say, Habari za jioni! Habari za jioni literally is news of evening, or more grammatically, how is your evening? Or, good evening?! Jioni is evening ‫ ق‬Wishing Someone ‘Goodnight’! And if I want to wish someone a Good night, I say, Usiku mwema! Or, Lala salama Usiku mwema literally is night well, but grammatically, is translated in English as good night! Usiku is night Mwema is good, or well Lala salama is sleep well Conversational Phrases 19 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Lala is sleep Salama is well And when someon wakes up, they can report if they have a dream, or I can ask if they had a dream, I ask, Uliota? Did you dream? In this case, ota is to dream. A dream is called ndoto. And a vision is ruwaza. Kenya Vision 2030 Ruwaza ya Kenya 2030 The Swahili people are very warm and welcoming even to strangers. Swahili, the national language of Kenya does not have the word for “Stranger”. Everyone coming to our borders is a “Mgeni” meaning “Visitor”. ‫ ق‬Traditional terms of address For addressing a man, whether I know him or not, the accepted form of polite address is “Bwana”, which is a cross between “mister” and “sir”. For anybody clearly over 40 years old, the term “mzee” (“old man”) is considered a polite form of address, expressing respect for the person and his wisdom and experience. For women the word “mama” (mother) carries the same connotation, but is used for women of all ages; but older women are refered to as “bibi”. ‫ ق‬Manners The Swahili lay great emphasis on the need for respect and good manners. Upon meeting it is customary to shake hands and to enquire for several minutes after the health of the person whom you are meeting and the welfare of their immediate family. It is considered gravely insulting to shout at anybody, even with words of praise. Losing one’s temper, going red in the face, swearing or using demeaning language will be viewed by a Kenyan as a demonstration of poor upbringing and extreme weakness of character; and will be treated with polite embarrassment and disdain. Pointing with my finger is considered very rude, as is summoning with a crooked finger or beckoning with the palm up (beckon with the palm down). ‫ ق‬Shaking hands The Swahili shake hands all the time and at every occasion; indeed it would be considered very impolite not to shake hands on meeting someone, regardless of whether you met the person earlier or have never met them before in your life. Conversational Phrases 20 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Sometimes both hands are used (when sahking the hands of an elder person); sometimes a special handshake (involving clasped thumbs) is used. ¥ Inquiring After someone’s Condition! It is only polite to ask after how people are doing when I meet them. In Kiswahili, the most common way that this is done is by saying, U hali gani? ‘U hali gani?’ literally means ‘in which condition are you?’ but grammatically in English; it translates to ‘how are you?’ I may wonder how one word in Kiswahili can mean the equivalent of two words in English. This will happen all the time! Sometimes one word in English will be translated into two words or more in Kiswahili, or vice versa. That is why it is important not to get caught up in making literal or word-by-word translations. One of the other strange things about Kiswahili is that I have a choice about whether I am going to address another person respectfully or familiarly (e.g., informally). The first question is the one used in the conversation above between me and my friend Asha. Since we are friends, we use the informal mode of address. If, however, I was addressing someone I had never met before or someone older than me, I would use a formal expression. We will learn formal expressions in later part of this lesson. Conversational Phrases 21 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Responses to Greetings! ‫ ق‬Responding When Asked After My Condition! If someone asks me, “U hali gani?” I have a variety of responses I can choose from which we will consider in future lessons, but for now, unless I am having a particularly bad day, I will want to respond that I am fine. Ojijo: U hali gani? Asha: Njema, nashukuru. Or Njema, Ahsante. Most certainly, I will not forget to be polite and thank the other person for inquiring after how I am doing. Waswahili, the native Swahili speakers, or those who speak Kiswahili as their first language, do not say thank you, but rather, they give thanks for their condition. They say, Nashukuru! Nashukuru means ‘I am grateful’ If I wish to say ‘thank you’, instead of saying, ‘I am grateful’, I say, Ahsante! Ahsante is thank you! Alternatively, I can say I am fine, be grateful and also thank the person who inquired after my health. In which case I say, Njema, nashukuru! Ahsante! Meaning ‘Fine, I am grateful. Thank you!’ In the alternative, I may choose to just say I am grateful and thank the other person; instead of also saying I am fine. I will say, Nashukuru! Ahsante! Meaning ‘I am grateful. Thank you!’ ‫ ق‬Other Responses Just like in English and other languages, there are varied forms to replying to any greeting in Kiswahili. Below are a few. Fine Mzuri Just Fine, Tu is Just Mzuri, Tu Very Fine, Sana Is Very Mzuri Sana Conversational Phrases 22 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Or I might not be committed as to my current condition, so I will say, So so Hivi, hivi ‫ ق‬Asking After someone’s Condition! When someone asks after how I am doing, it is polite for me to also ask after how they are doing. I may want to ask them, 'And you?'Which in Kiswahili is Na wewe? na is and wewe is you However, just the same way Waswahili, that is, those who speak Kiswahili as their native languages, do not say, well, thanks, but rather say, well, I am grateful…they also do not say and you, rather, they say, maybe yours Labda yako? means Maybe yours? Labda is maybe Yako is yours. Labda yako? which is Maybe yours? is short form for, ‘maybe your condition’. And of course, I will respond that, Nashukuru! Meaning, I am grateful! ‫ ق‬Responding when someone calls me (my name)! Just like in other languages, Kiswahili language has special responses when someone calls my name, or calls my attention, depending on the relationship I have with the person. In case of an adult, or someone I respect, or someone I do not know, for instance, a stranger, I will respond with naam! Naam! Means, yes please! I can also respond with Beeh! Conversational Phrases 23 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo However, if it is an informal situation, or the person is my age mate or friend, I can respond as vipi! Asha: Ojijo Ojijo: Vipi? Vipi! Literally means, how, but is used in this case to mean, what’s up? I can also respond as sema! Which literally means, tell me! Conversational Phrases 24 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Special Greetings ‫ ق‬Muslim Greetings Muslims, that is those who are of the religion of Islam, and who highly populate the Kiswahili speaking regions of Zanzibar, Mombasa and Tanzania, have a specific greeting, which is both used as opening a meeting also and as a way of saying goodbye. Islam is peace, and hence, the greeting is couched within this meaning. The Muslims greet each other as below: Peace Be Upon You. Asalaam Aleikum And the response as just the opposite of the greeting, as below. Upon You Be Peace. Aleikum Salaam The words are borrowed from Arabic language, hence the lack of clear Kiswahili meaning. It is important to note that Kiswahili has words borrowed from various languages across the world, including German, Portuguese, English, Hindi, etc. I will learn these words in future advanced lessons. ‫ ق‬Seasonal Greetings Just like in other languages, Kiswahili also has seasonal greetings. The following are the seasonal greetings in the Kiswahili language and culture: Merry Christmas I Wish You A Happy New Year A Prosperous New Year Happy New Year I Wish You Luck Krismasi mkunjufu/Njema Nakutakia Mwaka Mpya Iliyona Furaha Mwaka Mpya Wenye Fanaka Mwaka Mpya Iliyona Furaha Nakutakia Heri Below is vocabulary for seasonal greetings. Christmas Merry To Wish Nakutakia Furaha Mpya Year Prosperous Heri Krismasi Ukunjufu/Njema Kutakia I wish you happiness New Mwaka Fanaka Luck Conversational Phrases 25 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Saying Goodbye Just like in other languages, Waswahili have several ways of saying goodbye. Below are a few. I will learn the rest in future advanced lessons. So long Tuonane Give my regards Umsalimie Goodbye till next time! Kwaheri ya kuonana! Greet your family? Salimia Familia yako? Come and visit us/come and see us Njoo utuamkie Give my regards to Umsalimie Conversational Phrases 26 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Swahili as Harmonious Language Swahili language, as well as other Afrikan languages, and cultures, are based on the philosophy of harmony, and humanity. To this end, the overall purpose of all actions, including communication, is to enhance harmony. This unwritten rule is seen in the way conclicts are resolve, as well as how words are used in communication; harmony. ‫ ق‬Saying ‘No’: Negation Instead Of Blunt Refusal Whereas all languages have a precise word for ‘no’; afrikan culture and languages abhor ‘blunt refusal’, and prefer words that negate something. In Swahili, the word for ‘yes’ is ‘ndiyo’, and it is very emphatic. The word for ‘no’ is ‘ hakuna’, ‘hapana’, ‘hamna’, all these literally mean ‘the place does not have’. And the word ‘si’ is used as a negation. Among Kiswahili speakers and Swahili culture, it is almost an unwritten taboo to use strong negative words. For instance, if I want to say “this is bad”, I say, ‘Huyu si mzuri sana’, meaning ‘this is not very good’ Instead of, or in preference to, ‘Huyu ni mbaya.’ meaning, ‘this is bad’ This is based on the culture of the Afrikans, which prefers that communication brings harmony. ‫ ق‬Expressing A Different Opinion: Adding Instead Of Contradicting In expressing differing opinion, Kiswahili language, like other afrikan cultures, uses complimentary language, and “adds”, on what previous speaker said, rather than, “discarding wholesomely”, the submission. Conversational Phrases 27 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Differences are seen as complimentary, not contradictory. This is because in the Swahili culture, and philosophy, there is nothing that can be absolutely negated but only better clarified. In essence, reality is relative; truth is relative. For instance, I will hear such phrases as, Mwenzangu amenena vyema, mimi ningependa kuongeza hili… Meaning, “The previous speaker has spoken well. I would like to add this:…” Or Umesema vezuri sana, ningependa kuongeza… Meaning, “You have said well, … I would like to add….” ‫ ق‬Decision Making: Right/Wrong Vis-À-Vis Utility The quality of all communication, and statements, is hence NOT based on the wrong and right conundrum, bur rather on the usefulness of decision (utilitarian approach). That is good which simply preserves relationships. The Afrikan world-view very humbly understands that truth cannot be completely grasped. Therefore when I say something about reality, it is my truth. So, when someone says anything that is their truth. In actually hence, my truth add to another person’s truth add to our understanding of reality, for, in reality there is nothing that can be absolutely negated but only better clarified. Therefore, decision making is not based on who is right and who is wrong, but on what is meaningful at a given circumstance. In any case it is important that no relationships are broken. Hence meetings seem endless. Clocks come to a stand still. People may not emerge with very clear opinions, but they would emerge as friends, at least apparently. Yes, everyone is right if everyone seems happy. Consequently, in the afrikan, and Swahili culture, I am not supposed to oppose, but only add opinions. Consequently, ‘what two people say is accepted as truth, even if they are opposite; and what people do are good, even if both have done just the opposite’. The crucial criterion is that one has not broken a taboo or a norm, which usually preserves social order. Conversational Phrases 28 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Vizuri! Good This is the end of lesson 1 of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’ Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 2. Conversational Phrases 29 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 2: INTRODUCING MYSELF & A FRIEND Introduction Here is the second lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! is a unique Teach Myself Kiswahili Conversational course that makes me want to study. It will not waste my time just teaching me vocabulary and grammar. If I am going to learn Kiswahili, or any other language for that matter, I HAVE to speak it. Tuongee Kiswahili motto is “Listen, Repeat, and Speak Kiswahili.” In this lesson, I will learn how to introduce someone, and how to introduce myself, say where I come from and just how much Kiswahili I can speak. The following is a conversation I am likely to hear when strangers are being introduced. It is the basic conversation I will study in this lesson. Friend:Ningependa kukujulisha kwa rafiki yangu, Asha! Asha: Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe! Ojijo: Furaha ni yangu! Asha: Jina lako ni nani? Ojijo: Jina langu ni Ojijo! Asha: Unatoka nchi gani? Ojijo: Mimi natoka Uganda Asha: Unaongea Kiswahili vizuri? Ojijo: Kidogo! Bado Nasoma! This conversation is full of great questions that I am sure to encounter if I do any traveling to a Kiswahili-speaking country. It is such a basic conversation that I will have it over and over again! So it is worth the time to study. Conversational Phrases 30 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Here is the conversation a second time, except in English. Friend: I would like to introduce me to my friend, Asha! Asha: I am pleased to meet you… Ojijo: Pleasure is mine. Asha: What is your name? Ojijo: My name is Asha! Asha: Which country do you come from? Ojijo: I come from Uganda. Asha: Do you speak Kiswahili well? Ojijo: A little! I am still learning! ¥ Introducing Someone If my friend wants to introduce me to a stranger, she will say, Ningependa kukujulisha kwa rafiki yangu, Asha! Which means, I would love to introduce you to my friend, Asha! Below are the meaning of the words and phrases when introducing someone. Ningependa! Kukujulisha! Kwa! Rafiki! Yangu! I Would Love To Introduce You To Friend, Mine, So, to introduce someone to my friend, I say, Ningependa kukujulisha kwa rafiki yangu! ‫ ق‬Responding To an Introduction And what is the polite follow up to an introduction? If someone says to me, I would like to introduce you to my friend, I say, I am pleased to meet you! This in Kiswahili means, Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe! Below are basic words to use when responding to an introduction. Nimefurahi! Kukutana! I Am Happy! To Meet! Conversational Phrases 31 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Na Wewe With You So, to say ‘I am pleased to meet you!’ I say, Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe, which is, I am pleased to meet you! I will remember that words usually have more than one meaning, it is so in English, and other languages, and in Kiswahili too. When someone says, I am pleased to meet you or I am glad to meet you or I am happy to meet you, it all is the same thing. ‫ ق‬Responding To ‘I Am Pleased To Meet You!’ And what would my response be if someone told me, I am pleased to meet you! Which in Kiswahili is Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe I will say, pleasure is mine. In Kiswahili, I say, Furaha ni yangu! Meaning pleasure is mine! Furaha! Is happiness or pleasure or pleasantness or gladness Ni means is Yangu means mine! So, how would I say, the pleasure is mine…I say, Furaha ni yangu! Pleasure is mine! Conversational Phrases 32 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Asking someone’s Name And after saying the pleasantry, I will want to ask Asha her name? I will say, Jina lako ni nani? Literally meaning name of yours is who? Or in a grammatically correct way, what is your name? Jina is name Lako is yours! I had earlier leant how to say Ni in Kiswahili. Ni means Is! Nani is who! So, to ask after someone’s name, I say, Jina lako ni nani? what is your name? ‫ ق‬Saying My Name And when I ask Asha her name, she will respond by saying her name. She will say, Jina langu ni Asha! Which means my name is Asha I now know how to say Name in Kiswahili. Name is Jina Langu is mine, the same as yangu. In the later lessons, I will learn when to use langu, and when to use yangu! For now, I just need to know that to say my name, I use langu, not yangu! I say, Jina langu ni Asha! My name is Asha! Conversational Phrases 33 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Asking Where Someone Comes From After knowing someone’s name, I might want to ask where they come from! Alternatively, after introducing me to Asha, she will want to ask me where I come from. She will say, Unatoka nchi gani? Meaning, Which country do you come from? Unatoka is, you come from or you come out of Nchi is country! Gani literally is which one, or more grammatically, which! Hence, to ask which country are you from, I say, Unatoka nchi gani? ‫ ق‬Saying Where I Come From When someone asks where I come from, I will tell them the name of my country. I say, Mimi Natoka Uganda! Meaning I come from Uganda. Mimi is I Natoka is I come from Uganda is, of course, pronounced as Uganda, as written, in the Kiswahili alphabet. ‫ ق‬Pronunciation of Vowels Pronunciation of Swahili words is often very easy. There are 24 letters in Swahili alphabet me need to understand, with 5 vowel sounds. aeiou The U in Uganda is pronounced as U, as in U-ga-nda, and not as you, as in, you-ga-nda a e i o u as in as in as in as in as in bar pen sit hot put Baba Pesa Simba Moto Punda Father Money Lion Fire Donkey Conversational Phrases 34 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Conversational Phrases 35 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Asking How Much Kiswahili Someone Knows And after I have told Asha where I come from, she might want to know how much Kiswahili I actually know; for very many reasons, who knows! So, she will ask me, Unaongea Kiswahili vema? Which literally means, You speak Kiswahili well? But grammatically, it translates to do you speak Kiswahili well? Unaongea is you speak U is me Na is the verb, to do Ongea is to speak or talk, again, I meet words which have many meanings, though similar. So, U-na-ongea is you speak And I remember how to say well in Kiswahili; I say vema! So, to ask if someone is speaking Kiswahili well, I say, Unaongea Kiswahili vema? ‫ ق‬Saying ‘I Speak a Little Kiswahili’! And how will I respond to let her know I speak a little Kiswahili? I say, Kidogo! Bado Nasoma! Meaning A little, I am still learning! Kidogo is A little Bado is Still Nasoma is I am learning or I am reading Na is I am Soma is read or learn So, if someone asked me whether I speak Kiswahili, I say, A little, I am still learning? Kidogo! Bado Nasoma! Conversational Phrases 36 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Vizuri! Good This is the end of lesson 2 of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’ Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 3. Conversational Phrases 37 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 3: ASKING FOR SOMETHING Introduction This is the third lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn how to actually do something in Kiswahili, like order a cup of coffee at a café. This lesson will conclude with three powerful words that everyone traveling to a Kiswahili-speaking country needs to know. These words are; Nataka I Want Nahitaji I Need I Would Like Naomba/ Ninngependa Here is the conversation that we will be discussing today! Ojijo: Asha: Ojijo: Asha: Ojijo: Asha: Ojijo: Asha: Ojijo: Jambo! Jambo! Nahitaji usaidizi! Na nini? Naomba kinywaji! Kinywaji kipi? Nataka Kahawa! Tafadhali! Sawa! Shukrani! This conversation introduces me to the words I need; I want; and I would like. These words are so important. I can use them to tell people me need help; need a doctor; want to go somewhere, or to order in a restaurant. I will remember that it is polite to greet a person before asking a question. That is why I will start with Jambo! Jambo! Literally means, "matter", but in this context, it means, Hi! Or Hello! Conversational Phrases 38 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ The Three Question Verbs! (I Need; I Want; I Would Like!) ‫ق‬ ‘I Need!’ Let us start with one of the most useful phrases to have when travelling to a Kiswahili speaking country. I need help! Nahitaji usaidizi! Means I need help! The word nahitaji means I need The word for help is usaidizi! However, in an emergency, I do not even have to say the words nahitaji usaidizi! Rather, I can just scream, Usaidizi! This means Help! Who cares if I am not grammatically correct, as long as I catch people’s attention! Now, I am ready to try the full phrase. To say, I need help! I say Nahitaji usaidizi! ‫ ق‬How To Ask, ‘Help With What?’ If I tell someone that I need help and they are not sure why I asked, they will probably say ‘Help With what’ or shorten it to ‘With what?’ ‘With what?’ in Kiswahili, is Na nini? The word na means with The word nini means what. ‫ق‬ ‘I Want!’ In my conversation, I do not need help with something serious. I just need help with getting myself a drink. Getting me a drink is such a hard thing to do. So I tell Asha! Nataka kinywaji? Meaning I want a drink! Nataka means I want A drink is called kinywaji. Conversational Phrases 39 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The word nataka is very important, and can be used whenever I want anything. So, to say I want help, I say, Nataka usaidizi! And to say I want a drink, I say, Nataka kinywaji! ‫ق‬ ‘I Would Like!’ I know that in English it is more polite to say that I would like something, instead of I want something, well; it is the same in Kiswahili. In Kiswahili culture, it is common to use the polite form of the word I want, which is, Naomba! Naomba literally means ‘I pray’, but in this context, it means, I would like! By now, I should have realized that Kiswahili as a very polite language, especially when spoken with the style of the Kiswahili speaking counties of Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar and Mombasa Kenya. So to say, I would like a drink, I say, Naomba kinywaji! And if I would like something to eat, I say, Naomba chakula! Chakula means food, or something to eat. To say in I need something eat, I say, Nahitaji chakula! I should just remember that these three words are building blocks. Once I learn to say them, I can ask for anything I want, need or would like. When I want something to drink, the waiter will most certainly ask me, which drink? To say ‘which drink?’ in Kiswahili, he says, ‘Kinywaji kipi?’ I should remember that kinywaji means drink! Kipi means which one? or which? The word what can mean kipi? Or gani? This is a phenomenon common in all languages; so, I should not get upset about it. Later, I will get to know when to say kipi? And when to say gani? But for now, I just need to know that to ask which drink, the waiter will say, Kinywaji kipi? And to ask which food? The waiter will say Chakula kipi? Conversational Phrases 40 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I should remember, I wanted food and I said, Nataka chakula, meaning, I want food! The waiter will ask me, Chakula kipi? Then I will respond and tell her which food I want! I will learn about how to order for food in a restaurant in later lessons. For now, we will assume I asked for coffee. A coffee is Kahawa in Kiswahili. Now, to say I want coffee, I say, Nataka Kahawa! And to say I need coffee! I say, Nahitaji Kahawa! Finally, to say I would like coffee! I say, Naomba Kahawa! Conversational Phrases 41 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ How to Ask General Questions If I want to learn to ask for something, anything, in a foreign language, I need to learn basic question phrases and words. Questions do not have a special form in Swahili. A statement is made into a question by raising the pitch of my voice at the end of the sentence. ‫ ق‬Asking Questions for Clarification Many new speakers of a foreign language need to visualize a word in their heads before they can accurately repeat and remember it. So it is useful to learn a few help phrases in conversations. It is useful that I learn how to ask, Rudia tafadhali! Which means Repeat, please. Or, I may need to ask, Pole pole tafadhali! Which means Slowly, please. Or I may just say, Samahani! Which means Excuse me! Most people will be happy to clarify what they said for me, so I will never feel embarrassed about asking! Again, samahani may also be used to mean sorry! ‫ ق‬Some General Questions! The following are basic Kiswahili question phrases. Who is that? What is this? Which food do you want? When will it start? How does it work? Where is it? How many do you want? Nani huyo? Hii ni nini? Unataka chakula gani? Itanza saa ngapi? Inafanya vipi? Iko wapi? Unataka ngapi? ‫ ق‬Question Phrases! The following are words used in questions forms. Conversational Phrases 42 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Who Nani What Nini Which, What, What Kind Gani Why Kwa Nini When (What Time) Saa Ngapi When (What Day) Siku Gani How Vipi Or Namna Gani Where Wapi How Many Ngapi Vizuri! Good Conclusion This is the end of lesson 3 of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’ Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 4. Conversational Phrases 43 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 4: NUMBERS & ARITHMETICS This is the fourth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn cardinal numbers, fractions and decimals, ordinal numbers and arithmetic’s. ¥ Cardinal Numbers A cardinal number is a number used in counting. A cardinal number tells "how many." Cardinal numbers are also known as "counting numbers," because they show quantity. Here are a few phrases for numbers. Nataka tikiti moja I want one ticket Nahitaji shillingi mia moja I need 100 shillings Naomba vitabu tatu I would like three books Niko na gari moja I have one car Tuko hamsini na tano We are fifty five Ni lukuki It is uncountable Here are the numbers. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Sifuri/Nunge Moja Mbili Tatu Nne Tano Sita Saba Nane Tisa Kumi Zero One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Numbers in Swahili are very easy to say. If I know how to say 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 1000, 1000000, and 1000000000, I should Conversational Phrases 44 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo be able to say any other (practical) number. That’s because, the other numbers are spoken as combinations of the above-mentioned numbers. For example, 1932, is elfu moja mia tisa thalathini na mbili which is an exact literal translation of one thousand nine hundred thirty two. The only (minor) difference here is the addition of na which means and, between the Swahili word for thirty (thalathini) and two (mbili). In Swahili, na is always added between tens and unit digits. There are a few other twists. Let me read on to learn more about them. Numbers in teens are spoken as a combination of TEN and the OTHER NUMBER. I just add NA which means & in Kiswahili. So, in this case, I proceed as below. Kumi Na Moja Kumi Na Mbili Kumi Na Tatu Kumi Na Nne Kumi Na Tano Kumi Na Sita Kumi Na Saba Kumi Na Nane Kumi Na Tisa 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 The same formula is applicable for numbers in tens, as below. Ishirini Ishirini Na Nane Thelathini Thelathini Na Mbili Arobaini Arobaini Na Nne Hamsini Hamsini Na Tisa Sitini Sitini Na tatu Sabini Sabini Na Moja Themanini Na Tatu Themanini Na Nane Tisini Tisini Na Tisa Mia Moja Mia Moja Na Moja Mia Moja Na Nane Mia Moja Na Kumi Mia Moja Na Kumi Na Moja Mia Moja Na Kumi Na Tisa Mia Moja Na Ishirini 20 28 30 32 40 44 50 59 60 63 70 71 83 88 90 99 100 101 108 110 111 119 120 Conversational Phrases 45 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mia Moja Na Ishirini Na Nane Mia Moja Na Thelathini Mia Moja Na Thelethini Na Tisa Mia Moja Na Arobaini Mia Moja Na Arobaini Na Mbili Mia Moja Na Hamsini Mia Moja Na Sitini Mia Moja Na Sabini Mia Moja Na Themanini Mia Moja Na Tisini Mia Mbili Mia Mbili Na Moja Mia Mbili Na Kumi Mia Mbili Na Kumi Na Moja Mia Mabili Na Ishirini Mia Mbili Na Tisini Na Tisa Mia Tatu Mia Nne Mia Tano Mia Sita Mia Saba Mia Nane Mia Tisa Elfu Moja Elfu Moja Na Moja Elfu Mbili Elfu Tisa Elfu Kumi Elfu Kumi, Na Moja Elfu Kumi-Na-Moja Elfu Ishirini Elfu Tisini Elfu Tisini Na Tisa, Mia Tisa Na Tisini Na Tisa Laki Moja Laki Tisa Milioni Moja Milioni Mbili Bilioni Moja Lukuki 128 130 139 140 142 150 160 170 180 190 200 201 210 211 220 299 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,001 2,000 9,000 10,000 11,000 10,001 20,000 90,000 99,999 100,000 900,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000,000 Uncountable ¥ Parts/Sehemu Of course, I also need to know how to say fractional and decimal numbers as well as percentages. Parts or fractions mean sehemu in Kiswahili. Parts are categorized as percentages, decimals or fractions. Here are a few phrases using parts in context. Conversational Phrases 46 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Nataka sukari nusu kilo I want half kilogram of sugar Nimenunua nyama robo kilo I have bought quarter kilo of meat Nataka asilimia hamsini I want fifty percent ‫ ق‬Fractions /Sehemu Ni maili mbili nukta sufuri moja It is 2.01 miles Ni million mbili nukta tano It is 2.5 million Nusu Robo Theluthi Sudusu Thumuni - Half (1/2) - Quarter (1/4) - One Third (1/3) - One Sixth (1/6) - One Eigth (1/8) ‫ ق‬Decimals/Decimali Decimal, or point, is called nukta. Ni aslimia tisini na tisa safi It is 99% clean Two point zero one (2.01) Mbili nukta sifuri moja Twenty point five nine (20.59) Ishirini nukta tano tisa (Ishirini nukta hamsini na tisa) ‫ ق‬Asilimia /Percentages Asilimia moja Asilimia kumi Asilimia ishirini Asilimia tisini na tisa Asilimia mia moja 1% 10 % 20 % 99 % 100 % Conversational Phrases 47 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Conversational Phrases 48 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Ordinal Numbers Ordinal numbers tell the order of things in a set—first, second, third, etc. Ordinal numbers do not show quantity. They only show rank or position. To show position, I use preposition "of", which is translated to "ya"; "cha"; "wa"; or "la" depending on the noun. Here are a few examples. Example is called mifano in Kiswahili. Sherehe hii ni "ya" kwanza This festival is the first Fredi ni "wa" ishirini Fred is twentieth Maria ni "wa" kwanza Mary is first Kituko "cha" kwanza First occurrence/event Darasa "la" kwanza First class The following is a list of vocabulary for ordinal numbers. First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Eighth Ninth Tenth Eleventh Twelfth Nineteenth Twentieth Fortieth Ninetieth Hundredth Ya kwanza Ya Pili Ya tatu Ya nne Ya tano Ya sita Ya saba Ya nane Ya tisa Ya kumi Ya kumi na moja Ya kumi na mbili Ya kumi na tisa Ya ishirini Ya Arobaini Ya tisini Ya mia ¥ Alama/Signs The following are the signs used in daily mathematics equations. Conversational Phrases 49 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo + Kujumlisha / kuongeza - Kutoa / kuondoa x Kuzidisha - Kugawa to combine/to add to subtract/to take away to multiply to divide And when I add, subtract, multiply or divide, the result is the equal. So, to say, is equal to, I say ni sawa na ‫ ق‬Kutoa/Kuondoa/Substraction 28 - 10 = 18 (Ishirini na nane kutoa (kuondoa) kumi ni sawa na kumi na nane). (Twenty subtract/minus) ten is equal to eighteen) ‫ ق‬Kujumlisha/Kuongeza/Addition 28 + 10 = 38 (Ishirini na nane kujumlisha (kuongeza) kumi ni sawa na thelethini na nane). Note: "ni" = is) (Twenty added to/plus) ten is equal to thirty eight) ‫ ق‬Kuzidisha/Multiplication 28 x 10 = 280 (Ishirini na nane kuzidisha na kumi ni sawa na mia mbili na themanini). (Twenty-eight multiplied by (i.e. times) ten is equal to two hundred and eighty). ‫ ق‬Kugawa /Division 28 - 10 = 2.8 (Ishirini na nane kugawa kwa kumi ni sawa na mbili nukta nane). (Twenty divided by ten is equal to two point eight) Conversational Phrases 50 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Vizuri! Good This is the end of lesson 4 of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’ Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 5. Conversational Phrases 51 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 5: TIME, DAYS & DIRECTIONS This is lesson five of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn the how to say time, days, months and directions in Kiswahili. I will also learn the names of celestial bodies and how to tell seasons in Kiswahili. ¥ Time and Dates Let’s talk a little bit about time. Swahili people seem to have ALL the time for ALL the things. And they do not like to be rushed – into and out of any event! They like to take their own time! When I deal with Swahili people, I will be well advised to bear this in mind! It’s interesting to note that in the Swahili culture the day starts at sunrise. This is in contrast to the Arab world where the day starts at sunset and in the Western world where the day starts at midnight. Sunrise in East Africa happens every day at around 6:00 a.m. That’s because East Africa falls right on the Equator. So, 6:00 a.m. is “0:00 morning” Swahili time. 7:00 a.m. is “1:00 morning” (saa moja asubuhi) Swahili time. It’s also worth noting that Swahili time does not use “noon” as the reference as in a.m. (before noon), and p.m. (after noon). ‫ ق‬General References to Time Swahili time is spoken using the following general references: Alfajiri: Early Morning from 4am-5am Wake me up at 4.00am. Niamshe saa kumi Alfajiri. Asubuhi: From Sunrise to Noon Please come in the morning. Tafadhali kuja/njoo asubuhi Mchana: From Around Noon to 3:00 P.M. I will arrive in the afternoon. Nitafika mchana Alasiri: From 3:00 P.M. To Sunset I will arrive at late afternoon Conversational Phrases 52 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Nitafika Alasiri Jioni: From Around 4pm-6pm Come in the evening Njoo/kuja jioni Usiku: From Around 7pm-4am I fear the night Naogopa usiku ‫ ق‬Time Phrases The following are some phrases I will use with time. I will observe that after 30 minutes past the hour the time is usually told using the number of minutes before the coming hour. For example, 3:47 p.m. is spoken as, “13 minutes short of 4 p.m.” “Saa kumi kasoro dakika kumi na tatu jioni”. The word “kasoro” means “short of” or “before”. For 15 minutes before the hour, the word “kasorobo” (also kasarobo) is used. Robo means quarter. 8:00 a.m. 8 o’clock sharp 7:45 p.m. 8:59 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:01 p.m. noon midnight 1:16 p.m. 2:15 a.m. 2:44 p.m. 5:03 a.m. 3:25 p.m. 6:15 a.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:50 a.m. Saa mbili kamili asubuhi Saa mbili barabara Saa mbili kasorobo usiku Saa tatu kasoro dakika moja usiku Saa tatu unusu asubuhi Saa tano na dakika moja usiku Saa sita mchana Saa sita usiku Saa saba na dakika kumi na sita mchana Saa nane na robo usiku Saa tisa kasoro dakika kumi na sita mchana Saa kumi na moja na dakika tatu Alfajiri Saa tisa na dakika ishirini na tano Alasiri Saa kumi na mbili na robo asubuhi Saa kumi na mbili na robo jioni Saa moja kasoro dakika kumi asubuhi Excuse me. What time is it please? Samahani. Ni saa ngapi Tafadhali? It's exactly eight o'clock. Ni saa mbili kamili Conversational Phrases 53 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo How many minutes do you want? Unataka dakika ngapi? Excuse me. Do you have the time please? Samahani, uko na saa Tafadhali? Excuse me. Could you tell me the time please? Samahani. Naomba uniambie saa Tafadhali? It's about half past eleven. Ni saa tano na robo! He will come next week. Atakuja wiki ijayo It is March, 12th 2010 Ni machi, terehe kumi na mbili, mwaka wa elfumbili na kumi The following are some vocabulary associated with time: Hour/Hours Clock Time Second/Seconds Minute/Minutes Day/Days Daytime Morning Night Late Night Evening Dusk/Sunset Sunset Dawn/Sunrise Week/Weeks Month/Months Year/Years Generation/Generations Century/Centuries Decade Millennium Era Saa/Saa Saa Wakati/Saa Sekunde/Sekunde Dakika/Dakika Siku/Siku Mchana Asubuhi Usiku Usiku Wa Manane Jioni Magharibi Machweo Mapambazuko/Alfajiri Wiki/Juma Mwezi/Miezi Mwaka/Miaka Kizazi/Vizazi Karne/Karne Muongo Millennia Enzi ‫ ق‬Telling Dates 15 October (the fifteenth of October or October the fifteenth) Terehe kumi na tano Oktoba Conversational Phrases 54 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Or Oktoba kumi na tano Monday, 1 January (Monday, the first of January or Monday, January the first) Mwanzo wa Januari Or Terehe moja, januari on 2 February (on the second of February or on February the second) terehe mbili februari or februari ya pili at the beginning of ...July mwanzo wa julai or mwanzo wa mwezi ya saba in mid-December katikati ya desemba or katikati ya mwezi ya kumi na mbili at the end of ...March mwisho wa machi or mwisho wa mwezi ya kumi na mbili by the end of June mwisho wa juni or mwisho wa mwezi wa sita ‫ ق‬Telling Years 1984 ("nineteen eighty-four") mwaka elfumoja mia tisa themanini na nne 2000 ("the year two thousand") Mwaka elfumbili 2005 ("two thousand and five") Mwaka elfu mbili na tano 2018 ("twenty eighteen") Mwaka elfu mbili na kumi na nane Conversational Phrases 55 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo in 2007 ("in two thousand and seven") katika mwaka elfu mbili na saba or mnamo mwaka elfu mbili na saba ‫ ق‬Telling Centuries the 17th century ("the seventeenth century") karne ya kumi na saba the 18th century ("the eighteenth century") karne ya kumi na nane the 19th century ("the nineteenth century") karne ya kumi na tisa the 20th century ("the twentieth century") karne ya ishirini the 21st century ("the twenty-first century") karne ya ishirini na mmoja ‫ ق‬Speed Phrases The following phrases may be used as phrases of speed. Walk faster Tembea haraka Talk slowly Ongea polepole Come later Njoo baadaye Come early Kuja mapema I am in a hurry Nina haraka Quickly Upesi Faster Conversational Phrases 56 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Haraka Slowly Polepole The following are words associated with speed of action. Slow/Slowly Sudden Early Later Quick/Quickly Polepole Ghafla Mapema Baadaye/Halafu Haraka Conversational Phrases 57 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Days ‫ ق‬Days of the Week In the Swahili world, the week (wiki) has seven days (siku) just like in the West. The first day of the week, however, is different. It is Saturday! The sixth day of the week, Thursday, is sometimes pronounced as Alkhamisi instead of Alhamisi. The names for Thursday (Alhamisi) and Friday (Ijumaa) are of Arabic origin. They probably replaced the original Bantu names of those days due to their special place in the Islamic religion. Note that in the Arab world, “Alkhamis” means the fifth day of the week, but the same name is used in the Swahili world for the sixth day of the week! Here are a few phases for weekdays. Tunaomba jumapili We pray on Sunday Leo ni jumatatu Today is Monday Nitafika alhamisi I will arrive on Thursday Nitarudi jumanne I will come back on Tuesday alikufa ijumaa He died on Friday anataka kuja Jumamosi S/He wants to come on Saturday Enough talk on language, here are the days of the week: Jumamosi Jumapili Jumatatu Jumanne Jumatano Alhamisi Ijumaa Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday ‫ ق‬Relationship Between Days Conversational Phrases 58 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The following are common phrases used with reference to days. What day is it today? Leo ni siku gani? I came yesterday Nilikuja jana I slept yester-night Nililala jana usiku I leave tomorrow Natoka kesho He called last week Alipiga wiki jana He arrives next week Atafika wiki ijayo The following are some words associated with counting the relationship between days. Today Yesterday Day Before Yesterday Tomorrow Day After Tomorrow The Third Day The Fourth Day Tomorrow Morning Yesterday Evening Yesterday Morning Last Week Next Week Next Year Leo Jana Juzi Kesho Kesho Kutwa Mtondo Mtondo Goo Kesho Asubuhi Jana Usiku Jana Asubuhi Wiki Jana Wiki Ijayo Mwakani ‫ ق‬Months Months are called Miezi in Kiswahili. Month is Mwezi. The months are as below with Kiswahili names. I can also refer to the month using cardinal numbers, for instance, January is the First Month, or Mwezi wa Kwanza. And December is twelfth, or Mwezi wa Kumi na Mbili. January February March Januari Februari Machi Conversational Phrases 59 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo April May June July August September October November December Aprili Mei Juni Julai Agosti Septemba Oktoba Novemba Desemba ‫ ق‬Seasons Season is called msimu in Kiswahili. The plural is Misimu. I may want to ask my friend the following questions in relation to season. What is the season in America? Ni msimu gani America? Which season has snow? Ni msimu gani iliyo na theluji? It is a very dry season. Ni msimu wa Kiangazi. I like the rainy season? Nimependa msimu wa masika. Below is the vocabulary for seasons. Winter Spring Summer Fall Rainy Season Dry-Season Kipupwe/Masika Vulu Kaskazi Kipupwe Masika Kiangazi Conversational Phrases 60 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Directions ‫ ق‬Compass Directions ‫ ق‬Directions for Movement The following are the directions for movement used in daily conversation. Enda moja kwa moja Go straight on Weka juu ya meza Put on top of, above, over, on the table Ingiza ndani ya mfuko Insert inside, within, in the pocket Iko chini ya kitanda It is under, below, beneath the bed Niko nje ya nyumba I am outside the house Weka mbele ya gari Put in front of, ahead of the car Weka kando ya kitanda Put beside, alongside the bed Weka nyuma ya nyumba Put behind, at the back of the house Weka katikati ya nguo Put between the clothes Angalia hapa Look here Enda kulia Go to the right Angalia kushoto Look to the left Simama hapa Conversational Phrases 61 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Stand/Stop here Simama hapo Stand/stop there Chuchumaa pale Squat there Angalia pale Look over there Ni njia panda It is junction, cross roads The following are the compass directions points. East West North South South East South West North East North West Mashariki Magaharibi Kaskazini Kusini Kusini - Mashariki Kusini- Magaharibi Kaskazini - Mashariki Kaskazini - Magaharibi The following are conversational phrases for asking compass directions. Upande gani ni kaskazini? Which direction is north? Upande gani ni Mashariki? Which direction is east? Upande gani ni Kusini? Which direction is south? Upande gani ni magharibi? Which direction is west? ‫ ق‬Celestial Bodies Celestial bodies are the natural objects which are located outside of Earth's atmosphere, such as the Moon, the Sun, an asteroid, planet, or star. The following phrases are used in reference to celestial bodies. Jua inawaka The sun is shining Conversational Phrases 62 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mwezi inang’aa The moon is shining Kuna sayari tisa There are nine planets Kuna nyota angani There are stars in the sky Dunia ni duara The earth is round Ulimwengu ni mkubwa The universe is big And the following are the vocabulary of the celestial bodies. Jua/Jua Mwezi/Miezi Sayari/Sayari Nyota/Nyota Dunia Ulimwengu Sun/Sun Moon/Moons Planet/Planets Star/Stars Earth Universe Vizuri! Good This is the end of lesson 5 of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’ Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 6. Conversational Phrases 63 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 6: COLOURS, SIZES & MEASUREMENTS This is the sixth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn the Kiswahili words for colors, sizes, measurements and shapes. ¥ Colours A colour is rangi in Kiswahili. The following are common conversations about colors’. What colour is blood? Damu ni rangi gani? I want a white shirt Nataka shati nyeupe I like blue colours Napenda rangi buluu He is very black Yeye ni mweusi Ladies love pink Wasichana wanapenda waridi The tourist is white Mtalii ni mweupe Below are the most common colors and their Swahili names. White Red Green Blue Sky-Blue Purple Pink Brown Gray/Grey Yellow Orange Nyeupe Nyekundu Kijani Buluu Samawati Zambarau Waridi Udongo/ Hadhurungi Kijivu Manjano Rangi Ya Machungwa ¥ Shapes The following are conversational phrases for shapes in daily usage. Shapes are called umbo or muundo. In swahili, shape means the same as structure, character or form. Conversational Phrases 64 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I want a small circle Nataka duara dogo The square is smaller than the circle Mraba ni mdogo kuliko duara This is a big square Huu ni mraba mkubwa The square is bigger than the circle Mraba ni kubwa kuliko duara This circle Duara hili The circle is bigger than the rectangle Duara ni kubwa kuliko pembenne That rectangle Pembenne ile The red circle is smaller than the blue circle Duara jekundu ni dogo kuliko duara la buluu The biggest circle is black Duara kubwa kuliko yote ni jeusi The smallest square is blue Mraba mdogo kuliko yote ni wa buluu The following are common vocabulary with shapes. Circle/Circles Square Rectangles Triangles ¥ Sizes Duara /Maduara Mraba /Miraba Pembenne /Pembenne Pembetatu/Penbetatu Size is called Ukubwa or Saizi. Size refers to how big something is and is used to take dimensions of length, width, height, diameter, perimeter, area, volume. Below are common conversations denoting sizes! Yeye ni mfupi He/she is short Conversational Phrases 65 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mto ni pana sana The river is very wide Iko wapi chanzo cha mto huu? Where is the source of this river? Naomba chakula nyingi I would like a lot of food Iko na uzani sana It is very heavy Nahitaji msichana mfupi I need a short girl Kuna watu wachache There are few people The table below shows the various sizes and the Kiswahili translations. Length Weight Few Much, Many Width Small Medium All, Whole More Than, Surpassing Long, Tall, High Length, Height, Depth Short Whole Big, Important Urefu Uzani Chache Nyingi Upana Dogo/ndogo Kiasi Yote Kuliko Refu Urefu Fupi Zima Kubwa Conversational Phrases 66 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Measurements, Measuring Units & Measuring Tools Measurement is called Kipimo. The Plural is Vipimo for Measurements. Measurement is the process of obtaining the magnitude of a quantity, such as length or mass, such as a meter or a kilogram, through counting. A measurement answers the general question, "how many?” as in how many miles, or millimeters. As measurement is quantitative, in comparison to other observations which may be made in words and are qualitative. Different tools are used for measuring different things. Measurements are seen and used every day. Measurements are done using tools. A tool in KiSwahili is chombo. The act of measuring is also referred to as testing or examining. To measure in Kiswahili is kupima. Alike Different Half a dozen Dozen Pair Measure/Measures He is measuring Sawa Mbalimbali Nusu Dasani Dasani Jozi Kiwango/Viwango Anapima Customary Measurements are done on four areas. Length Weight Capacity Time Urefu Uzani/Uzito Uwezo/Kiasi Muda/Wakati Conversational Phrases 67 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Measuring Length Length is used to determine distance from one point to another. Length Urefu The following are some conversational phrases concerning length. She/he is measuring her/his height Anampima urefu He is tall Yeye ni mrefu That girl is short Yule msichana ni mfupi This road is wide Hii barabara ni pana Units of length measure height, width, depth and distance as below: Height Width Length Depth Distance Urefu Upana Urefu Kina Umbali / Masafa When measuring length the common units used are inches, feet, yards, and miles. Below is how to write them in Kiswahili. Inches Feet Yards Miles Inchi Fiti/Miguu Yadi Maili These tools are used to measure length. Rule Rula Tape measure kaninga ‫ ق‬Measuring Weight Conversational Phrases 68 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Weight is called Uzani or uzito. Uzani/Uzito Weight The following are some conversational phrases concerning weight. I would like to measure my weight Naomba kupima uzito The common units for measuring weight in the customary system are grams, kilograms and tons Grams Grami Kilograms Kilo Tons Tani These tools are used to measure mass or weight. Balance /Weighing scales Mizani ‫ ق‬Measuring Capacity Capacity is called uwezo in Kiswahili. Capacity Uwezo/Kiasi The following are some conversational phrases concerning capacity. What is the capacity of that container? Hiyo kibuyu ina uwezo/kiasi gani? Within the customary system, the common units for measuring capacity are milliliters, liters, cups/glasses, pints, quarts, and gallons. Milliliters Liters Cups/Glasses Gallons Millilita Lita Kikombe/Glasi / Bilauri Galoni These tools are used to measure capacity. Gas/water meter Mita Cup Kikombe Conversational Phrases 69 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kibuyu Jerican ‫ ق‬Measuring Time Time is called Saa, Muda or Wakati in Kiswahili. The common units for measuring time in the customary system are seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, month, and years. Muda/Wakati Time The following are some conversational phrases concerning time. How long will it take? Itachukua muda gani? From the smallest unit of time to the largest, they appear: Seconds Minutes Hours Days Weeks Months Years Sekunde Dakika saa Siku wiki Miezi Miaka These tools are used to measure time Calendar (by counting days) Kalenda Clock Saa Good Vizuri! Well, that is it for the sixth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! LESSON 7: RELATIONSHIPS (FAMILY & FRIENDS) This is lesson seven of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson will teach me how to talk about my family, relatives and friends. ¥ Family Family is called familia. Conversational Phrases 70 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Types of Families In English, there are various types of families. The same is true for the Swahili culture. Below are some basic conversational phrases refereeing to families. This is my immediate family Hii ni familia yangu ya kwanza A nuclear family Familia ya kwanza An extended family Familia ya kijamia Single family Familia ya mzazi mmoja Below are the vocabularies in reference to families Family Familia Nuclear Ya kwanza Extended Ya jamia Conversational Phrases 71 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Family Members ‫ ق‬Parents Parents are called wazazi in Kiswahili. Just like in English, there are many wasy to refer to my parents, depending on the relationship. Below are conversational phrases concerning parents in a family. This is my mother/mom. Huyu ni mama yangu This is my father/dad. Huyu ni babangu He is my step dad. Ni babangu wa kambo/ni baba yangu wa kambo She is my step mom Ni mamangu wa kambo/ ni mama yangu wa kambo These are my parents) Hawa ni wazazi wangu To give birth Kuzaa To breastfeed Kunyonyesha ‫ ق‬Partners A partner in Kiswahili is referred to mwenzangu. Below are conversational phrases concerning partners in a family. This is my wife. Huyu ni bibi yangu This is my husband. Huyu ni bwana yangu Conversational Phrases 72 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Siblings /Ndugu I have one sister. Niko na dada moja I have two siblings. Niko na ndugu wawili. I have two brothers. Niko na kaka wawili. One is older. moja ni mkubwa, One brother is older (than me). moja ni mkubwa wangu, One is younger. moja ni mdogo There are five people in my family. Kuna watu tano katika familia yangu, My mother, Mamangu My father, babangu My older brother, kaka yangu mkubwa My older sister, dada yangu mkubwa Last born Kitinda mimba First born Kifungua mimba We are twins Sisi ni mapacha Me, mimi Conversational Phrases 73 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo My younger brother kuku yangu mdogo I am number three. Mimi ni nambari tatu ‫ ق‬Relatives In Kiswahili, relative means ndugu. It has the same meaning as family, so, when I say someone is my relative, I am effectively saying he is my family. This is not only true in the Swahili culture, but in the African cultures, where there is little or no difference between relatives and family. The following are conversational phrases referring to relatives. How is your family Hawajambo nyumbani? How many brothers and sisters do you have? Uko na kaka na dada ngapi? What number are you? Wewe ni nambari ngapi? He is the oldest. Yeye ndiye mkubwa Is she the youngest? Yeye ndiye mdogo? Juma does not have any brother or sister. Juma hana kaka wala dada Rashid is an only child. Rashid ni mtoto moja tu How many children do you have? Mko na watoto wangapi? We have two. One son and one daughter. Tuko na wawili. Mtoto wa kiume moja, na mtoto wa kike moja Do you have any kids? Uko na watoto? No, I'm not married. Conversational Phrases 74 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo La, sijaolewa! Have you married? Umeoa? Are they lovers? Ni wapenzi? Hatuna uhusiani ya kimapenzi We do not have lover affair. Alimtomba mpenzi wakek He fucked his/her lover They had sex Walitombana Are you married? Umeolewa? Ninawajibika kukuoa. I am responsible to marry her. How many children do you have? Una watoto wangapi? The following is a list of words which I can use when talking about family relationships. Brother Brother/Sister Brother-In-Law/Sister-In-Law (Also Husband’s/Wife’s Brother) Mother’s Elder Sister Child/Children Daughter Father Father-In-Law/Mother-In-Law Female Friend Of A Female Person Paternal Uncle’s Daughter Fiancé Friend/Friends Grand-Child/ Grand-Children Son Grandfather Grandmother Kaka Ndugu Shemeji/ Shemegi Mama Mkuu Mtoto/Watoto Mtoto Wa Kike Baba Mkwe Shoga Bintiami Mchumba Rafiki/Marafiki Mjukuu/ Wajukuu Mtoto Wa Kiume Babu Bibi Conversational Phrases 75 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Great Grand-Child Guardian Husband Husband’s Sister Maternal Uncle Mother Mother’s Younger Sister Nephew/Niece Paternal Aunt Paternal Uncle Paternal Uncle’s Son Sister Step-Father Step-Brother/ Step-Sister Step-Child Step-Mother Twins Wife Cousin Grandchild Great Grandchild Great Great Grandchild Kitukuu Mlezi Mume Wifi Mjomba Mama Mama Mdogo Mpwa Shangazi Ami Binami Dada Baba Wa Kambo Ndugu Wa Kambo Mtoto Wa Kambo Mama Wa Kambo Mapacha Mke Bisamu Mjukuu Kitukuu Kilembwe Conversational Phrases 76 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Friends Friend are referred to as rafiki, plural being marafiki. The following are conversational phrases about friends. Yeye ni rafiki yangu S/He is my friend He is my friend Yeye ni msihakaji wangu Mimi ni adui wako I am your enemy He is a fool Yeye ni mjinga She is stupid Yeye ni mshenzi! He is smart Yeye ni mwerevu She is wise Ako na hekima ‫ ق‬Dating Dating in Kiswahili is kutongoza. It has the same meaning as seduction. The following are certain phrases in conversation about dating. She is engaged Amechumbwa He proposed Alijpendekeza The ring is beautiful Pete hili ni zuri They have eloped Wametoroka Here are some vocabularies when talking about dating Conversational Phrases 77 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Dating /seeing Propose Pete Engage Elope Kuonana pendekeza Ring Chumba Toroka ‫ ق‬Emotions Here are some basic conversational phrases used to express emotions. Nasikitika I am sorry (sympathy) I am sorry Naomba msamaha/radhi I am angry Nina hamaki/hasira I hate you Nakuchukia I love you Nakupenda I miss you Nakudata Amefurahi sana He is very happy Mbona unacheka? Why are you laughing? Please smile. Tafadhali tabasamu. What are you thinking? Unafikiria nini? He is very angry Amekasirika sana Mimi naogopa Conversational Phrases 78 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I am afraid Usiwe na huzuni Do not be sad I want to be happy Nataka kufurahi Here are the basic vocabularies associated with emotions. smile think laugh be happy be surprised cry be angry be surprised be sorry, sad be angry, hate be shocked sulk be sad be depressed, perplexed be calm be annoyed be satisfied Tabasamu Fikiri Cheka Furahi Ogopa Lia Kasirika Shangaa Sikitika Chukia Shtuka Nuna Huzunika Fadhaika Tulia Udhika Ridhika Conversational Phrases 79 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Marriage Here are some basic conversational phrases concerning marriage. he/she is ready for marriage Amebalehe he/she is marriageable Ameoleka I married this woman without paying dowry. mke huyu nimeozwa bure, sikulipa mahari Ali paid the marriage settlement for his betrothed Ali alitoa posa ya mchumba wake a polygynous marriage is one in which a man has more than one wife. mitala ni ndoa ambayo mwanaume huwa na zaidi ya mke mmoja. Mary got married to Joseph Maria aliolewa na Yosefu Permit me to marry your daughter. nioze mtoto wako Regina has never been happy since she got married. Regina tangu aolewe hakuwa na raha Kez They intend to marry in the future wanataraji kuoana siku za mbele/usoni he has divorced his wife amemwata mkewe Conversational Phrases 80 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo To be ready for marriage arrangements of marriage Kubalehe maposo forbidden marriage maharimu or ndoa haramu oza ndoa funja ndoa fungisha nikaha maozi uozi mahari mposa /mposaji fungisha nikaha mitala mposo posana mlamu mwamu fanya harusi (or fanya arusi) panga mwingilizi give in marriage marriage break up a marriage. conduct marriage/ solemnize a marriage marriage arrangements marriage ceremony marriage settlement one who proposes marriage perform the wedding ceremony polygynous marriage, proposal of marriage reach an agreement on a marriage relative by marriage relative by marriage get married live together without being married man who marries the wife of his deceased brother in accordance with the practice of levirate Divorce Here are the basic vocabularies associated with emotions. Talaka/ ata Vizuri Good Well, that is it for the seventh lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 8. Conversational Phrases 81 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 8: BODY PARTS, HYGIENE & CLOTHING This is lesson eight of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn the Kiswahili names for body parts and how to describe someone’s appearance. I will also learn how to refer to hygiene actions and the names of clothes. ¥ Body Parts Body parts is viungo vya mwili, in Kiswahili, ‫ ق‬Face/Uso The face is called uso, or sura. The following are common vocabulary for parts of the face in Kiswahili. Shin Tip of head Ear/ears Neck Nape of the neck Tongue Tooth/teeth Nose Nostril Cheek (s) Chin (s) Lip/Lips Mouth Hair (head) Hair (chin) Beard Head/Heads Sheen/Sheens Paji La Uso Muundi Utosi Sikio/masikio Shingo Kikosi Ulimi Jino/meno Pua mwanzi wa pua , pl mianzi ya pua Shavu/Mashavu Kidevu/Videvu Mdomo /Midomo Mdomo Nywele Devu Ndevu Kichwa/Vichwa Muundi/Miundi Forehead ‫ ق‬Hand/Mkono The arm/hand is called Mkono. In Kiswahili, the hand and arm has the same name. Conversational Phrases 82 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The following are common vocabulary for parts of the hand. Arm/Arms, Hand/Hands Wrist Finger nail Finger/fingers Thumb Index /first finger Middle finger Ring finger Little finger Knuckle Palm(s) Elbow Armpit Forearm Mkono/Mikono Kiwiko Kichwa Kidole/vidole Gumba Kidole kielezi kidole cha kati kidole cha shahada kidole cha mwisho nguyu Kiganja/Viganja Kiko/kisugudi Kwapa/Kwapa Mkono Kidole Cha Mkono Kidole Gumba Kiwiko Kifundo Cha Mkono Kifundo Cha Mguu Kigasha Finger Thumb Elbow Wrist Ankle Lower Arm(S) ‫ ق‬Leg/Mguu The leg is called Mguu. The name for the leg and feet is the same in Kiswahili. The following are parts of the leg. Mguu Kisigino/Visigino Goti/Magoti Kidole/Vidole Unyayo/Nyayo Foot/Feet Mguu/Miguu Thigh/Thighs Paja/Mapaja Kidole Cha Mguu Toe Leg Heel/Heels Knee/Knees Toe/Toes Sole/Soles ‫ ق‬Jicho/Eye The eye is called Jicho. The following are parts of the eye. Conversational Phrases 83 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Eye(s) Eyelash/Eyelashes Eyebrow/Eyebrows Iris Pupil Cornea Lens Eyeball Eyelid Jicho/Macho Kope/Kope Nyusi/Nyusi Kiini Cha Macho Kiini Cha Jicho Chamba Lenzi Mboni Kope ‫ ق‬Other Body Parts The following are the names of other body parts. Back/Backs Hip/Hips Belly/Tummy Belly-Button/Navel Body/Bodies Moustache Breast Buttocks Chest/Chests Rib/Ribs Shoulder/Shoulders Skin Tongue/Tongues Hand/Hands Tooth/Teeth Chin Shoulder Chest Thigh Butt Body External / Out side Head Hair Ear(s) Nose Mouth Lips Tongue Chin Mgongo/Migongo Kiuno/Viuno Tumbo Kitovu Mwili/Miili Masharubu Matiti Matako Kifua/Vifua Ubavu/Mbavu Bega/Mabega Ngozi Ulimi/Ndimi Mkono/Mikono Jino/Meno Kidevu Bega Kifua Paja Tako Mwili Nje Kichwa Nywele Sikio (Masikio) Pua Kinywa Midomo Ulimi Kidevu Conversational Phrases 84 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Cheek(s) Neck Shoulder(s) Arm(s) / Hand(s) Elbow(s) Wrist(s) Chest Breast(s) Nipple(s) Stomach / Belly Navel Back Buttock(s) Anus / Buttocks Thigh(s) Leg(s) / Foot (Feet) Knee(s) Penis Shavu(Mashavu) / Chavu (Machavu) Shingo Bega (Mabega) Mkono (Mikono) Kisugudi (Visugudi) Kiganja (Viganja) Kifua Ziwa (Maziwa) / Titi (Matiti) Chuchu (Machuchu) Tumbo Kitovu Mgongo Tako (Matako) Mkundu Paja (Mapaja) Mguu (Miguu) Goti (Magoti) Mboo / Mboro / Ume / Dhakara Vagina Ume = masqulinity Koro (makoro) / Korodani (makorodani) Kuma / Uke Clitoris uke = feminity Kilimi (cha kuma) Internal / Inside Brain Rib(s) Bone(s) Muscles Heart Lung(s) Liver(s) Kidney(s) Spinal Cord Ndani Ubongo / Akili Ubavu (Mbavu) Mfupa (Mifupa) / Mafupa Misuli Moyo Pafu (Mapafu) Ini (Maini) Figo (Mafigo) Ute wa mgongo Scrotum(s) / Balls ‫ ق‬Internal Body Parts (viungo vya ndani) Tongue Tongues Lung(S) Ulimi Ndimi Pafa Conversational Phrases 85 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Intestines Utumbo Blood Damu ‫ ق‬Describing Body Appearances The following are basic conversational phrases on describing someone. He is tall. Yeye ni mrefu He is short. Yeye ni mfupi He is normal height. Akona urefu wa kawaida He is very tall. Ni mrefu sana She is skinny. Yeye ni mkonda She is fat. Yeye ni mnono She is underweight. Amepoteza uzani She is overweight. Amezidi uzani She is thin. Yeye ni mwembamba Conversational Phrases 86 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The following are basic vocabulary with appearances. Height Urefu Tall Refu Short Fupi Medium Height Kimo ‫ ق‬Describing Types of Hair She has short hair. Ako na nywele fupi He has no hair. Hana nywele He is bald. Ni kipara She has long, black hair. Ako na nywele nyeusi ndefu Conversational Phrases 87 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Clothes & Dressing ‫ ق‬Types of clothes In Kiswahili, there are as many types of clothes, just like in other languages and cultures. Clothe is called nguo. It is also referred to as kitambaa or vazi. The following are various types of clothes Suit Pants Long trousers Vest Underpants Peti coat Socks Sweater/cardigan Suti Suruali Longi Vesti Suruali ya ndani/chupi Kamisi Soksi Sweta ‫ ق‬Dressing The following are basic conversational phrases when dressing. Does it fit? Inatosha? It's too big. Ni kubwa sana It's too small. Ni ndogo sana It's too loose. Ni It's too tight. Imekaza sana It's too long. Ni refu sana It's too short. Ni fupi sana Conversational Phrases 88 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The following are basic vocabulary when dressing. Short Long Tight Loose Small Big Lift Fupi Ndefu Taiti Legea Ndogo Kubwa Inua Conversational Phrases 89 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Kanga The women wear colourful kangas with proverbs printed on them. In this way, she can subtly let her husband know what she thinks, or give him a public chastising. In the early twentieth century, women generally wore brightly colored cotton cloths (kanga or leso). These were wrapped around their waists and upper bodies and draped over their shoulders and heads. Men wore a striped cloth (kikoi) around the waist that hung to the knees. As a mark of being Muslim some men sported small white caps with elaborate tan embroidery. Dressing well but modestly is highly valued. Women wear Western-style dresses in many colors, patterns, and fabrics. Outside the house, women wear a black, floor-length cloak with an attached veil, called a buibui. Men wear Western-style trousers and shirts. On Fridays (the Muslim day of rest), or other religious occasions, they wear long, white caftans. Shorts are worn only by children. The KANGA is a rectangle of pure cotton cloth with a border all around it, printed in bold designs and bright colours. It is as long as the span of my outstretched arms and wide enough to cover me from neck to knee, or from breast to toe. Kangas are usually bought and worn as a pair - called a "doti". Kangas are the perfect gift. Husbands give kangas to wives. Children to their mothers, a woman may split a pair to give half to her best friend. Men can sleep in kangas, and often wear them around the house; women wear them everywhere; babies are virtually born into them, and are usually carried in a soft sling of kanga cloth. Kangas are extremely popular throughout East Africa not only for clothing but for their multiple uses; no-one can ever have too many! Kangas originated on the coast of East Africa in the mid 19th century. As the story goes, some stylish ladies in Zanzibar got the idea of buying printed kerchiefs in lengths of six, from the bolt of cotton cloth from which kerchiefs were usually cut off and sold singly. They then cut the six into two lengths of three, and sewed these together along one side to make 3-by-2 sheet; or bought different kinds of kerchiefs and sewed them back together to form very individualistic designs. The new design was called "leso" after the kerchief squares that had originally been brought to Africa by Portuguese traders. The leso quickly became popular than the other kind of patterned cloth available. Before long, enterprising coastal shopkeepers sent away for special designs, printed like the six-together leso pieces, but as a single unit of cloth. These early designs probably had a border and a pattern of white spots on a dark background. The buyers (or more likely, their menfolk!) quickly came to call these cloths "KANGA" after the noisy, sociable guinea-fowl with its elegant spotty plumage. Kanga designs have evolved over the years, from simple spots and borders to a huge variety of elaborate patterns of every conceivable motif and color. For a century, Conversational Phrases 90 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo kangas were mostly designed and printed in India, the Far East and Europe. Even today, I will see kangas that were printed in China or Japan. But since the 1950's, more and more kangas have been designed and printed in Tanzania, Kenya, and other countries in Africa. Early this century, Swahili sayings were added to kangas. Supposedly this fashion was started by a locally famous trader in Mombasa, Kaderdina Hajee Essak, also known as "Abdulla". His many kanga designs, formerly distinguished by the mark "K.H.E. - Mali ya Abdulla", often included a proverb. At first, the sayings, aphorisms or slogans were printed in Arabic script, later in Roman letters. Many of them have the added charm (or frustration!) of being obscure or ambiguous in their meaning. If I find a motto that I can't figure out, ask several different Swahili speakers. I will get an equal number of different explanations! Some typical kanga sayings are listed on the following page, for my edification and enjoyment. New kanga designs keep appearing in great variety: - simple or intricate abstract patterns; homely themes such as chicken, crops, babies and fertility; pictures of famous attractions like mountains, monuments and wildlife; even pop stars! There are noticeable regional differences. For example, most of the kangas with mottos are made in Kenya, while those commemorating social or political events are more common in Tanzania. The Kanga is still evolving. Like the T-shirt, but incomparably more elegant and useful, it is a valuable medium for personal political, social and religious expression. As an art form as well as a beautiful, convenient garment, the kanga has become an integral part of East African culture. As the saying goes, "The kanga struts in style..." Wear it with a smile! There are various versions of the origins of the kanga cloth. The version provided above by Hanby and Bygott is just one version. Anthony John Troughear, an Australian journalist who lived and worked in Kenya, has another version. He asserts that Charles New, in his book, "Life, wanderings and labours in Eastern Africa," London, 1873, p.58, describes Mombasa women starting a new fashion by sewing leso (headscarfs) together, three in a row stitched to another two, to make a larger leso with six panels. Troughear thinks that the claim that kangas originated in Zanzibar is not correct. Zanzibar just happened to be a place where big Indian cloth merchants were. Those merchants only copied the Mombasa design when they saw it was becoming popular. The cloth merchants quickly made the six panels into one and it later evolved into the style which is common today. Kanga is not just like any other rectangular piece of cloth, no matter how colourful it may be. It is an artifact of the Swahili culture and as such it should be designed with extreme care to appeal to its users. A poorly designed kanga, or one that fails to match the season doesn't deserve the name and the best it can be used for could be as a kitchen apron or a baby diaper. Conversational Phrases 91 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Although the kanga design might differ slightly, a typical kanga in East Africa consists of a wider border (Swahili: pindo), the central motif (Swahili: mji), and the writing (Swahili: ujumbe or jina). The pindo includes the outer margin, usually black in colour, and the inner band, which is double-bordered and may have a plain, textured, or patterned background. Its function is probably to provide support to the inner parts of kanga as well as to provide a clear distinction between the outer and the inner regions. In the most common use of kanga, the outer margin is usually hidden but its obscurity could be revealed in some kanga dresses. The background of the inner band usually matches the colours to be found on the central motif. The mji and the jina are two features that usually give the kanga its local name and consequently its popularity. Mji occupies the most important area of kanga but save for its colours and the art, its popularity may be overshadowed by the context of the jina. The jina is usually printed in uppercase letters in colours that match the central motif and most likely on white background to improve its readability. If the mji is made up of a distinguishable figure such as a fruit, an animal, a portrait, a flower, a pattern, or any other object, the kanga takes its local name from that particular figure. If however, the mji has no conspicuous figure the local name could be derived from the jina of the kanga. For example, a local name "bata" is for a kanga that has a picture of a "duck" in the motif; "mkeka" has a mat/carpet like pattern; "ndege" has a picture of a bird; "kikulacho" has a writing, "Kikulacho Kinguoni Mwako"; "mama nipe radhi" has a writing, "Mama Nipe Radhi Kuishi Na Watu Kazi". Kangas that come in dark blue colour are normally called "kanga za magharibi" (dusk kangas). There is a special design of kangas called "kisutu". It generally comes in red and black or blue and black colours. The red and black one is called "kisutu cha harusi" and is used in Zanzibar to wrap a bride on a wedding day. The blue and black version is more popular in Mombasa, Kenya. Just like the way campaign managers in western elections print t-shirts for sending their messages to the voters, kanga is an important tool for mobilizing people in East Africa. Whereas t-shirts apply equally well to men and women, kanga is something more appealing to women. By winning the support of women one is more than assured of election victory! Due to its simplicity in wearing, kanga if often used in political rallies as a form of identity for people supporting a particular political party. Kanga has also been used to mobilize people in public health campaigns as well as creating awareness to particular development projects. When words are difficult to articulate with a mouth, inscribe them on kanga and wait for the results. Although cheap in price, the power of kanga in the Swahili culture is unimaginable. ‫ ق‬Kanga Writings Conversational Phrases 92 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Apart from its protective and decorative role, kanga is all about sending the message. It is the equivalent of the get well, greetings, or congratulations cards in the western culture but in this case the message goes a little bit beyond the normal meaning. For example, a fruit, a flower, a boat, or a bird could mean good upbringing or just the appreciation of beauty. On the other hand, a lion, a shark, or any such kind of dangerous animals could signal the sense of danger or a clear warning. For whatever reason I am going to use kanga, I should bear in mind that it's the writing that tells everything! Kanga writings are some the writings appearing on kanga - a very popular dress amongst the Waswahili and now put on across East Africa. As I will notice, some of these writings are common Swahili proverbs. Majority of them, however, are just messages the wearer wishes to send across. It may be a message of love, caution, warning, reassurance, or just an act of self-expression. Kanga Writing (Swahili) Akiba haiozi Akipenda chongo huita kengeza Akufukuzae hakwambii toka Ala! Kumbe! Asiyekujua hakuthamini Literal Translation Savings never go bad A person in love with a one-eyed person calls her/him "crosseyed" A person who wants you out of her/his place will not tell you, 'Get out!' Most Common Meaning It's always good to save or invest for the future. When a person is in love, he/she hardly sees the bad attributes of his/her lover. She/he will always be little or find excuses for any faults on her/his lover. The actual Swahili proverb does not stop there, it continues with: "... I will just learn that from her/his actions." Literally, the proverb tells people not to wait until they are verbally notified that they are no longer welcome at a particular place, instead, they should try to take note of the attitude, actions, and behaviour of their hosts, to know that they have stayed long enough and it was time to leave. I see!! That is so! A common expression used to show that one is surprised by some information that he or she has just come to know of. He/she who does Another Swahili proverb: Zimwi not know you, likujualo halikuli likakwisha - An ogre does not value (Zimwi) that knows you won't eat you you completely. In the Swahili folklore, a "zimwi" is believed to be a monster that eats people. Conversational Phrases 93 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Atakae hachoki Bahati ni upepo sasa upo kwangu Chanda chema huvikwa pete A person in need never gets tired Being lucky is like (the blowing of) the wind, now (it's blowing) on my side A favourite finger gets a ring on Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe A chicken's prayer does not affect a hawk Dunia duara The Earth is round Embe mbivu yaliwa kwa uvumilivu A ripe mango has to be eaten slowly Fadhila za punda ni mateke The way a donkey expresses gratitude is by giving someone a bunch of kicks Fimbo la mnyonge A poor man's Of course she/he will feel tired only after getting what she/he wants. Indeed, don't expect to be lucky all the time. An award or privilege usually goes to the one who deserves it. Another Swahili proverb: Mcheza kwao hutunzwa - A person who plays at home gets awarded. A person who brings "the bacon" home, is the one that gets recognition. This saying is normally used to refer to the helplessness of the powerless in the hands of their oppressors. Had the prayers of the victims be of any effect on to their victimizers, then certainly the oppression would end. But that does not seem to be the case. Go wherever you go, but you'll return to the same old place. In some cases this saying is used to discourage overindulgence in other peoples' affairs. The Earth is round, everything revolves, and you'll never get to the bottom of everything! Some would add, "Dunia duara, ukiichungua utahara!!" (The Earth is round; you'll end up catching diarrhoea if you investigate it!). Try not to get bothered, worried and concerned with everything. After all, the Earth is round! Of course the writing does not refer to an actual "ripe mango". It refers to a love partner who is willing and ready. She/he has to be handled gently and with care. This saying is used when one gets bad treatment in return to a favour he or she gave to someone. Another Swahili proverb: "Mtenda wema kijuki, mwishowe hutiwa moto", (A bee gets burnt/smoked in return for the favour of making honey). Another similar Swahili proverb: Dau la Conversational Phrases 94 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo halina nguvu cane is not strong enough Fitina yako faida yangu Your bad words against me, actually benefit me. When you incite others against me, you actually benefit me. Haba na haba, hujaza kibaba Halahala mti na macho Halua ya lozi imemshinda mdokozi Little and little, fills the measure Beware, a stick and your eyes! Almond sweetmeat is a formidable challenge to a petty thief Hasidi hana sababu An envious person requires no reason to practice envy Hata tukibanana hapa atapata aliyejaliwa Even if we get into a scramble here, the winner will be the one destined to win mnyonge haliendi joshi - A poor man's canoe does not sail fast. For the canoe to sail fast, the wind has to be blowing in the direction the canoe is headed to. But even the wind does not blow in the poor man's favor! There is yet another similar proverb: Mbuzi wa masikini hazai - A poor man's goat does not bear kids. In short, nothing seems to work in the poor man's favor. That's an unfortunate reality. When someone goes around spreading bad words against you, she may actually benefit you in a way. For example, the other people will realize that the other person is really bad for what she says about you. Or, the other people will come back to you and tell you what the person is saying against you and I will know that she is a person to avoid hence a benefit to you. Small things, when combined together make up big things. It is a caution given against an impending danger. Sweetmeat is a famous dessert in Zanzibar and along the coast of East Africa. It is made of starch, sugar, oil and sometimes nuts or sesame seeds are used. Depending on the way it is made, it can be as soft as jelly but sometimes it may be very hard to cut with fingers. The saying above is meant to laugh at someone who has attempted in vain to do something like to win over somebody else's lover. He/she would practice envy for no reasons at all! There is something within him/herself that makes him/her practice envy. The inner urge is all by itself enough reason! More literally it translates as: "Even if we squash each other fighting for it, the one who will get it is the one destined to get it". The writing actually discourages people from using violence means to try to get things for themselves. In essence, Conversational Phrases 95 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Hata ukinichukia la kweli nitakwambia Hodi hodi naikome mwaka ujao naolewa Hate me, but I won't stop telling you the truth. Knock, knock, should stop, as I'm getting married next year Japo kidogo chatosha kwa wapendanao A little is enough for those in love Japo sipendezi kubembeleza siwezi (I know) I'm not loved (by some people) but I cannot beg for (their) love. Is there a way? Je! iko namna? Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini Kama ni ubaya ulianza wewe Kanga nenda na urembo, shani urembo na shani Kikapu cha mama kimejaa ndago A country rooster would not crow while in town If you think I'm bad then you started it! Kanga, go with embellishment; wonder, elegance and wonder My mother's basket is full of straw it says, a particular thing goes not to the strong but to the one destined (ordained by God) to get it. The words of a person full of courage! The lady does not want any more (male) visitors who drop by her house trying to win her as she has already been engaged and she is actually getting married very soon. Of course she's concerned that persistent 'knock, knock' on her door by the visitors would spoil her chance of getting married. It does not really need much to sustain a relationship! A few words of endearment and assurance are more than enough! She/he is very proud of herself/himself! She/he is not prepared to humiliate herself/himself. This is slang which is usually used when there is something suspicious happening. Usually meant to despise country people but its wider meaning is that some things only fit in some environments. I'm just giving you the taste of your own bitter pill! As if talking to kanga the writing goes with the whole idea of giving kanga as gifts to loved ones. Here the gift giver "instructs" the kanga to go to his or her lover with the message to confirm the relationship. Swahili people use straw (and I should say, many kinds of straw), for many purposes. They make straw baskets, hats, fans, mats, food covers, and a slew of other decorative stuff. Women (mothers) are the ones that make most of those things. Therefore, for a mother to have a basket full of straw, it may mean that she's well provided for, well Conversational Phrases 96 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kikulacho kinguoni mwako Kila jambo na wakati wake What "eats" you is in your dress There is an opportune time for everything Kuelekeza si kufuma To aim is not to hit Kuku mgeni hakosi A new hen kamba mguuni would always have a string tied to its leg Kupata si werevu, na kukosa si ujinga Lia na tabia yako usilaumu wenzako Lisemwalo lipo Mama nipe radhi kuishi na watu kazi Mapenzi hudumu ukila zabibu Getting something is not necessarily because of cleverness, and missing something is not necessarily because of ignorance Blame your character not your fellows If it's being talked about then it's already here Mother, give me your blessings; living with people is really tough Love lasts if you eat grapes served, contented. In that case then, a child here (in this kanga writing) sort of boasts of how he/she has provided all what his/her mother needs. Such a kanga, with such writing, would be ideal to give to one's mother as a gift. The source of your problems is those close to you. Do not mix up things! A time for work shouldn't be used for playing, and vice versa. Good intentions alone serve nothing if not followed by tangible results. I can always easily identify a new person in town through his/her appearance, actions and behaviour. There will always be something that he/she will have or do that is not common in the town. In other words, each stranger comes with an identity! Another Swahili saying: Mpaji ni Mungu - God is the Sustainer. It's very easy to blame others whenever one faces a problem. This writing is a reminder that sometimes the blame should be on the "man in the mirror" that is, yourself! This is a very common Swahili saying. One would say that when he has heard about something he/she is not sure of especially something big or bad. Swahili people believe that one has to earn his/her parent's blessings (radhi) to be successful in life. The blessings serve as a shield and guidance in the face of any hardship. The literal translation does not make much sense but it actually means, love is sustained by sexual relation. Conversational Phrases 97 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mcheza kwao hutunzwa Mchimba kisima, huingia mwenyewe A person who plays at home gets awarded A person who digs a well, gets himself inside (first) Mdhaniaye ndiye kumbe siye The one whom you think is the right one is the wrong one Mgaagaa na upwa A person who hali wali mkavu walks and searches thoroughly around a beach never eats "dry" rice (rice with no fish stew) Mimi na wewe pete I and I am like a na kidole ring and a finger Mke mwema A good wife is a pambo la nyumba home's adornment Mke mwenza!! Cowife! Ha! Just haa!! mezea! swallow it! Moyo wa kupenda hauna subira Msilale wanawake Msilolijua litawasumbua Mso hili ana lile Mtoto umleavyo ndivyo akuavyo A heart deep in love has no patience Women: do not fall asleep He/She who brings "the bacon" home is the one who gets recognition and favour. A person who sets a trap often times finds himself caught in it. If you have bad intentions against others, chances are, you'll be the first to be affected by those intentions directly or indirectly. I am barking up a wrong tree. If you work hard looking for something, I will never come out empty handed. We are so close. A wife full of love, lights up the home with her compassion. A wife tells her husband to never even think about having a second wife! The statement "mezea" (just swallow it) is Swahili slang which means, "let it pass" or as they say in US, "Forget it!" A person deep in love does not like to wait! It's a call to women not "to fall asleep" meaning, not to be completely passive. They should "wake up" and do what is best for them. I will be troubled Normally said to discourage those who with what you are so nosy about the affairs of others. have no knowledge of A person missing There is no useless person. Likewise, this has that there is no person that is absolutely perfect. The way you The upbringing of a child is what moulds raise a child is his or her character. It is a lesson given what he/she will to parents to raise their children well for Conversational Phrases 98 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Naona ni shoga yangu, kumbe ni mke mwenzangu Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima Nikiwepo sipendezi na kunikosa huwezi Nilikudhani dhahabu kumbe adhabu grow to be I thought of you as my girlfriend, but alas! I am my cowife A bad coconut renders good ones bad My presence does not please you and neither can you afford to be without me I thought of you as gold but I am such a pain them to have better future. Someone is messing around with someone else's husband! A bad person or thing in the midst of good ones can easily spoil either the attributes or even the character of the good ones. Mmmh! A kanga with such writing is definitely intended to give someone a good "rub". The giver of such a kanga might even be hit back with it! I regarded you as the most precious thing I have ever had, but you have proved to be nothing but torture and torment to me. Nimekisaliti kidole I have betrayed a I am prepared to bear the consequences toe against a of my own mistakes. na jiwe, liwalo na liwe stone, let it be! Rafiki akupendae A friend who Compare with the English saying: A humuona penye loves you, you'll friend in need is a friend indeed. haja always see him/her when you're in need Samaki akioza If a fish goes bad Of course the meaning is far from the usimtupe don't throw it "fish" thing! It is a caution against making ataokotwa uje ujute away lest you hasty decisions on things that affect us regret when directly. And in this particular context it someone picks it is with regard to relationships. The up writing teaches us not to be too swift at dumping our friends and lovers only to regret when they find "better" suitors. Ukali wa jicho An eye is sharper A look can be extremely effective in washinda wembe than a razor sending a desired message across. It can be a friendly and inviting look or a threatening one. Ukipata shukuru When you get The one who gives is the same one as ukikosa usikufuru (something) be the one who deprives. It's the Almighty thankful and God. The best thing is to be thankful for when you miss both - getting and missing things. The (something) do Swahili people believe that it's in God's not blaspheme plans that people miss some things and get some things. Ukistaajabu ya If the acts of Get prepared for the worst! As the Conversational Phrases 99 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Musa utaona ya Firauni Ukiujua huu, huu huujui Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao Moses make you wonder, wait until you see the acts of Pharaoh If you know this one, you don't know this (other) one Don't abandon your old rug for a passing mat Usicheze na Don't play tricks ulimwengu with the world, I ukikuelemea utajuta will regret when it falls on you Usilaumu sisimizi sukari haimalizi Usinichukie kwa umasikini Usinione nasinzia uyasemayo nayasikia Usinipende kwa moja nipende kwa yote Usisahau hisani kwa dhiki ya mara moja Usisherehekee vita ukalilia amani Don't blame an ant, it will never finish the sugar Don't hate me for (my) poverty You see me dozing but I hear whatever I say Don't love me for just one thing, love me for everything A single instant of hardship should not make you forget all the favours Don't celebrate war and cry for Americans would say: You ain't seen nothin' yet!! Sometimes interpreted as a gesture demonstrated by flies when they rub their legs forward and then they repeat rubbing their legs backward. i.e. if you know the forward one, you don't know the backward one. In other words I will always find that there is something you don't know. Value more what is yours and more permanent rather than a temporary thing that is not yours even though it appears to be better looking than yours. "Ulimwengu" in Swahili literally translates as "the world" or "the universe", but in the above saying it means one's life and whatever surrounds him/her including other people and things. The correct (non-literal) translation of the above saying would then be: Don't be unconcerned with your life, I will regret when it fails you. Don't look for lame excuses. Hate me for something else but not because of my poverty as I didn't ask God to make me poor. Don't think that I am not aware of what you do in my absence. She/he demands to be loved as a person (as a whole) not just as someone that possesses one likable/adorable thing. The message here is that any long-term relationship is bound to encounter some displeasing incidents which should just as well be ignored in favour of so many good things rendered over the whole long period of relationship. That is exactly how relationships are sustained! You cannot blow hot and cold at the same time. You're either for peace or for Conversational Phrases 100 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo peace Usitake ushindani huniwezi aslani Utamaliza limau shaba haiwi dhahabu Uzuri wa mke ni tabia si sura Vidole vitano, kipi bora Vishindo vingi sio kutenda jambo Wajenga kwa wengine kwako kwabomoka Wameadhirika mahasidi wasojijua Wape wape vidonge vyao, wakimeza, wakitema shauri yao Wasemao nawaseme siwajali Don't compete (with me), I cannever beat me I will run short of lemon juice (rubbing), but never will copper turn into gold A wife's beauty is in her character, not her looks Five fingers, which is the best? Fumbling around does not accomplish anything You build somebody else's place while yours is falling down Humiliation has come down upon the evil ones who don't know themselves Give them their (bitter) medicine tablets; It is upon them to swallow or to spit them off! I don't care what they say! war - not both at the same time! If I am happy to go to war, it is hypocritical at the same time to cry (pray) for peace. War of words! Don't wish for the impossible. Compare with: Don't judge a book by its cover! It is an indirect way of saying that it is difficult to say which finger is better than another since fingers work together to accomplish a task. In other words, it is a call for unity. Compare with another Swahili proverb: Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa - One finger is not capable of smashing a flea. You need two fingers (usually two thumbnails) for that purpose. Another Swahili proverb: "Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama" - A quiet lion is the one that catches the prey. A wake-up call for a person too negligent of his own life. Those who wrongly took themselves as saints rather than evil persons, have now revealed their true colors. They are very much humiliated! It seems to be the right time to laugh at them. Usually said when one proceeds telling someone things that he or she would not like to hear. Maybe someone is complaining about what he or she did or just an attempt to intimidate him or her. I'll just ignore them! Conversational Phrases 101 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo mambo yao Wastara nimestirika mlilolitaka halikunifika Wee! Utaumiza roho yako Zawadi ni tunda la moyo Zawadi ni zawadi, usichoke kupokea Destined to be safe, I remain protected, and your evil wishes have not materialized You! You'll hurt your soul A gift is a fruit from the heart A gift is a gift, don't get tired of receiving A triumpant and daring statement! Another impolite caution! Another Swahili saying: Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri - Giving is from the heart not from the wealth. Compare with another Swahili proverb: "Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri", (Giving is from the heart not from the wealth). Conversational Phrases 102 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Ceremonial Clothing (Wedding, Officials, Etc) The traditional attire of a Swahili man is a long white (or beige) robe (or kaftans) known in Swahili as a kanzu and a small, white, rounded hat with elaborate embroidery. Swahili women dress in long black dresses called buibui, and cover their heads with a black cloth, known as a hijabu. It is also common to find Swahili women wearing a veil to cover their faces. Outside their traditional clothing, most Swahili men wear western-style pants and shirts, but revert to the traditional attire on Fridays, the official prayer day for Muslims, and during other important or religious occasions. ¥ Hygiene & Cleanliness Below are conversational phrases for use when talking about hygiene. Umeoga? Have you showered? Wewe ni msafi? I am clean? Yeye ni mchafu? He is dirty? Choo inanuka sana? The toilet is smelling too much? Naenda kuosha bafu I am going to wash the bathroom. Sakafu ni safi The floor is clean Wasichana niwasafi Ladies are clean Below are conversational phrases for use when talking about taking clothes to the laundry for washing and pressing. Where is the nearest laundry? Nguo zinaweza kufuliwa wapi? Where is the launder? Yuko wapi dhobi? I have something to be washed Niko na nguo ya kufuliwa Conversational Phrases 103 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Press for me this one Nipigie pasi hii Do not wash this in hot water Usioshe hii katika maji moto Use look warm water Tumia maji ya uvuguvugu Be very careful Kuwa mwangalifu sana Do not dry this in the sun Usianike juani Do not starch this shirt Usitie wanga kwa hii shati The belt is missing Mkanda umepotea When can I have this? Naweza kuzipata saa ngapi? The following are basic vocabulary associated with hygiene and laundry. Clean Dirty Smelling (Bad) Smelling (Good) Wash (Other Utensils) Wash (Clothes) Shower Wash Starch Lookwarm water Hot water Press/iron Launder Safi Chafu Nuka Nukia Osha Vua Oga Osha/fua Tia wanga Maji wa vuguvugu Maji moto Piga pasi dhobi Conversational Phrases 104 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Hair ruffled hair facial hair animal hair body hair (on the hands and arms) hair (human) hair (animal, birds, feathers) body hair (armpits or pubic etc) hair (single) long thick hair hair hair on the face body hair (armpits and genitals) timutimu udevu ugoya ulaika unyele unyoya vuzi usinga kivunga cha nywele nywele devu mavuzi Vizuri Good Well, that is it for the eighth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 9. Conversational Phrases 105 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo PART TWO: GETTING AROUND LESSON 9: TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION This is lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn how to talk and what to say when I am travelling, either in safari, or just visiting friends in a Kiswahili speaking country. In this lesson, I will also learn how to get myself out of difficulties and how to get help during emergencies. ¥ Travelling ‫ ق‬Asking For Help, Direction! When in a new country, I would mostly want to ask for help with directions to various places or with things I want to get done for me. Kindly note that in Kiswahili, I first say please (tafadhali) before I ask for the request, and not vice versa like in other languages. For instance, I say: Tafadhali naomba chakula Please, I would like food. Instead of Naomba chakula tafadhali I would like food please. Upande means side or direction. When I am asking for direction or help, I may use the following conversational phrases. Uwanja wa ndege uko wapi? Where is the airport? Huu ni upande gani? Which direction is this? Nitafikaje hospitali? How do I get to hospital? Please show me the way to town. Tafadhali nioneshe njia ya mjini How far is it to the town? Ni masafa gani mpaka mjini? Conversational Phrases 106 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kijiji hiki kinaitwaje? What is the name of this village? Basi lipi linakwenda mjini? Which bus goes to the town? Kituo cha basi kiko wapi? Where is the bus station? Njia hii inaitwaje? What is the name of this road? Nitafikaje nyumbani kwako? How do I get to your house? Njia hii inakwenda wapi? Where does this road go? Kiko wapi pahali pa kukomboa gari binafsi? Where is a car rental agency? What time is the departure? Kuondoka ni saa ngapi? What time is the arrival? Kufika ni saa ngapi? Supamaketi iko wapi? Where is the supermarket? Mkahawa wa karibu uko wapi? Where is the nearest café? Wapi nitapata taxi? Where can I get a taxi? Iko wapi Ofisi ya utalii Where is the tourist information office? Duka la madawa liko wapi? Where is the chemist? Benki iko wapi? Where is the bank? Mkahawa wa intaneti wa karibu uko wapi? Where is the nearest internet café? Conversational Phrases 107 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Chumba cha kuweka mizigo The baggage room Behewa la kulia iko wapi? Where is the dining car (train?) Weka hii katika susu? Put this on the rack? ‫ ق‬Common places in a city A city is called Jiji while a town is called Mji. Here are the vocabulary English phrases which may be helpful when visiting a town or city, as well as some common signs. Airport Bank Bridge Capital Castle Cinema City Town Hospital Hotel Prison Restaurant Road School Street Supermarket Boat Curve Kiwanja Cha Ndege Benki Daraja Mji Mkuu Ngome Sinema Jiji Mji Hospitali Hoteli Gereza Hoteli Njia Shule Barabara Supamaketi Mashua Kombo ‫ ق‬Travel Items When I am travelling, I am most likely to carry certain items and to use certain items. Here are a few conversational phrases for travelling items. Sitabeba mizigo I will not carry luggage Nitabeba mizigo I will carry luggage Conversational Phrases 108 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Nahitaji ramani I need a map Umeona paspoti yangu Have you seen my passport? Sina nauli I do not have fare Nahitaji kadi ya mchanjo? Do I need a vaccination card? The following are the vocabulary of travel items. Mzigo/mizigo Ramani/ramani Begi/mabegi Sanduku/masanduku Pasi/pasipoti Nauli Tiketi/tiketi Zawadi/zawadi Kadi ya mchanjo Safari Luggage Map/maps Bag/bags Box/boxes Passport Fare Ticket/tickets Gift/gifts Vaccination card Journey ‫ ق‬Names of People, Pilots, Drivers, Etc When I am travelling, these are conversational phrases for the people manning the travel equipments. Umeona dereva? Have you seen the driver? Nimeona rahamani I have seen the pilot Yuko wapi kondakta/utingo Where is the conductor Mimi ni mtalii I am a tourist The following are the vocabulary of travel people. Rubani/marubani Pilot/pilots Conversational Phrases 109 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kondakta/utingo Mtalii/watalii Dereva/madereva Baharia/mabaharia Bus conductor Tourist/tourists Driver/drivers Sailor/sailors ‫ ق‬At the Travel Agents/Ticketing Office The ticketing office is called ofisi ya tikiti. The following are the basic conversations to use in the ticketing office. Where’s the ticket office? Ofisi ya tikiti iko wapi? Do I need a visa to Tanzania? Je, nahitaji Visa kuenda Tanzania? Where are you going? Unakwenda wapi? I'd like to travel to Arusha Ningependa kusafiri kuenda Arusha Is there a bus going to Arusha? Kuna basi ya Arusha? Is there a plane to Arusha? Kuna ndege ya kuenda Arusha? How much are the flights? Nauli ya ndege ni pesa ngapi? How much is the fare? Nauli ni kiasi gani? What time is the bus leaving? Basi inaondoka saa ngapi? When does it depart? Inaondoka lini? When will I arrive? Nitafika lini? Is it near? Ni karibu? Is it far? Conversational Phrases 110 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ni mbali How many kilometers? Kilometa ngapi? How many hours? Muda gani? Saa ngapi? I'd like to buy a ticket Ningependa/Naomba kununua tikiti To where? Mpaka wapi? I’m going to Arusha Naenda Arusha Wait! / hang on a moment! Subiri! / ngoja kidogo! Thank you very much Ahsante sana First class Daraja la kwanza Second class Daraja la pili One way ticket Tikiti ya kwenda tu Round ticket/return ticket Tikiti ya kwenda na kurudi Help me with a timetable Nisaidie na orodha ya masaa Conversational Phrases 111 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Transportation ‫ ق‬Stations The travel or transportation stations are called Stesheni, and they include airport, train stations, ports, taxi parks and bus stations. The basic asking phrase is; ni wapi, which literally means, is where, or more grammatically, where is. It can also be spoken as iko wapi. For instance; Uwanja wa ndege iko wapi? Where is the airport? Stesheni ya basi iko wapi? Where is the bus station? The various stations are referred to as below: Airport Bus Station Train Station Bus Stop Taxi Stand Harbor Gas Station Uwanja Wa Ndege Stesheni Ya Basi Stesheni Ya Treni Bas Stendi Stendi Ya Teksi Bandari Kituo Cha Mafuta ‫ ق‬Means of Transport Means of transport means njia ya usafiri. Means is called njia, in KiSwahili. Njia also refers to way, or path. Here are some conversations to use when traveling with a particular means of transport, in this case, a taxi. Go by way of Pitia Drive slowly Endesha polepole Please call me a taxi Niitie taxi tafadhali Stop here Simama hapa Conversational Phrases 112 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Wait for me Ningoje How far is it Ni umbali gani? How much will it cost? Itakuwa pesa ngapi? The following are the most basic means of transport. Plane Train Minibus Bus/Es Car /S, Vehicle/ S Taxi Bicycle Boat Ship Motorbike Boat/Boats Canoe Dhow Porter Ndege Treni/Gari La Moshi Matatu (Kenya); Dalla Dalla (Tanzania) Bas/Basi / Mabasi Gari/ Magari Teksi Baiskeli Chombo Meli Pikipiki Mashua/Mashua Mtumbwi/Dau Jahazi Mpagazi ‫ ق‬Giving Directions And when I am in the vehicle, I may want to give direction to the driver. I will say, Let’s go, carry on Twende, endelea Go Right Enda Kulia Straight ahead Moja kwa moja Left Kushoto Up Juu Conversational Phrases 113 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Down Chini I want to get off here Nataka kushuka hapa Nimefika I have arrived ‫ ق‬Emergency Phrases I may fall into emergency situation or I may want to ask for immediate help, and these are the common phrases: Nisaidie Help me Stop! Thief! Simama, mwizi! Choo iko wapi? Where is the restroom/bathroom/toilet? I'm lost. Nimepotea. Nimeumia I'm hurt I lost my bag. Nimepoteza mfuko yangu. Leave me alone. Uniache! I lost my wallet. Nimepoteza pochi. Don't touch me! Usiniguze! I'm sick. Mimi ni mgonjwa. Police! Polisi! Conversational Phrases 114 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I need a doctor. Ninahitaji daktari. I need help. Nahitaji msaada. May I use your phone? Ninaomba kutumia simu yako? I am injured. Nimeumia Sikutaki I do not want you I am lost nimepotea What am I to do? Nifanyaje? Go away Nenda zako I have lost my money Nimepoteza pesa zangu What is this called in Kiswahili? Hii inaitwaje kwa Kiswahili I will call a policeman Nitamwita polisi Conversational Phrases 115 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Accommodation ‫ ق‬Hotels and Accommodation The following are the phrases which are commonly used in conversation sin a hotel. Welcome to the Kisumu Hotel. Karibu Kisumu Hotel. How may I help you? Nikusaidie vipi? Are there any vacancies for tonight? Mna nafasi leo usiku? I'd like a room please? Naomba/Ningependa chumba tafadhali Would you like a single or a double? kitanda ndogo au kubwa? I'd like a double, please? Ningependa kitanda kubwa tafadhali! May I have your name, please? Jina tafadhali! Timothy Findley. Timothy Windley How many are in your party? Je, mko wangapi? Just two. Wawili tu. How many nights would you like to stay? Ungependa kuishi usiku ngapi? Just tonight. Leo usiku tu. How will you be paying? Utalipa vipi? Conversational Phrases 116 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Is Visa OK? Visa ni sawa? That'll be fine. Iyo Itakuwa sawa. Would you like a wake-up call? Ungependa uamushwe? Yes, I'd like a wake-up call for 6:30. Naam! Naomba ningependa niamshwe saa kumi na mbili alfajiri! Do you have a pool? Mko na dau? Yes, we do. Ndiyo tunayo. On the 2nd floor. Ghorofa ya pili. Here's your key. Shika ufunguo lako. Welcome to Kisumu Hotel Karibu Kisumu Hotel Je, naweza kulipa na kredit kadi? Can I pay by credit card? Nipe bili, tafadhali. The bill, please. Could I have some laundry done? Naomba nguo zangu zifuliwe? I want some clothes pressed? Nataka nguo fulani zipigwe pasi. My room key please Funguo langu tafadhali Please change my bed sheets today Tafadhali badili shuka za kitanda leo. Conversational Phrases 117 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Lodgings & Accommodation When I am traveling, I may want to check in to a hotel or lodging to sleep over night, or for several days. A hotel is called hoteli, and a lodge is called bweni. Bweni or zahanati also means a hostel or dormitory. The following are some conversational phrases in reference to lodging. Do I have letters? Niko na barua? Could I have some laundry done? Naweza kuoshewa nguo? I want some things pressed? Nataka nguo zangu zipigwe pasi Please change the bed sheets today Tafadhali badili shuka za kitanda leo Bring me another pillow Niletee mto mwingine Bring me another blanket Niletee blanketi nyingine My room key please Kufunguo zangu tafadhali Is there hot water Kuna maji moto? Please spray for mosquitoes Tafadhali nyunyiza dawa ya mbu We ar ein fear and shock Tuko na hofu na simanzi Please come back later Tafadhali rudi baadaye Conversational Phrases 118 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Asking For The Embassy And finally, I may want to go to my embassy to pass greetings to hug my ambassador, or to follow up on my visa, or just to find someone who speaks my native language, in which case I will ask: Do you know where the American embassy is? Umejua ubalozi wa Amerika iko wapi? Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for ninth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 10. Conversational Phrases 119 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 10: SHOPPING This is lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn how to ask for direction to the market or shops, how to ask for prices of various items and how to refer to the items in Kiswahili. ¥ Markets The market is called Soko in Kiswahili. The following section takes me through the conversational phrases that I may use in a market place. I should remember to greet a person before asking a question. The market is open Soko Imefunguliwa/Wazi Hi. I am looking for bakery Jambo. Mimi natafuta duka la mkate Shop is closed Duka Imefungwa Where is the book store? Iko wapi duka la vitabu? Where is the camera store? Iko wapi duka la kupiga picha Where is the clothing store? Iko wapi duka la nguo Where is the food store? Iko wapi duka la chakula Where is the general store? Iko wapi duka Where is the marketplace Iko wapi sokoni I want to buy fish mimi nataka kununua samaki... Do you have eggs? Ukona mayai? Conversational Phrases 120 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo How much is this? hii bei gani? This one hii That one Ile To the left kwa kushoto To the right kwa kulia I want one like this. nataka kama hii I want this one. nataka hii Yes Ndiyo/Naam No Hapana/La All right/OK haya or sawa sawa How much? bei gani? What is this? Hii ni nini? Postcard Kadi ya posta I'll buy it. Nitainunua. Do you accept credit cards? Naweza kutumia kadi ya benki? Stamps Stampu za posta Conversational Phrases 121 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo A little Kidogo A lot Nyingi All Yote Conversational Phrases 122 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Shopping Show me others Nionyeshe zingine Tailor shop Fundi cherehani Watch repair Fundi wa saa Show repair Fundi wa viatu I want to buy Nataka kununua The following are useful vocabulary when I am out shopping. Airport Bank Bridge Capital Cinema City Hospital Hotel Prison Restaurant Road School Street Supermarket Town Kiwanja Cha Ndege Benki Daraja Mji Mkuu Sinema Mji Hospitali Hoteli Gereza Hoteli Njia Shule Barabara Supamaketi Mji Conversational Phrases 123 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Money shilling 1 shilling 5 shillings 200 shillings written 1/ 5/ 200/ Shilingi Shilingi moja Shilingi tano Shilingi mia mbili Here we have two conversations. The first is between Mrs. Smith and her younger son John at the shops. The second is between Mrs. Smith and a shop assistant. Mrs. S: John, I'm going to the shops. Is there anything you want? John, naenda dukani. Kuna kitu unataka? John: Yes please! I would like a magazine/journal/periodical Ndiyo Tafadhali. Naomba jarida Mrs. S: Of course. Do you want to come with me? Sawa/haya. Je, unataka kuja nami? John: No, I'm going to Mike's house, sorry. La. Naenda kwa akina Mike. Pole. Mrs. S: Excuse me, can you help me? Samahani. Utanisaidia Tafadhali. Shop Assistant: Yes of course, what can I do for you? Sawa. Nikusaidiaje? Mrs. S: I bought this T-shirt but it is too small. Nilinunua t-shirt lakini ilikua ndogo mno. Shop Assistant Do you want to change it or get a refund? Unataka kubadilisha ama kuchukua pesa yako? Mrs. S: I'd like to change it for a larger size. Do you have large size? Ningependa kubadilisha kwa saizi kubwa. Uko na saizi kubwa? Shop Assistant Yes we have large. Ndiyo. Tuko na saizi kubwa. Mrs. S: thanks again. Ahsante tena (sana). Shop Assistant: You're welcome. Karibu/Umekaribishwa Conversational Phrases 124 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for tenth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 11. Conversational Phrases 125 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 11: EATING OUT & ENTERTAINMENT This is lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn how to ask where a restaurant is, what is in the menu and even how to order for a meal or drink. I will also learn the basic places of entertainment and how to ask for a room in a hotel. ¥ Restaurant Here are a few expressions I may find useful when arranging to go for a drink or meal, and a couple of signs I may see whilst out. Do you know any good restaurants? Umejua hoteli nzuri yoyote? Where's the nearest restaurant? Hoteli iliyo karibu ni gani? Can you recommend a good pub near here? Unaweza kunielezea baa/bwalo iliyo karibu hapa? Do you fancy a drink? Ungependa pombe kidogo? Shall we go for a drink? Tuende tunywe pombe? Let's eat out tonight Tule nje usiku huu Would you like to come for a coffee? Ungependa kuja tunywe Kahawa? Would you like to join me for lunch? Ungependa kula chakula cha mchana name? Would you like to join me for dinner? Ungependa kula chakula cha jioni na mimi? Where is a restaurant? Wapi hoteli ya chakula? I would like milk tea Naomba chai ya maziwa Conversational Phrases 126 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo What will you drink? Utakunywa nini? How much do I owe? Deni yangu ngapi? How much is the total Jumla ni ngapi Kindly give me the menu please naomba menu tafadhali What food do you have? Mko na chakula gani? Welcome to Antonio’s. Karibu kwa Antonio’s. I will be back shortly to take your orders. Nitaregea hivi karibuni kuchukua agizo. Ahsante! Thank you! uko tayari kuigiza? Are you ready to order? Ningependa wali. I'd like the rice and meat. na wewe? And you? nitakula viazi karanga? I'll have fries. Waiter: Ungependa kinywaji? Would you like anything to drink? Customer 1: nitakunyua coke, tafadhali! I'll have a coke, please. Waiter: na wewe? And for you? maji tu tafadhali! Just water, please. Conversational Phrases 127 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo mlifurahia vyakula? Did you enjoy the meals? tamu, Ahsante! Delicious, thanks. hesabu tafadhali! Bill please. The following is a list of basic vocabulary at a restaurant ‫ ق‬Beverages At A Restaurant Drinking water Cold water Hot water Fruit juice Orange juice Lime juice Pineapple juice Beer Cold Warm Local alcoholic brews Bottle Opener Maji ya kunywa Maji baridi Maji ya moto Maji ya tamu Maji ya machungwa Maji ya ndimu Maji ya nanasi Bia or pombe Baridi Moto Pombe or tembo Chupa Kifunguo Whether I ask for tea, or coffee, I am going to be asked whether I want it with milk or sugar. I need to know the words for milk and sugar. Milk is Maziwa! Sugar is Sukari! Using this new vocabulary, I can say I would like coffee with milk, thus, Naomba Kahawa ya maziwa! When I order for something in Kiswahili, in the case of food, then if the two ingredients are mixed, I use the word Ya. For instance, Conversational Phrases 128 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Naomba Kahawa ya maziwa! Literally means I would like coffee of milk, But the grammatical interpretation is that I would like coffee with milk. In this case, if I say, Naomba Kahawa na maziwa, Then I would be asking for two separate things, and the waiter will bring me a cup of coffee, and another cup of milk. In this case, na means, and! Remember, in our earlier lessons, na meant continuing tense, as in, Natoka mbarara, I am from mbarara! Natoka Kenya! I am from Kenya! And if I want my coffee with sugar, I can say. Naomba Kahawa ya sukari! Another way of saying that I want something WITH something inside it, is to say, Nataka Kahawa iliyo na sukari! Iliyo na means that has Kahawa iliyo na sukari, means, coffee with sugar And Kahawa iliyo na maziwa, means, Coffee with milk Tea is called Chai! To say that I Want tea, I say, Nataka chai! And to say I need tea with milk, I say, Nahitaji chai ya maziwa Or Nahitaji chai iliyo na maziwa Conversational Phrases 129 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo And now, to kindly request for tea with sugar, I say, Naomba chai iliyo na sukari, Or, Naomba chai ya sukari! Now I can say I would like coffee with milk and sugar. Which is? Naomba Kahawa ya sukari na maziwa! And I can say that I would like a coffee, please? Which is, Naomba Kahawa, tafadhali! ‫ ق‬List of Swahili Cousine Below is a list of delicacies and foods served in most Swahili restaurants as local food. Rice and meat dish Rice and meat dish -goat meat Rice and meat dish -with chicken Rice and meat dish -with fish Rice and beef cooked together Rice and goat meat cooked together Curry Chicken curry Beef curry Mincemeat (ground meat) Indian flat bread Beef stew Soup Chicken soup Roast meat on a skewer Roast ground meat on a skewer Egg bread Samosa Vegetable samosa Meat samosa Biriani Biriani ya mbuzi Biriani ya kuku Biriani ya samaki Pilau or plau Pilau ya mbuzi Mchuzi or kari Mchuzi wa kuku Mchuzi wa ng'ombe Kima Chapati Karanga Supu Supu ya kuku Mishkaki or mishakiki Kababu or kofta kabab Mkate wa mayai Samosa or sambusa Samosa ya mboga Samosa ya nyama Conversational Phrases 130 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Entertainment Entertainment is karamu, tafrija or tamasha. After eating out, I may want to go for entertainment. These are the common conversational phrases for entertainment out. Where will we celebrate? Tutasheherekea wapi? I congratulate you. Nakupongeza Where's the cinema? Sinema iko wapi? Utakunywa mvinyo gani? Which wine will you drink? Where's the theatre? Chumba cha mchezo ya kuigiza kiko wapi? Where's the museum? Makumbusho/nyumba ya kuwekea vitu vya tunu iko wapi? Let us share the the drinks Tugawe vinjwaji Where's the stadium? Uwanja wa mpira uko wapi? Let's go to the pub. Tuende kwa baa/bwalo Let's go to the cinema Tuende sinema Let us go to the movies Tuende filamu What is on at the cinema? Nini iko kwa sinema? Ningependa tikiti ya motto na mtu mzima I would like a ticket for a child and an adult Is there anything good on TV? Kuna kitu mzuri kwa TV? Conversational Phrases 131 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Are there any seats left? Kuna viti vimebaki? Shall we go swimming...? Tutaenda kuogelea? Shall we go for a football match Tutaenda kwa kandanda Let us go to the award giving ceremony Twende kwa sherere ya kugawa zawadi Cheers! Afya! Vifijo! I'd like a cold beer Tafadhali nataka bia baridi. These are the common vocabularies for entertainment. vifijo kinywaji uwanja sinema sheherekea pongezi) seats beer swimming ticket pub cheers drink stadium cinema celebrate congratulations viti pombe/bia kuogelea tikiti tbaa/bwalo Conversational Phrases 132 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Creative Arts These are the common conversational phrases for fashion and creativearts. Modern dresses. Mashono mapya. Clothes fashion. Mitindo ya mavazi. (s)he dresses in fashion. Anavaa kisasa African fashion 'Mitindo ya mavazi ya kiafrika' Write poetry Tunga mashairi (s)he recited a poem Aliimba shairi Wood saw Msumeno wa mbao Enough firewood Kuni za kutosha Carve a statue Chonga sanamu I must paint Lazima nipake rangi Both were largely populated by poor people of color, both hotbeds of cultural innovation: think hip-hop and jazz. Yote ilikuwa na watu wengi wa jamii moja maskini, zote ni hotbeds za utamaduni ulioundwa: fikiria hip-hop na jazz. Those animations of the European night zile ramsa za usiku wa Ulaya These are the common vocabularies for creative arts. French Cooking Italian Cooking upishi ya kifaransa upishi ya kiitaliano Conversational Phrases 133 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Indian Cooking Ethiopian Cooking Nigerian Cooking Local Dishes Pizza Baking (Cake & Bread) Massage Fashion Design Hair Dressing/Styling Tatooing Weaving (Mats,Tapestry Etc) Poetry/Song writing Sculpting & Model Making Wood Carving Fine Art Computer Graphic Design Website Design Painting (Oil, Water Etc) 3d Animation Video Music Production DJ’ing/Music Mixing upishi ya kiindi upishi ya Uhabeshi/ Kiamhara upishi ya kinigeria Vyakula/ulio vya kienyeji piza Kuoka mkate/bofulo/keki kukandwa dezaina wa manguo Sasima mchoro /chanja chale Kufuma (mkeka) Ushairi/utenzi Unyago/ubombwe kuchonga (bao) Sanaa/ usanifu faini Rasimu/tarakibu/sanifu ya kichakato/komputa Rasimu/tarakibu/sanifu ya tovuti Kupaka (rangi) Ramsa Filamu Kutoa mziki Kuchanganya muziki Conversational Phrases 134 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Performance Arts These are the common vocabularies for performance arts. Ballet dancing Piano Guiter Flute Saxophone Drums Accordion Harp Violin Electronic keyboard Recorder Double brass Trumpet Acting Performance poetry Densi ya bale Piano Gitaa Filimbi/mianzi Saksafoni Ngoma Kinanda cha mkono Kinanda Fidla Kibodi Sahani/rekodi Shaba Tarumbeta/parapanda Kuigiza Utenzi Conversational Phrases 135 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Asking Someone Out The following are some basic phrases when asking someone out. You are pretty. Wewe ni mrembo. Cheers! Afya/Vifijo! Kiss Me Nibusu! Do you feel like coffee? Wajiskia na kahawa? Are you Jane? Unaitwa Jane? I know a place you would love to visit. Najua pahala ungependa kuona. ‫ ق‬Sight Seeing The following are phrases I can use when out sightseeing. I want a guide who speaks English Nataka kiongozi mwenye kusema kiingererza What do you charge per day? Unadai pesa ngapi kwa siku? Is it opened? Bado ni wazi? When do you close? Mnafunga saa ngapi? Where is the entrance? Mlango wa kuingilia iko wapi? Where is the exit? Mlango wa kutoka uko wapi? What is the entrance fee? Conversational Phrases 136 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ada ya kuingia ni ngapi? Do we need a guide? Tunaihitaji kiongozi? May I take photograph? Naweza kuchukua picha? I want to see native dances Nataka kuona ngoma za kitamaduni What should I wear? Nivae nini? When does the performance start? Igizo inaanza saa ngapi? I want a guide Nataka kiongozi Does the guide speak English? Kiongozi anaongea Kiingereza? What do you charge per day? Utadai pesa ngapi kwa siku? Where is the entrance? Iko wapi mlango ya kuingia? Where is the exit? Iko wapi mlango ya kutoka? How much is the entrance fee? Ada ya kuingia ni pesa ngapi? I want to see native dances Nataka kuona/kutazama ngoma za kitamaduni When does the performance start? Kiigizo itaanza saa ngapi? Where is the animal park? Iko wapi hifadhi ya wanyama? The following is a list of sightseeing places. Film Filamu Conversational Phrases 137 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Cinema Draw Park Forest River Palace Usanii Mafurahisho Filamu Muziki Rangi Picha Sanamu Ushairi Shairi Sinema Suluhu hifadhi /mbuga ya wanyama Msitu Mto Ukumbi Art Entertainment Movie Music Paint/dye Painting Picture Poetry Song ‫ ق‬Electronic Tools and Devices Radio Video Novel Station Whistle/Whistles Television Redio Video Kitabu Cha Hadithi Stesheni Firimbi/Firimbi Televisheni Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for eleventh lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 12. Conversational Phrases 138 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 12: OFFICE, WORK & OCCUPATIONS This is lesson twelve of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn the about professions and names of various professionals, together with the common conversational phrases used around the office. Conversational Phrases 139 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Occupations Occupation is kazi, shughuli or uchumi. Here is a sample conversation talking about occupations in English. What work do you do? Unafanya kazi gani? What is your occupation? shughuli /Kazi yako ni gani? That is a lot of work. Hiyo ni kazi mingi Are you working today? Unafanya kazi leo? Do you like your boss? Unapenda mkubwa wako? He works at a computer company in New York. Anafanya kwa kampuni ya komputa New York He is an Engineer. Yeye ni mhandisi. He's very hard working. Anafanya kazi kwa bidii. How long have you worked here? Umefanya hapa muda gani? I am busy Nina kazi How many hours a week do you work? Unafanya masaa mangapi kwa wiki? How much money do you have? Uko na pesa ngapi? What do you do for work? Unafanya kazi gani? What do your parents do for work? Wazazi wako wanafanya kazi gani? Conversational Phrases 140 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo What does he do for work? Anafanya kazi gani? What does your father do for work? Baba yako anafanya kazi gani? What time do you go to work every day? Unaenda kazi saa ngapi kila siku? What is the matter? Nini mbaya? Where did you put it? Uliiweka wapi? Office ofisi Monthly wage mshahara Apprentice Mwanafunzi He has received the risk assessment certification.approval Amepata kibali cha kutathmini hadhari Conversational Phrases 141 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Below is a list of common vocabulary used when talking and communicating in the office? Request Question Direction Decision Announcement Answer Complaint Approval /Certification Discussion Doubt Example Idea Information Interview Issue Language Language Letter Letter Lie Meeting Minutes Advertisement Advice Agreement Copy Mail Memory Mistake Name Newspaper Note Opinion Page Point Protest Reason Relation Sentence Shape Speech Standard Voice Word Writing Hoja Swali Agizo Hatima Ilani Itiko Kabidhi Kibali Jadiliano Wasiwasi Mfano Dhana Neno Hojaji Jambo Lugha Lugha Asilia Herufi Barua Uwongo Kumbukumbu Za Mkutano Tangazo Maonyo Mkataba Nakili Posta Ukumbuko Dosari Jina Gazeti Cheti Fikara Ukurasa Doti Teto Chini Uhusiano Hukumu Umbo Lugha, Usemi Kigezo Kauli Neno Mwandiko Conversational Phrases 142 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬List of Professions The list below gives a list of professions and their names in Kiswahili. Worker Businessperson Clerk, Secretary Author Journalist Expert Mtaalumu Kiongozi Malkia Mfalme Mama Wa Nyumbani Mtetezi Mtangazaji Mwanabondia Mwanajeshi Potter(S) Farmer(S) Tourist(S) Nurse(S) Receptionist(S) Announcer/Announcers Nurse/Nurses Barber/Barbers Police Officer/Police Officers Builder/Mason Politician Clerk/Clerks Computer Technician Professor/Professors Doctor/Doctors Security Officer Driver/Drivers Shopkeeper Engineer/Engineers Soldier/Soldiers Farmer/Farmers Tailor/Tailors Fisherman/Fishermen Taxi Driver Mfanyakazi Mfanyabiashara Karani Mwandishi Mwandishi Wa Habari Bingwa Scholar Leader Queen King Housewife Advocate Announcer Boxer Soldier Mfinyanzi (Wafinyanzi) Mkulima (Wakulima) Mtalii (Watalii) Mwuguzi (Wauguzi) Mpokeaji (Wapokeaji) Mtangazaji/Watangazaji Muuguzi/Wauguzi Kinyozi/Vinyozi Polisi/Polisi Mjenzi Mwanasiasa Karani/Makarani Fundi Wa Kompyuta Profesa/Maprofesa Daktari/Madaktari Afisa Usalama Dereva/Madereva Muuza Duka Mhandisi/Wahandisi Askari/Askari Mkulima/Wakulima Mshoni/Washoni Mvuvi/Wavuvi Dereva Wa Teksi Conversational Phrases 143 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Muuza Samaki Mwalimu/Walimu Mlinzi/Walinzi Fundi/Mafundi Mfanyakazi/ Fish Vendor Teacher/Teachers Guard/Guards Technician/Technicians Worker/Workers Wafanyakazi enchanter, magician, sorcerer, warlock, wizard mchawi inhabitant mwenyeji ‫ ق‬To Leave My Job There are many different ways to express leaving or losing a job. I have resigned nimejiuzulu. I have quit my job Nimeacha kazi yangu I have retired Nimestaafu I have lost my job Nimepoteza kazi yangu The following are the words to be used in losing a job. Resign Retire Quit Fired/Stopped Uzulu Staafu Acha Achishwa/simamishwa ‫ ق‬Company Operation The following are terms use dot refer to company operations on daily basis. Board (As In ‘Board Of Directors’) Meeting/Conference Office/Offices Messenger/Messengers Chair/Chairs Officer/Officers Bodi Mkutano Ofisi/Ofisi Tarishi/Matarishi Kiti/Viti Ofisa/Maofisa Conversational Phrases 144 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Chairman Clerk/Clerks Director/Directors Supervisor Secretary Janitor Manager/Managers Committee Team Director Board Mwenyekiti Karani/Makarani Mkurugenzi/Wakurugenzi Muangalizi Katibu Msafishaji Meneja/Meneja tume kikoa mkuu Halmashauri Conversational Phrases 145 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Office ‫ ق‬Office Stationery Book/Books Pencil/Pencils Book/Record Report/Reports File/Files Folder/Folders Letter/Letters Chapa Kitabu/Vitabu Penseli/Penseli Daftari/Madaftari Ripoti/Ripoti Faili/Mafaili Jalada/Majalada Barua/Barua Marker ‫ ق‬Office Rooms & Furniture Conference Room Cabinet/Cabinets Drawer Shelf/Shelves Table/Desk Department Factory Industry Chumba Cha Mkutano Kabati/Makabati Mtoto Wa Meza Rafu/Rafu Meza Idara Kivanda Kiwanda, Viwanda ‫ ق‬Devices in the Office Telephone Fax Machine Photocopy Computer/Computers Printer/Printers Computer Monitor/ Computer Monitors Camera Cellphone Kompyuta Elevator Engine Instrument Machine Oven Watch Simu Faksi Fotokopi Kompyuta/Kompyuta Printa/Printa Monita/Monita Kamera Mobaili Computer Kiinuzi Injini Samani Mashine Tanuru Saa Conversational Phrases 146 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Money Issues in the Office Banknote Invoice Payment Wages Tax Money Package Insurance Ankra Ajili Isutuo Tuzo Kodi Pesa Kifurushi Bima Conversational Phrases 147 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Receiving Phone Call These are some of the most common telephone phrases used when answering a business call. I should learn them until I am comfortable using them. Good morning/afternoon XYZ Ltd. How can I help you? Habari ya asibuhi/mchana XYZ Limited. Nikusadiaje? I'll put you through now. Nitakupitisha sasa. One moment please. Subiri kidogo tafadhali. I'm sorry, but the line's engaged. Samahani. Laini iko inatumika. I'm sorry. There's no reply. Samahani. Hakuna jibu. I'm sorry, but he/she's out of the office at the moment. Samahani. Hayuko ofisini Would you like to hold? Ungependa kusibiri/shikilia? Is there anyone else who could help you? Kunayo mtu mwingine awezaye kukusaidia? Can I take a message? Naweza kuchukua ujumbe? Maybe I can help you? Labda naweza kukusaidia? Perhaps he/she can call you back? Labda akupigie akirudi? Can I take a message for him/her? Naweza kuchukua ujumbe yake? Would you like to leave a message? Ungependa kuacha ujumbe? Could I have your name and number, please? Naweza kupata jina na nambari kayo? Could you give me your name and number, please? Conversational Phrases 148 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Tafadhali nisaidie na jina na namba yako. Could you repeat that, please? Tafadhali rudia hiyo Below is a list of common vocabulary used when on phone conversations, and around the office generally. Experience Difficulty Holiday Interest Law Loss Management Material Profit Proposal Section Service Staff Success Support Trade Trouble Maarifa Jambo Likizo Masilahi Kanuni Hasara Udhibiti Kifaa Faida Kisi Mkato Huduma Mkongojo Fanaka Mhimili Biashara Jambo Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for twelve lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 13. Conversational Phrases 149 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 13: HEALTH & HOSPITAL This is lesson thirteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn the basic phrases I can use in a conversation when talking about my health to someone, and or at the hospital. I will also learn various diseases and how to say I am suffering from them, or that I am okay. ¥ Hospital ‫ ق‬Asking Where The Hospital Is The following are conversational phrases when looking for a hospital. Remember to always start with a greeting. Habari bibi. Hello madam. Can you help me, please? Unaweza kunisaidia, tafadhali? Yes. What do you want? ndio. Watakaje? And then I will ask her is there is a hospital around, I will say, Is there a hospital? Kuna hospitali? Show me where the hospital is. Nionyeshe hospitali iko wapi ‫ ق‬People in the Hospital The following are conversational phrases common in referring to people in the hospital environment. I would like to see a doctor Naomba nione daktari Are you a doctor? Wewe ni daktari? No. I am a visitor. la. mimi ni mgeni Conversational Phrases 150 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Could you please call a doctor? Tafadhali wewe umwite daktari. Where is the nurse? Yuko wapi nesi/mlezi/muugizu/yaya The following are the people who are found in the hospital. A Person Doctor nurse Security officer People Visitor/Guest Visitors, Guests Sick Person, Patient Sick People, Patients Mtu Daktari Muuguzi/yaya/nesi/mlezi Afisa wa usalama Watu Mgeni Wageni Mgonjwa Wagonjwa ¥ Diseases & Ailments ‫ ق‬Describing Aches and Pains And when the correct person to attend to me comes along, I will use some of the following conversational phrases. Ache or pain is called maumivu/uchungu. Uchungu also refers to bitterness, both of emotion as in nasikia uchungu, to mean, I feel bitter, and of taste, as in, bitter food, meaning, chakula chungu. The conversational phrases are as below: I am not feeling well. Sijiskii vizuri I am sick Mimi ni mgonjwa Nahitaji kitubiwa I need to be treated What is the matter? Kuna jambo? Ni nini mbaya? I feel ill Najiskia mgonjwa I have cut myself Conversational Phrases 151 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Nimejikata "I've got a headache." or "My headaches." “ninaumwa kichwa” ama “kichwa changu inauma” "I've got stomach ache." or "My stomach aches." “ninaumwa kichwa tumbo” ama “tumbo langu linauma” "I've got backache." or "My back aches." “ninaumwa kichwa mgongo” ama “mgongo wangu unauma” "I've got neckache." or ""My neck aches." “Ninaumwa kichwa shingo” ama “shingo langu linauma” Hello Mr. Smith. What is the problem? Habari Bwana Smith. Ni nini mbaya? I hurt my ankle. It is swollen and painful. Niliumiza mguu wangu. Imefura na ni uchungu. OK - let's have a look, take off your shoe and sock and roll up your trouser. Sawa. Acha tuiangalie. Toa viatu na soksi na ukunje longi. We had better send you to the hospital to get this X-rayed. Ni vizuri tukutume hospitali upigwe picha ya stima. You may have broken a bone. Labda umevunja mifupa. What? No wonder it hurts so much. Nini? Ndio maana ni chungu sana. Then I will tell her what is wrong with me. I can say, I have a fever. Nina homa I am coughing. Ninakohoa I hurt here. Ninaumwa hapa I am in pain. Ninasikia maumivu I feel very hot. Ninasikia moto sana Conversational Phrases 152 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I feel very cold. Ninasikia baridi sana I was bitten by a snake. Niliumwa na nyoka The following are some diseases that are common amongst sick people. Medicine To Hurt To Hurt Fever 'Flu Cancer Aids Patient Doctor Witch-Doctor Blood Injection To Measure/Take (Eg. Measure Heartbeat) Surgery Wound Thermometer Cholera Treat/Cure Fever Cold Coughing Broken Throat Sore Throat Throw Up To Have Diarrhea Sick Person Nurse Injection Medicine Dawa Kuumwa Kuugua Homa Mafua Saratani Ukimwi Mgonjwa Daktari Mganga Damu Sindano Kupima Kupasuliwa Kidonda Kipima Joto Kipindupindu Tibu Homa Mafua Kikohozi Vunjika Koo Koo Linakwaruzwa Tapika Kuharisha Mgonjwa Muuguzi Sindana Aguzi ‫ ق‬Accidents The following are conversational, phrases when talking about accidents. Conversational Phrases 153 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo He has a fracture Amevunjika mifupa He has burnt his hand Amechomwa mkono Is he bleeding? Anatoka damu? Are you alright U mzima? He has a splint Ana ganjo Do you have bandages? Uko na vitambaa I cannot move Siwezi kutumia Please notify my husband Tafadhali mwambie/peleka habari kwa mume wangu I do not sleep well Silali vizuri You can buy drugs to fight the disease themselves. wanaweza kununua dawa za kupambana na magonjwa wao wenyewe. I was bitten by an insect Niliumwa na mdudu gonjwa biri sigara kamata dawa ya meno dawa tembe sabuni homa mafua kukohoa kutoa makamasi marini mnyonge sick a cigar a cigarette flu toothpaste medicine a pill soap fever a cold to cough runny nose healthy weak Conversational Phrases 154 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo mwenye nguvu muuguzi daktari daktari wa meno kupiga chafya enda miayo kutoa makamasi kugwaruza msafi duka la dawa kusafisha buga oga nyoa kujinyoa oga wembe msuaki rangi ya mdomo marashi taulo kuvuta hewa sabuni ya nywele mkongojo kaba koo kujihisi ndongo tuta bidi ya mishipa kiolezo mkojo tahini damu damu kupumua pigo Moyo bomba mkumbuu tone Maagizo ya daktari kuambukiza punguza uzani Pata afueni kuwa mgonjwa Kirusi ugonjwa maradhi strong a nurse a doctor a dentist to sneeze to yawn to blow one`s nose to scrape hygienic a pharmacy to wash a sponge a bath to shave to shave oneself shower a razor a toothbrush a lipstick perfume a towel to inhale shampoo a crutch to choke to feel oneself an injection pulse arterial pressure a sample urine a blood test blood breathing a beat heart a syringe a bandage a drop a prescription contagious to lose weight to recover to be ill a virus a disease an infection Conversational Phrases 155 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo uvyazi kutibu Mshtuko a fertility to treat a shock ‫ ق‬Common Diseases & Ailments The following are basic conversational phrases to use in reference to common ailments. What am I to do? Nifanyeje? Take with water Meza Na maji Every hour Kila saa Twice a day Mara mbili kutwa/kwa siku Pill/capsule Kidonge Mix with water Changanya na maji This will ease the pain Hii itapunguza maumivu This tooth hurts Jino hili linauma I do not want it extracted Nataka uling'oe Rooms in the hospital Wodi ya wagonjwa wenye kuhitaji uangalizi maalum (ICU) drugs to fight the disease themselves. dawa za kupambana na magonjwa Conversational Phrases 156 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Below is a list of common diseases, ailments and medical complications that I may come across in day to day experiences. accident fear brave, courageous, valiant enchantment, magic, sorcery, witchcraft, wizardry Blister Boil Cold in the head Chills Constipation A cough Diarhoea Dysentery Fever Food poisoning Indigestion Leprosy Nausea Pneumonia Sleeping sickness Sore throat Sprain Sunburn Typhoid fever Syphilis Gonorrhea Worms Infection Poison HIV AIDS Cancer Stroke tukio baya hofu hodari uchawi Lengelenge Kidonda Mafua Homa ya baridi Siendi choo Kohoo Kuhara Kuhara damu Homa Sumu katika chakula Tumbo linauma Ukoma Kutaka kutapika Ugonjwa wa pafu Malale Koo linauma Kuteguka Kupigwa jua Homa ya tumboni Kaswende Kisonono Chango Umabukizo Sumu Ukimwi Saratani Shindikizo la damu ¥ Death & Burial Death is kifo or mauti in Kiswahili. And burial is mazishi, maziko. To die is referred to as kukufa, or more grammatically, kufa, or kuaga. In this case, aga, means die. Genocide, or the death of many people, is called maafa. The following are conversational phrases about death and burial. Who is dead? Nani ameaga?/ Nani amekufa? Conversational Phrases 157 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo s/he has died Amekufa/ameaga duniua Did you see the corpse? Uliona maiti? What killed him? Nini ilimuua? The body is at the morgue/mortuary Maiti iko katika chumba cha kuweka maiti That is the home of the late Ojijo oteko Hiyo ndiyo boma ya hayati Ojijo oteko Who is the deceased? Marehemu ni nani? I take this opportunity to condole siblings, family and friends of the family of the deceased Nachukua fursa hii kuwapa pole ndugu, jamaa na marafiki wa familia za marehemu hao. May the Lord Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace. Amen Mwenyezi Mungu ailaze roho za marehemu mahali pema peponi. Amina. He was buried at the cemetery Amezikwa kaburini And this is what happens: the data during the war indicate that even with all the death, there was an improvement of life expectancy. Na hiki ndicho kilichotokea: takwimu wakati wa vita zilionyesha kuwa pamoja na vifo vyote, kulikuwa kuna mabadiliko katika umri wa kuishi. death kifo We have to deal with the inexorable separation of death, so it should not surprise us that we all sing, we all dance. Tunapitia kafara za kusimikwa, Tunalazimika kukabiliana na ukatili wa kutenganishwa kwa kifo haitushangazi kwamba sote tunaimba, sote tunacheza. The following are basic vocabularies when talking about death and burial. Death Burial Coffin/hearse Deceased Kifo mauti /kifo/maafa Mazishi Jeneza Marehemu Conversational Phrases 158 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Eternal peace Mahala pema peponi Cemetery Kaburini Vizuri Good Well, that is it for thirteen lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 14. Conversational Phrases 159 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 14: THE HOME This is lesson fourteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson teaches me the rooms in the house, the furniture and items found on those rooms and the things done in the rooms. ¥ Rooms in the House ‫ ق‬The Bedroom Bedroom is called chumba cha kulala in Kiswahili. Things we do in the bedroom To listen to music Kusikiza muziki People listen to music in the bedroom. Watu huskiza muziki kwa chumba cha kulala People sleep in the bedroom. Watu hulala kwa chumba cha kulala People get dressed or undressed in the bedroom. Watu huvaa na kufua nguo kwa nyumba ya kulala People make love in bedroom. Watu hufanya mapenzi kwa chumba cha kulala The following are bedroom furniture and items Bed(S) Bed Side Table(S) Dressing Table(S) Wardrobe Chest Of Drawers Hair Brush(Es) Comb(S) Pillow(S) Sheet(S) Kitanda/Vitanda Meza Ndogo Meza Ya Kuvaa kabati almari Burashi ya nywele Kichanuo/kichanuo Mto Shuka ya kitanda Conversational Phrases 160 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Clothes Needle Cupboard Nguo Sindano Kabati ‫ ق‬Living Room The living room is called bustani, in Kiswahili. Things we do in the living room People watch TV in the living room. Watu hutazama televisheni kwa chumba cha kubarizi People sit and read a book in the living room. Watu hukaa na kusoma vitabu katika chumba cha kubarizi People listen to music in the living room. Watu husikiza muziki katika chumba cha kubarizi The following are sitting room furniture. Settee(S) Armchair(S) Coffee Table(S) Display Cabinet(S) Television(S) / Tv(S) Speaker(S) Cushion(S) Rug(S) Chair Table Bookshelf sofa kochi Meza ya kahawa Kabati ya uonyesho Televisheni kipaza sauti Godoro/takia/mto Jamvi/zulia Kiti Meza Kabati ya vitabu ‫ ق‬Other Rooms Kiswahili name Dari English name Attic Ballroom Chumba cha kasha Box Room Cellar Cloakroom Conservatory Description People store things in the attic. A room in stately homes where rich people dance and concerts are held. A small room used for storage. Underneath the house. A small room where people put their coats. A greenhouse attached to a house for Conversational Phrases 161 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo chumba cha kulia/ Dining Room the display of plants. A room where people eat maankuli chumba cha kuchora Drawing Room Games Room Ukumbi/bwalo Hall Larder maktaba sebule Chumba cha mahewa Ofisi Library Lounge Music Room sebule sebule chumba cha wageni Choo Parlour Sitting Room Spare Room/ Guest Room Toilet chumba cha vifaa Utility Room Office Pantry A room in stately homes where rich people entertain. A room in large houses where games are played. The entrance passage to a house. A small room used for the storage of food. A room where books are kept. Another name for living room. A room where people play music. A room where people work. A small room used to store kitchen and dining items. Old fashioned word for living room. Another name for living room. A room where guests sleep. A room where people go to the toilet (often known as WC) A room where appliances such as washing machines are used. ¥ Household Objects Here are some sample phrases and sentences for asking information around the house. What is this? Hii ni nini? What is that? Hiyo ni nini? What are these? Hizi ni nini? What are those? Hizo ni nini? Where is Mr. King? Yuko wapi bwana knight? Where is Ms. Knight? Yuko wapi bi Knight? Conversational Phrases 162 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Where's Johnny? Wapi jonny? This is a table. Hii ni meza. That is a chair. Hiyo ni kiti. These are pencils. Hizi ni kalamu. Those are books. Hizo ni vitabu. He is over there. Yuko pale. She's (right) here. Yuko pale He's in the house. Yuko ndani ya nyumba ‫ ق‬Housekeeping Cover things in the kitchen Funika vitu jikoni Wash your hands Nawa mikono Clean the towels Safisha vitambaa Set the table please Andaa meza tafadhali Wash the floor Safisha sakafu Wash the dishes please Osha sahani tafadhali Try to be more clean Jaribu kuwa safi zaidi Conversational Phrases 163 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The water is too cold Maji ni baridi mno The water is very hot Maji ni moto mno Please shine my shoes Tafadhali piga rangi viatu zangu Go shower Enda uoge Wash your clothes Fua nguo zako Have you brushed your teeth? Umepiga mswaki? You have shaved your hair Umenyoa nywele Please cut your nails Tafadhali kata kucha zako The following are a list of things and items you may find around the house. Bathroom/Bathrooms Glass/Glasses Bed/Beds Hot Bedroom/Bedrooms House/Houses; Home/Homes Bed Sheet/Bed Sheets Iron/Irons Blanket/Blankets Jug/Jugs Bowl/Bowls Kettle/Kettle Carpet/Carpets Kitchen/Kitchens Ceiling Knife/Knives Chair/Chairs Light/Lights/Lamp/Lamps Cold Living Room/Living Rooms Cooking Pot/Cooking Pots Choo/Vyoo Gilasi/Gilasi Kitanda/Vitanda Moto Chumba Cha Kulala Nyumba/Nyumba Shuka/Shuka Pasi/Pasi Blangeti/Mablangeti Jagi/Majagi Bakuli/Bakuli Birika/Birika Busati/Mabusati Jiko/Majiko Dari Kisu/Visu Kiti/Viti Taa/Taa Baridi Ukumbi/Kumbi Sufuria/Masufuria Conversational Phrases 164 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mattress/Mattresses Couch/Couches Pan/Pans Cup/Cups Pillow/Pillows Cupboard/Cupboards Plate/Plates Curtain/Curtains Roof/Roofs Dining Room Saucer/Saucers Door/Doors Shelf/Shelves Electricity Spoon/Spoons Fan/Fans Switch/Switches Floor Table/Tables Fork/Forks Wall/Walls Fridge/Fridges Window/Windows Carpet Chair Cupboard Drawer Bathroom Bedroom Brick Door Furniture Toilet Shower Roof Kitchen House Home Gate Garden Garage Well Light Bulb(S) Plug(S) Socket(S) Torch(Es) Lamp(S) Godoro/Magodoro Kochi/Makochi Karai/Makarai Kikombe/Vikombe Mto/Mito Kabati/Makabati Sahani/Sahani Pazia/Mapazia Paa/Mapaa Chumba Cha Kulia Kisahani/Visahani Mlango/Milango Rafu/Rafu Umeme Kijiko/Vijiko Feni/Mafeni Swichi/Swichi Sakafu Meza/Meza Uma/Nyuma Ukuta/Kuta Friji/Mafriji Dirisha/Madirisha Zulia, Tandiko Kiti Kabati Droo Pakuogea, Msala Chumba Cha Kulala Tofali Mlango Fanicha Choo, Salani Showa Paa Jiko Jengo Kao Lango Bustani Gereji Kisima balbu Kizibo Soketi/kisikio kurunzi Taa/tungi Conversational Phrases 165 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Curtain(S) Shelf(Shelves) (Tele)Phone(S) Box(Es) Battery(Ies) Photo(Graph)(S) Ukingo/pazia Kibao/rafu Simu (rununu) Sanduku/kasha/mdumu betri picha ¥ Eating At Home (Kitchen) The following are conversational phrases about some of the things we do in the kitchen. People prepare food in the kitchen. Watu hutayarisha chakula katika jikoni People cook in the kitchen. Watu hupika jikoni People eat in the kitchen. Watu hula jikoni People make coffee or tea in the kitchen. Watu huchemsha chai au kahawa jikoni People put the food away in the kitchen cupboards. Watu huweka vyakula katika jikoni Here are phrases about saying what i eat / like and things i don't eat / like I like fruit. Napenda matunda I don't like fruit. Sipendi matunda I love spinach. Napenda mchicha I hate spinach. Nachukia mchicha I'm a vegetarian; I only eat fruit and vegetables. Mimi sili nyama. Nala matunda na I don't eat pork, for religious reasons. Sili nyama ya nguruwe kwa sababu ya dini. Conversational Phrases 166 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Below are terms and vocabularies about cooking items. a thick wooden tray used for food serving a clay cooking pot. a food cover made of straw. a large scoop made of a coconut shell. a mortar, usually wooden, used to grind grains. makeshift doors made of wooven coconut leaves. a coconut grater made of a wooden seat and a stainless steel plate with saw-like teeth around its edge. a straw wooven mat. A must have for a new bride. a cooking pot lid made of clay. It is used to cover cooking pots. a large clay vase for keeping drinking water. a wooden stirrer, a must have for newlyweds. scoop(s) made of a lower cone of coconut shell and a wooden handle for stirring and serving soups, stews, porridges, etc. Table(S) Chair(S) Cooker(S) / Oven(S) Fridge(S) Tap(S) Chano (pl. Vyano) Chungu (pl. Vyungu) Kawa (pl. Makawa) Kata (pl. Kata) Kinu (pl. Vinu) Kumba or Makumbesa) Mbuzi (pl. Mbuzi) Mkeka (pl. Mikeka) wa Chole Mkungu (pl. Mikungu) Mtungi (pl. Mitungi) Mwiko (pl. Miko) Upawa (pl. pawa) Meza/Meza Kiti/Viti Jiko /choko Jokofu Bulula/babata ‫ ق‬Eating Items Teaspoon Soupspoon Fork Knife Cloth Napkin Paper Napkin Plate Glass Cup Tray cork engine, machine corn, Indian corn, maize, mealies cooking pot, jug, pot cassava apple Kijiko Kijiko Cha Supu Uma Kisu Kitambaa Karatasi Ya Mkono Sahani Glasi Or Bilauri Kikombe Sinia kizibo mashine muhindi chungu muhogo tunda la kizungu Conversational Phrases 167 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Cooking Terms The following phrases are useful when talking about preparation of food. To bake To boil To chop To cook To cut To dice To fry To peel To prepare To skin To slice To cook by dry heat in an oven or similar. To cook something in very hot water. To cut something into pieces. To prepare food for eating by the use of heat. To divide food with a sharp instrument. To cut something into cubes. To cook food in fat/oil over a direct heat. To remove the skin/rind/outer covering of fruit/vegetables etc. To make food ready in advance of eating or cooking it. To remove the outer covering from fruit/meat/fish etc. To divide or cut something into slivers. oka Chemsha Kata Pika Kata Karanga/kaanga Ambua/menya Andaa/tayarisha Ambua slesi ‫ ق‬Cooking Equipments The following are cooking equipments. Saucepan(S) Frying Pan(S) Sieve(S) Kettle(S) Teapot(S) Spatula(S) Tin Opener(S) Knife(Knives) Sufuria kikaango Chujio/chekecha birika buli Kijiko opena Kisu ‫ ق‬Vinywaji/Drinks The following are some basic types of drinks common at home. Conversational Phrases 168 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Soda Milk Soup Water Soda Maziwa Supu Maji ‫ ق‬Food/Chakula The following are some basic types of foods common at home. Corn Flour Almond/Almonds Crab/Crabs Apple/Apples Cucumber Banana/Bananas Dinner Bean/Beans Drink Beef Eel Egg/Eggs Black Pepper Fish Bread Flour Breakfast Food Butter Fruit/Fruits Cabbage Garlic Cake Ghee Cashew Nuts Grape/Grapes Chicken (Meat) Ice Chili Pepper Jam Clam/Clams Juice Coffee Lamb Corn/Corns Unga Wa Mahindi/Sembe Lozi/Lozi Kaa/Kaa Tofaa/Matofaa Kitango Ndizi/Ndizi Chakula Cha Jioni Kunde/Kunde Kinywaji Nyama Ya Ng'ombe Mkunga Yai/Mayai Pilipili Manga Samaki Mkate Unga Kifungua Kinywa/Chai Chakula Siagi Tunda/Matunda Kabichi Kitunguu Thomu Keki Samli Korosho Zabibu/Zabibu Nyama Ya Kuku Barafu Pilipili Jamu Chaza/Chaza Sharubati Kahawa Nyama Ya Kondoo Hindi/Mahindi Conversational Phrases 169 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Lime/Limes Lemon/Lemons Rice (Cooked Rice) Lobster/Lobsters Salad Lunch Salt Mango/Mangoes Sauce Margarine Shrimp Oil Okra Sugar Orange/Oranges Sweet Potato Papaya/Papayas Tea Peanut/Peanuts Peas Pineapple/ Pineapples Wheat Flour Potato/Potatoes Yeast Yoghurt Ndimu/Ndimu Limau/Malimau Mchele (Wali) Kamba/Kamba Saladi Chakula Cha Mchana Chumvi Embe/Maembe Mchuzi Siagi Kamba Mafuta Bamia Sukari Chungwa/Machungwa Kiazi Kitamu Papai/Mapapai Chai Njugu/Njugu Njegere Nanasi/Mananasi Unga Wa Ngano Mbatata/Mbatata Hamira Mtindi ‫ ق‬Meat These are the basic types of meat common in the kitchen. Chicken Kuku Fish Samaki Beef Nyama Ya Ng'ombe Pork Nyama Ya Nguruwe Veal Nyama Ya Mdama Goat Nyama Ya Mbuzi Sheep Or Lamb Nyama Ya Kondoo Shrimp Kamba Or Kamba Mdogo Lobster Kamba Or Kamba Mkubwa Crab Kaa Shark Papa ‫ ق‬Fruits These are the basic fruits in the kitchen. Conversational Phrases 170 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Apple / Appless Orange / Oranges Raspberries. Ripe Coconut Limes Papayas Mangoes Bananas Oranges Pineapples Grapefruits Passion Fruit Watermelon Dates Sugar Cane Tofaa / Matofaa Chungwa / Machungwa Rasiberi Nazi Ndimu Paipai Maembe Ndizi Machungwa Mananasi Madanzi Or Mabalungi Pasheni Tikiti Or Tango Tende Miwa ‫ ق‬Vegetables These are the basic vegetables in the kitchen. Cabbage Carrot Radish Saladi Potatoes Cabbage Tomatoes Lettuce Unripe Coconut Pumpkin/Pumpkins Spinach Onion/Onions Beans Pickle Vegetables Kabeji Karoti Figili Salad Viazi Kabichi Nyanya Salad Dafu Boga/Maboga Mchicha Kitunguu/Vitunguu Maharage Achari Mboga Vizuri Good Well, that is it for fourteenth lesson of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 15. Conversational Phrases 171 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 15: THE FARM This is lesson fifteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson shall teach me the plants, structures, animals and conversational phrases that can be used in the farm and in the rural area. ¥ Plants Plant is called mimea in Kiswahili. A farm has both plants and trees. Tree is called mti. ‫ ق‬Parts of a Tree Branch Flower Leaf Plant Root Stem Tree Tanzu Ua Jani Mmea Chanzo Uti Mti ¥ Structures in the Farm The farm is called shamba/konde. Structure is umbo/ujeni/egezo. Here are some conversational phrases in reference to farm structures. House with grass roof Banda House with clay roof Tembe Carpenter shop Seremala Building with second floor Gorofa The grain is kept in the granary Nafaka inawekwa kwa ghala Conversational Phrases 172 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo We will farm there Tulima pale We will plant here Tutapanda hapa The following are vocabularies of farm structures Building To Build In Stone Mason Foundation Stones Clay Gravel Sand Lime Cement Steel Rods Bricks Tiles Straw Wooden Poles Boards Beams Screen Glass Lock Handle Nails Bolts Screws Nuts Wall Outside Wall Inside Walls Plaster The Walls Paint The Walls Plaster With Cement Plster With Lime Plaster With Clay Floor Ceiling Thatch Rafter Rope Put The Rope In Water Majengo Kuaka Mwashi Msingi Mawe Udongo Changarawe Mchanga Chokaa Sementi/Saruji Vuyuma Matofali Vigae Majani Miti Mbao Boriti Wavu Kioo Kufuli Kipini/Kishikio Misumari Parafujo Skrubu Nati Ukuta Ukuta Wa Nje Kuta Za Ndani Piga Lipu Kuta Piga Rangi Kuta Pigalipu Na Saruji Piga Lipu Na Chokaa Puga Lipu Na Udongo Sakafu Dari Majani/Mezeko Komba Moyo Kamba Lowesha Kamba Majini Conversational Phrases 173 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Skilled Labourer Carpenter Smell Smoke Fire Wave World Bell Brush Button Gun Match Nail Pump Spring Whip Ball Blade Board Chain Feather Frame Handle Pin Pipe Rope Seed Stick Stone Wire Fundi Seremala Harufu Moshi Moto Wimbi Ulimwengu Kengele Burashi Kifungo, Kitango Bunduki Kiberiti Msumari Pampu Springi Mjeledi Mpira Bapa Kibao Mnyororo Kipapatiko Kiunzi Kiopoo Pini Bomba Kamba Mbegu Fimbo Kokoto Waya ¥ Animals ‫ ق‬Domestic Animals Domestic Animals Mnyama/Wanyama Paka/Paka Kuku Ng'ombe/Ng’ombe Mbwa/Mbwa Punda/Punda Bata/Mabata Mbuzi/Mbuzi Mifugo Animal/Animals Cat/Cats Chicken/Hen Cow/Cows Dog/Dogs Donkey/Donkeys Duck/Ducks Goat/Goats Conversational Phrases 174 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Farasi/Farasi Panya/Panya Mbuni/Mbuni Ng'ombe Dume Kasuku/Kasuku Tausi/Tausi Nguruwe/Nguruwe Kondoo/Kondoo Bata-Mzinga Chicken Donkey Rabbit Animals Ant/Ants Baboon Bear/Bears Bird/Birds Butterfly/Butterflies Mbweha Snake/Snakes Tortoise/Tortoise Turtle/Turtles Warthog/Warthogs Whale/Whales Zebra/Zebras Cockroach/Cockroaches Fly/Flies Grasshopper/Grasshoppers Impala/Impala Insect/Insects Python/Pythons Rabbit/Rabbits Chura Popo Monkey/Monkeys Panya rhino, rhinoceros rat mouse ass, donkey zebra Horse/Horses Mouse/Mice Ostrich/Ostriches Ox Parrot/Parrots Peacock/Peacocks Pig/Pigs Sheep/Sheep Turkey/Turkeys Kuku Punda Sungura Wanyama Mdudu/Wadudu Nyani Dubu/Madubu Ndege/Ndege Kipepeo/Vipepeo Fox Nyoka/Nyoka Kobe/Makobe Kasa/Kasa Ngiri/Ngiri Nyangumi/Nyangumi Punda-Milia/Punda-Milia Mende/Mende Nzi/Nzi Panzi/Panzi Swala/Swala Mdudu/Wadudu Chatu/Chatu Sungura/Sungura Frog Bat Kima/Kima Rat (Mouse) kifaru panya panya mdogo punda punda milia cheti = certificate, testimony desturi = custom, habit, way gazeti = gazette, magazine, newspaper, periodical, daily paper, journal, newspaper Conversational Phrases 175 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo hafifu = faint, light, weak, miserable, poor, poor hasara = loss tangazo = ad, advertisement ‫ ق‬Wild Animals Wild animals are referred to as wanyama wa pori. The wild means pori, or porini, in KiSwahili. The following are some wild animals common in Africa. Leopard/Leopards Lion/Lions Rhinoceros/Rhinoceros Duma. Tembo. Twiga. Kongoni / Nyumbu. Boar Buffalo Deer/Deers Kiboko Shark/Sharks Fish Hyena/Hyenas Hippopotamus Giraffe/Giraffes Elephant/Elephants Crocodile/Crocodiles Chimpanzee Chui/Chui Simba/Samba Kifaru/Vifaru Cheetah Elephant Giraffe. Wildebeest. Nguruwe-Mwitu Nyati Paa/Paa Hippo Papa/Papa Samaki Fisi/Fisi Kiboko Twiga/Twiga Tembo/Tembo Mamba/Mamba Sokwe ¥ Climate ‫ق‬ ‫ ق‬Seasons Long rainy season Msimu wa mvua ndefu Masika (machi mpaka mei) Cold season (winter) Msimu wa baridi (kupupwe) Short rainy season Conversational Phrases 176 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Msimu wa mvua mfupi (vuli) Hot season Msimu wa joto (kiangazi) ‫ ق‬Weather The following are some phrases that are used to describe the weather. It is important to note that to talk about the weather, I will say, It is sunny, but in Kiswahili, I will say, there is sun, to mean, it si sunny. To say it is, I say ni, and to say there is, I say, kuna or kunayo. So, to say it is sunny, I say, kuna jua, instead of saying, ni jua. kuna jua It is sunny kuna mvua/inanyesha It is raining kuna baridi It is cold kuna mawingu It is cloudy kuna upepo It is windy Theluji itaanguka kesho? Will it snow tomorrow? kuna theluji It is snowing kuna barafu It is freezing (icy) kuna ukungu It is foggy kuna uvuguvugu it's humid Conversational Phrases 177 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Hali ya hewa mbaya! What awful weather! kuna unyevunyevu It is damp Kuna joto leo. It's hot today. ni kuzuri It is beautiful Mvua itanyesha kesho? Will it rain tomorrow? kuna upepo mzuri It is breezy The following are words associated with the weather. Cyclone/Cyclones Wind Rain Sky/Skies/Cloud/Clouds Fog Damp Breezy Snow Sun Cold Humid Hot Kimbunga/Vimbunga Upepo Mvua Mbingu/Mawingu Ukungu Unyevunyevu Upepo Mzuri Theluji Jua Baridi Uvuguvugu Joto ¥ Places in the Farm Mountain Hill Valley Lake River Swimming Pool Tower Bridge Mlima Kilima Bonde Ziwa Mto Bwana Mnara Daraja Conversational Phrases 178 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Air Field Lightning Sky Moisture Stream Weather Rift valley Hewa Kikore Radi Anga Mnyevu Kijito Hali Ya Hewa bonde la ufa Vizuri Good Well, that is it for lesson fifteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 15. Conversational Phrases 179 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 16: SPORTS & GAMES This is lesson sixteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson teaches games and sports in Kiswahili. Game/sports is called mchezo in Kiswahili. The following is a list of games, sports and entertainment forms. ¥ Types of Sports & Games The following are some basic conversational phrases in reference to games and sports. I want to play. Nataka kucheza. Tutashiriki We will participate Tunapambana We are competing World championship Pambano la dunia Muchuano ya Rugby Rubgy competition Boxing Kandanda I do not have experience/expertise Sina umahiri I have experience/expertise Niko na ustadi Long distance races Mbio za nyika He is a defender Yeye ni mlinzi He is a striker Yeye ni mshambulizi I play football. Nacheza kandanda. Conversational Phrases 180 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo How many goals did he score? Alifunga lango ngapi? The following are basic vocabulary to be used in reference to games & sports. Cheza Mpira/Mipira Uwanja Mashindano Goli/Magoli /Lango Mchezo/Michezo Kipa Play Ball/Balls Play Ground Championship/Tournament Goal/Goals Game/Games Goalkeeper ‫ ق‬Indoor Games Chess Card/Cards Bao Ogelea Scrabble Darts Pool Shaha/ sataranji/ chesi Karata/Karata Board games Swimming skrabo dati Dau ‫ ق‬Outdoor Games Football Table tennis Lawn tennis Athletics Basketball Soccer Marble/Marbles High jump Tag game Volley ball Boxing Race Dodge ball X-And-O Game golf Swimming Body Building Kandanda Tenisi ya meza Tenisi ya uwanja Riadha Mpira Wa Kikapu Soka/Kandanda Gololi/Gololi Mchezo wa kuruka juu Foliti Mpira wa wavu Ngumi Mbio Nage Dama gofu Ogelea Kujenga mwili Conversational Phrases 181 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Table Tennis Lawn Tennis Martial Arts (Karate, Kungfu, TaeKwondo) jogging to play to swim to skate to ski a walk gymnastics basketball cards checkers chess soccer football golf hockey a game rugby tennis a kite a roller skate balance an athlete a ball boxing cycling surfing swimming running high jump horse-racing aerobics Tensi ya meza/tebo tenis Tenisi ya ua Vita Saana zoezi la kukimbia kucheza kuogelea kuteleza sakafuni Kuteleza kwa theluji Matembezi jimnastiki basketiboli kadi kikagua sataranji Soka futiboli ya marekani gofu Mpira wa magongo chezo raga tenisi shada kitelezi Kipimo Mwanaspoti mpira ndondi mashindano ya baiskeli teleza majini kuogelea kukimbia kuruka juu mbio za farasi Mazoezi ya mwili ¥ People in Sports Champion Referee Loser Winner/winners Footballer Goalkeeper Striker Linesman Bingwa Refa Mshindwa Mshindi/washindi Mwana kandanda Kipa Mfungaji Mwanalaini Conversational Phrases 182 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Coach Player Athlete kocha Mchezaji Mwanariadha ¥ Sport Events & Competitions The following are conversational prhases in sporting, and competitions. He won Alishinda They lst Walishindwa Stop Simama Stand Simama Stand up Simama juu Lie down Lala chini Lie Lala Walk slowly Tembea pole pole Walk Tembea Run Kimbia Squat Chuchumaa Kneel Piga magoti Conversational Phrases 183 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Compete Shindana Run fast Kimbia haraka There are different types of sporting events and competitions as below. Worldcup (football) Olympic games Ballgames Athletics Cross country championships National football team Kombe la Dunia Michezo ya Olimpiki Michezo za mipira Riadha mashindano ya mbio za nyika timu ya soka ya taifa Vizuri Good Well, that is it for lesson sixteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 17. Conversational Phrases 184 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 17: EDUCATION This is lesson seventeen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn conversational phrases that I can use when talking about education, and when I am in a classroom. Education is Elimu in Kiswahili. ¥ Classroom Below are conversational phrases about the classroom. Hamjamboni wanafunzi Is anything the matter pupils? Hatujambo mwalimu We do not have any matter teacher/We are fine teacher Tunasoma nini leo? What are we reading today? Tunasoma historia leo We are reading history today Please give us a summary Tafadhali tupe mukhtasari Education is important Elimu ni muhimu Which lesson is this? Hili ni somo gani? It is first lesson Ni somo la kwanza Tutafanya zoezi We will do exercises Kuna Swali? Is there a question? Nina swali I have a question Explain further/more Fafanua zaini Conversational Phrases 185 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Classroom Darasani Sharpen the pencil Chonga kalamu Lock the door Funga mlango Write a letter Andika barua Clear the desk weka meza safi If you do not understand, ask Usipofahamu, uliza Pay attention in class Kuwa mwangalifu Go to the blackboard Enda ubaoni Open the window Fungua dirisha Open the door Fungua mlango Hygiene Afya General knowledge Maarifa Read out loud soma kwa sauti Tell a story Semulia hadithi I do not know Sijui I do not understand Conversational Phrases 186 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Sifahamu I do not think so Sidhani I know Najua I think so Nadhani These are the graudates Hawa ndio wahitimu Ako na nidhamu He is discliplined I understand Naelewa/nafahamu Below is a list of common words for items and furniture in the classroom. Notebook Notebooks Pencil Book Books Chair Chairs Table Bag Bags Outside Shirt Shirts Ink Kind Furniture Furnitures Newspaper Newspapers Paper Office Cheap, Easy Classroom Staffroom Daftari Madaftari Kalamu Kitabu Vitabu Kiti Viti Meza Mfuko Mifuko Nje Shati Mashati Wino Aina Chombo Vyombo Gazeti Magazeti Karatasi Afisi Rahisi Darasani majilisi Here are some questions, phrases, and sentences for use in the classroom. What is your name? Unaitwaje? What is this? Conversational Phrases 187 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Hii ni nini? What is that? Hiyo ni nini? How do I say it in English? Unasemaje kwa kizungu? How do you spell it? Unaitwa aje? Please say it again. Tafadhali sema tena? Please speak more slowly. Tafadhali ongea polepole I don't understand. Sielewi. I'm sorry. Samahani. My name is Robert. Jina langu ni Robert. That's a pencil Hiyo ni penseli It's a desk. Ni daftari All right. Sawa/haya Okay. Listen carefully. Sawa. Sikiliza kwa makini Let me explain. Niache nifafanue. That's okay. Hiyo ni sawa. And when students meet, they may ask each other these conversational questions. Kuna kazi ya nyumbani? Is there homework? Conversational Phrases 188 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Sijui I do not know Nisaidie kalamu Help me with a pen Which book are we reading? Tunasoma kitabu gani? Which page are you reading? Unasoma ukurasa gani? Write on the paper Andika kwa karatasi And when the teacher asks a student a question and the student talks in a low voice, the teacher will say; Sema kwa sautiSpeak louder Sema tena Say again Please Repeat Tafadhali rudia Close the Book Funga Kitabu Do You Have A Question? Mina Swali (Plural) Listen (To One Person) Sikiliza Listen (To Many) Sikilizeni Look Angalia/Tazama Mention Taja Open the Book Conversational Phrases 189 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Fungua Kitabu Respond Jibu Ready Tayari Easy Rahisi Example(S) Mfano/Mifano Please keep quiet (sing) Tafadhali Nyamaza Please keep quiet (pl) Tafadhali Nyamazeni Please repeat that Tafadhali Rudia Please repeat more slowly Tafadhali Rudia Polepole Please speak more loudly Tafadhali Sema/Ongea/Zungumza Kwa Sauti Y Juu Please speak more slowly Tafadhali Sema/Ongea/Zungumza Polepole Pronounce Tamka Remember Kumbuka Say/Speak Sema Say/Speak Zungumza Say/Speak Ongea Tell Him/her Conversational Phrases 190 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mwambie Try Again Jaribu Tena No La/Hapana Yes Ndiyo Translate Tafsiri Today We Will Learn Leo Tutasoma What Do You Think? Unafikiri Aje? Write In Swahili Andika Kwa Kiswahili Please Open the Door Tafadhali Fungua Mlango Please Shut the Door Tafadhali Funga Mlango Please Stand Up Tafadhali Simama Simameni Please Read Tafadhali Soma/Someni Please Come Tafadhali Njoo Please Keep Quiet Tafadhali Nyamaza The following are some basic words in the classroom. Teacher Student Book Pen Mwalimu Mwanafunzi Kitabu Kalamu Conversational Phrases 191 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Paper Page Read Write Question Answer Sentence practise Dialogue Class Education Karatasi Ukurasa Soma Andika Swali Jibu Sentensi Zoezi Mazungumzo Darasa Elimu ‫ ق‬Subjects Below is a conversation about subjects. Unasoma nini? What do you study? Nasoma historia I study history Na wewe? And you? Nasoma fasihi I study literature Conversational Phrases 192 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Unasoma sayansi ya siasa Do you study political science? La. Nasoma sanaa. No, I study art Below is a list of some common subjects in school. History Maths Social Studies Politics Literature Science Education Linguistics Art Spanish Science Development Business Economics Computer Science Literature Communications International Relations Maths Law Psychology Urban Planning Engineering Discipline Biology Chemistry Science Medicine History African studies biology business developmental studies economics education environmental science history law linguistics Historia Hesabu/Hisabati Masomo Ya Hamii Siasa Fasihi Sayansi Elimu Isimu Sanaa Kihispania Sayansi Maendeleo Biashara Uchumi Sayansi Ya Kompyuta Fasihi Mawasiliano Uhusiano Wa Kimataifa Hesabu Sheria Saikolojia Mipango Ya Miji Uhandisi Nidhamu Biolojia Kemia Elimu Afya Historia masomo ya kiafrika bayoloji biashara masomo ya maendeleo uchumi elimu elimu ya hali ya mazingira historia sheria isimu Conversational Phrases 193 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo philosophy political science religion social science international relations colonial history liquid solid gas vaccum falsafa elimu ya siasa dini sayansi ya jamii uhusiano wa kimataifa historia ya ukoloni uowevu imara gesi utupu The following are sentences in basic conversation about academic projects. We have opportunities in solid minerals. Tuna fursa katika madini. I have a theory Niko na nadharia Have you done research? Umefanya uchunguzi? It is not a fact Sina uhakika which method will you use? utatumia jinsi gani? I will use a project Nitatumia shauri Does your project have technology? Ushauri yako iko na teknologia? I use technology in first phase. Natumia teknologia kwa hatua ya kwanza. I need advise Nahitaji ushauri I want your opinion Nataka maoni yako Which systems are you sing? Unatumia mfumo gani? What is the trend in education? Conversational Phrases 194 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ni nini elekeo ya elimu? What is the cause and effect? Ni nini ajili/chanzo na matokeo? The following are some words for vocabulary in project conversation. Fact Method Phase Project Research System Technology Theory Trend Cause Hakika Jinsi Hatua Shauri Uchunguzi Mfumo Teknolojia Nadharia Elekeo Ajili ‫ ق‬Physics Class And if I am in a physics class, I may hear the following words being used. Energy Effort Force Light Giza Measurement Movement Steam Strength Time Frequency Weight Nishati Bidii nguvu Nuru Darkness Kipimo Mwendo Fukizo nguvu muda mara Kipimo ‫ ق‬Mathematics Class The following are the phrases that I may come by when in a mathematics classroom. Addition Angle Circle Comparison Jumla Pembe Duara Upambano Conversational Phrases 195 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Component Curve Degree Difference Distance Edge Half Limit Line Net Percent Purpose Result Side Square Total Elementi Kombo Kipengee Halafa Umbali Kando Nusu Mpaka Laini Wavu Asilimia Kasidi Matokeo Kando Mraba Idadi/jumla ¥ Asking About Someone's Education Where did you go to school? Ulienda shule wapi? Are you a university student? Wewe ni mwanachuo? Literature Fasihi "They were the best of times, they were the worst of times": the most famous opening sentence in English literature. “Zilikuwepo nyakati nzuri, Ilikuwa ni wakati mbaya”: kifungua sentensi maarafu sana katika fasihi ya Kiingereza. Did you study literature? Ulisoma fasihi? What university did you go to? Ulisomea chuo kikuu? Are you a graduate? Wewe ni mhitimu? What did you study? Ulisoma nini? Conversational Phrases 196 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Do you remember me? Unanikumbuka? What qualifications have you got? una ubingwa gani wa kazi hii? We you classmates? Mlikuwa darasa moja? What year did you graduate? Ulihitimu mwaka gani? Do you have a degree? Uko na shahada/digrii? Do you have a certificate? Uko na cheti? Which dormitory were you? Ulikuwa bweni gani? Below are some vocabularies for asking about someone’s education background. Dormitory University Teach What Kind? What Sort? Language Labratory Study, Read Lesson Research Degree Understand Learn Bweni Chuo Kikuu -Fundisha Gani? Lugha Maabara Soma Somo Utafiti Digri Fahamu Jifunza ¥ Education Institutions The following are education institutions. School Nursery schools Kindergarten Skuli/shule chekechea chekechea Conversational Phrases 197 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Primary school Secondary school College Polytechnics Tertiary institutions University East Africa Institute of Swahili Shule ya msingi Shule ya upili Chuo kikuu Chuo Chuo Chuo kikuu /chuo Halmashauri ya Kiswahili katika Afrika ya Mashariki Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson seventeen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 18. Conversational Phrases 198 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 18: RELIGION & RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS This is lesson of eighteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn to introduce my religion, how to explain my faith and how to ask some people about their religion. I will also learn some basic religious texts, institutions and practices. ¥ Religions These are some basic conversations I am likely to hear and use in the context of discussions about religion. Imani yako ni gani? What is your faith? What is your religion? Dini yako ni gani? I am going for 9 o’clock mass Naenda misa ya saa tatu What is your denomination? Dini yako ni gani? I went to confession Nilienda kitubio Where do you pray? Unaomba wapi? Where is the nearest mosque? Iko wapi msikiti uliokaribu? Where is the nearest catholic church? Iko wapi kanisa la katoliki iliyo karibu? I want to go to the temple? Nataka kuenda sinagogi/hekalu/kanisa I am a protestant. Mimi ni protestanti. Did you hear the sermon? Uliskia maubiri. Conversational Phrases 199 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Jesus is my Lord Yesu ni bwana wangu God is Lord Mungu ndiye bwana I am a Muslim Mimi ni mwislamu They are Christians Hao ni wakristo He is a Christian Yeye nu mkristo What is your religion? Dini yako Ni gani? Cathedral (where the bishop sits) Kanisa kuu (anapokaa askofu) Where is the parish house? Wapi nyumba ya mapadri? Where is the nearest church? Wapi kanisa iliyo karibu? When is the English Service? Ibada ya Kiingereza ni saa ngapi? When is mass Misa ni saa ngapi? I want a priest Nataka padri Conversational Phrases 200 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Common Religions The following are the names of basic religions Christianity Catholic Protestant Muslim Atheist Anglican Satanism Open Religion Coptic church Waamini Msahafu Mungu Mwislamu Myahudi Pasaka Ramadhani Ukristo Mkatoliki Mprostentanti Mwislamu kafiri kianglikana Ushetani Dini ya wote kanisa la Kikopti Faithful/believers Koran God Mohammedan, Moslem, Muslim, Mussulman, Mohammedan, Moslem, Muslim Hebrew, Jew, Jew Easter Ramadan ‫ ق‬Religious Symbols Saints Hail Mary Holy father Our father Act of faith Creed Blessings Catechism Hymn Statue Rosary Cross Watakatifu Salamu Maria Padri Takatifu Baba yetu Sala ya Imani Nasadiki Baraka Katekismu Wimbotute Sanamu Rosari Msalaba Conversational Phrases 201 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Spiritual Beings God Satan Devil Angels Faithful Pastor Priest Mass Server/Alter Boy Spirits Heaven Padradise Sin Salvation Punishment Ghost canons Evil spirit mungu shetani ibilisi malaika mwamini pasta padre motto misa msafu mbinguni paradiso dhambi uokovu hukumu mzuka msafu/misafu kibwengo ¥ Religious Institutions The following are some religious and words used to describe institutions and religions? Church Mosque Temple Shrine Synagogue Muslim Person Christian Person Faithful Faith Religion Church Synagogue Sermon Kanisa Msikiti Hekalu Maziara Sinagogi Mwislamu (Waislamu) Mkristo (Wakristo) Muumini Imani Dini Kanisa Sinagogi Hubiri ‫ ق‬Religious Celebrations The following are religious celebrations Conversational Phrases 202 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Advent Christmas/Noel Easter Ascension Pentecost Assumption Holy Thursday Good Friday Easter Sunday Palm Sunday Ash Wednesday Majilio Krismasi/noeli Pasaka Kupaa kwa bwana Pentekosti Kupalizwa binguni kwa bikira maria Alhamisi kuu Ijumaa kuu/njema Jumapili ya pasaka Jumapili ya matawi Jumatano ya jivu Conversational Phrases 203 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Spiritual Leaders Below are conversations about people in the church and spiritual leaders. Ulisikiza maubiri ya padre Ojijo? Did you hear the sermon of father Ojijo? Dadangu Maryanne ni sista kanisani My sister Maryanne is a sister in the church God created the earth in six days Mungu aliumba dunia kwa siku sita Sitaki Bibilia. Nataka Msumaa. I do not want a bibl. I want a candle. Hiyo ni Koran. That is a Koran. Jesus is Gods Son Yesu ni Mwana wa mungu Nataka kuenda binguni I want to go to heaven How is paradise? Paradiso ikoje? Wanadamu ni wenye dhambi Human kind is sinfu Huu ni msalaba This is a cross Below are basic names of religious leaders accross religions. Spiritual leader Pastor priest Sheikh Bishop kiongozi wa dini mchungaji padri sheik askofu Below are basic terms about religions. Bible bibilia Conversational Phrases 204 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Devil Jesus Prayer Hell Confirmation Stations of the cross Crucifix Miracle Blessed Saint Conception Heaven Faith Purgatory Sin Apostle Disciple Our father Hail Mary shetani yesu ombi jehanamu ushahidi kituo cha msalaba msalaba muujiza barikiwa mtakatifu mimba bingu imani tohara dhambi mtume mwanafunzi baba yetu maria mtakatifu Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson eighteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 19. Conversational Phrases 205 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo PART THREE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS LESSON 19: GOVERNMENT & EXECUTIVE This is lesson nineteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson will teach me about the organization and function of various government structures and agencies which are part of the executive arm of government. ¥ Government A Government is the agency through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members or subjects. In many countries the term "government" connotes only the executive branch. ‫ ق‬Types of Governments There are various forms of government, depending on how they get into power and how they relate with the citizens. Below are basic conversational phrases concerning government types? What type of government rules your country? Ni serikali aina gani inatawala nchi yenu? We are an authoritarian state Serikali yetu ni ya amri. We are a democratic country. Nchi yetu ni ya demokrasia. Their country is ruled by a monarchy. Nchi yao inatawalwa na ufalme. Your president is a dictator. Rais wenu ni dikteta. The government is a theocracy. Serikali ya kidini. Their government is not constitutional Serikali yao si ya kikatiba. Those are internal affairs Hayo ni mambo za kindani Conversational Phrases 206 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo These are external affairs/foreign affairs Haya ni mambo za nje /kigeni We are ruled by a military dictatorship Tuna tawalwa na dikteta ya ami The following are basic vocabulary when referring to types of governments Dictatorship Democracy Constitutional Republic Union Country State/Nation Government Democracy King Nation People Socialist State dikteta Demokrasia Kikatiba Jumuhuri Jumuia Nchi Taifa Serikali Jamhuri Maliki Taifa Umma Jamhuri Ya Kisoshalisti ‫ ق‬Systems of Governments Otokrasia Autocracy A system of government in which supreme political power to direct all the activities of the state is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject to neither external legal restraints nor regularized mechanisms of popular control (except perhaps for the implicit threat of coup d'etat or mass insurrection). Usharifu Aristocracy A form of government in which the state is effectively controlled by the members of A privileged social class whose members possess disproportionately large shares of a society's wealth, social prestige, educational attainment and political influence,. Komunisti Communism Severe government interference in economics. Centralized planning by the government, ONE PARTY rule. Demokrasia Democracy A governmental system in which the power of the people is normally exercised only indirectly, through freely elected representatives who are supposed to make government decisions according to the popular will, or at least according to the supposed values and interests of the Conversational Phrases 207 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kidikteta Dictatorship Kimarsia Marxism Malka Monarchy Malka Oligarchy Jamuhuri Republic Kisosialisti Socialism Umungu Theocracy population. Government by a single person (or group) whose discretion in using the powers and resources of the state is unrestrained by any fixed legal or constitutional rules and who is (are) in no effective way held responsible to the general population or their elected representatives. The theory of government that advocates the "workers" (Proletariats and petite-bourgeoisie) to rise up and overthrow businesses and government and take control themselves. Marxism advocates a classless society in which everything is shared and owned by all. It follows the mandates of a Direct Democracy in which the mob or general population rules and allocates resources based upon the will of the majority with equal consideration given to all without exclusions or privileges to any. A government that has a single person who is generally considered the ruler by the title and birthright. Titles include: Czar, King, Queen, Emperor, Caesar, etc... Any system of government in which virtually all political power is held by a very small number of wealthy but otherwise unmeritorious people who shape public policy primarily to benefit themselves financially through direct subsidies to their commercial interests.. A form of government (a.k.a. “representative democracy”) in which ultimate political power is theoretically vested in the people but in which popular control is exercised only intermittently and indirectly through the popular election of government officials and/or delegates to a legislative assembly rather than directly through frequent mass assemblies or legislation by referendum. Limited government interference in business activity, (as opposed to communism) but more than in capitalism. In other words, people vote for a particular party and the party elects the leaders of the country. A government which claims to be immediately directed by God, and divinely blessed. There is no legal separation between church and state, and citizens of other faiths are often excluded or hampered from participation or expelled. Because a theocracy is exclusionary, it can never be a democracy which requires inclusion without exception of all equally. It cannot be a republic because a republic requires the separation of church and state and equal rights to all. Conversational Phrases 208 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Executive ‫ ق‬Officials of Government Below is a basic conversation about officials of government. Who is your president? Rais wenu ni nani? He is in chanrge of national affairs Yeye ni msimamizi wa mambo ya nitaifa He is government spokesman Yeye ni mwongezi wa serikali Those are public affairs Hayo ni mambo ya umma Public and private sector sekta za umma na binafsi Do you have a vice president? Mko na makamu wa rais? How many ministers do you have? Mko na waziri wangapi? Do your ministers have assistant ministers? Waziri wenu wako na mawaziri wasaidizi? Who is the secretary to the cabinet? Nani ni katibu ya barala la mawaziri? What is the work of your president? Nini kazi ya rais wenu? He is the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Yeye ni mkuu wa taifa na amri jeshi mkuu ya jeshi. The following is a list of references for senior government officials Minister President Vice President Assistant Minister Waziri Rais Makamu Wa Rais Waziri Msaidizi Conversational Phrases 209 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Cabinet Prime Minister Chairman Secretary National secretary Organising secretary Members Baraza La Mawaziri Waziri Mkuu Mwenyekiti Mratibu /katibu Katibu/mratibu wa kitaifa Mratibu/katibu mtendaji Wanachama ‫ ق‬Cabinet (Ministries & Ministers) The following are phrases for identifying the various ministries and ministers under whose portfolio they fall. Ministry of education Wizara ya elimu Institute of administration Taasisi ya utawala Minister for health Waziri wa Afya Deputy Minister for finance Naibu wa waziri wa wizara ya fedha The table below shows some names of most common ministries Minister For Education And Vocational Training Ministry Of Labour Ministry Of Education Ministry Of Health Board Institute Waziri Wa Elimu Na Mafunzo Ya Amali Wizara Ya Kazi Wizara Ya Elimu Wizara Ya Afya Halmahsauri Taasisi ‫ ق‬Administration Here are some phrases in relation to administration. Ni jukumu la serikali kukuza afya. It is the role of the government to promote health. Conversational Phrases 210 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ni wajibu wa rais kuimarisha uhusiano ya kimataifa. It is the responsibility of the president to strengthen international relations. Uongozi wake ulipigana na matatizo mbalimbali ya mijini moja baada ya jingine. His administration attacked several urban problems at one time. Wote watatu wameahidi kutoa mwongozo. All three have offered leadership. Kupuuza utaratibu. To ignore the program/procedure. Wafanyikazi wa serikali wanakula rushwa. The government employees are corrupt. Hiyo ni Shirikisho la Mataifa. That is the League of Nations. Hatuna serikali za mitaa. We do not have local governments. Serikali yake imeendeza ustawi wa jamii. His government has promoted stability of the society. Utetereka kwa uchumi kunasababisha uharibifu wa mazingira Economic degradation begets environmental degradation Below are terms used in administration. Region Province Regional commissioner Provincial commissioner District District commissioner Jimbo Mkoa Mkuu wa jimbo Mkuu wa mkoa Wilaya Mkuu wa wilaya ¥ Countries, Nationalities & Citizenship The following are some basic conversational phrases for referring to countries, nationalies and citizenship. Unatoka wapi, bibi? Where do you come from, Madam? Ninatoka Dar es Salaam. Conversational Phrases 211 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I come from Dar es Salaam. Anatoka wapi? Where does he/she come from? Anatoka Uganda. S/he comes from Uganda. Tunatoka Ulaya. We come from Europe. Mnatoka Ujerumani. You (pl.) come from Germany. Wanatoka Uchina. They come from China. Unatoka urusi? You come from Russia? Ndio. Natoka urusi. Yes. I come from Russia. Wewe si Mmarekani? You're not American? Ndiyo, mimi si Mmarekani. That's right, I'm not American. Mimi ni Mfaransa. I am French. ‫ ق‬Countries and Nationalities The following are the names of various countries and nationalities. Country /English Country/Kiswahili National/English National/Kiswahili China France UK, Britain Uchina Ufaransa Uingereza Chinese French British Germany Ujerumani German Portugal Ureno Portuguese Mchina/(Wachina) Mfaransa Mwingereza (Waingereza) Mjerumani (Wajerumani) Mreno/wareno Conversational Phrases 212 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Russia Egypt Mozambique Urusi Misri Msumbiji Russian Egyptian Mozambiquean Mrusi/(Warusi) Mmisri Msimbiji Kenya India Europe Tanzania America Uganda Kenya Barahindi Ulaya Tanzania Merikani Kenyan Indian European person Tanzanian American Uganda Ugandan Mkenya (Wakenya) Mhindi/(Wahindi) Mzungu (Wazungu) Mtanzania (Watanzania) Mmarekani (Wamarekani) Mganda (Waganda) ‫ ق‬Registering Online Registering means kujiandikisha. The following is a basic form’s content when registering online. Names First, Middle, Family Address Village Town Area Telephone Work Home Mobile Fax Majina: Kwanza, Kati, Ukoo Anuani: Mtaa Mji Jimbo Simu: Kazini Nyumbani Mkononi Nukushi ‫ ق‬International Affairs Below are some basic conversations about intergovernmental relations and diplomacy. Mazungumzo huenda yakasambaratika The talks might stall Kuimarika kwa uhusiano Improvement in relations Balozi Wa Tanzania Nchini Italy Ambassador of Tanzania to Italy Serikali Ya Marekani Conversational Phrases 213 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo American government Balozi Wa Marekani Nchini Tanzania, American ambassador to Tanzania Shirika La Mpango Wa Maendeleo La Umoja Wa Mataifa United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Shirika la maendeleo ya kimataifa ua uongereza Department of international development of United Kingdom Mratibu Wa Shughuli Za Umoja Wa Mataifa (Un) Secretary to UN Programs Mwakilishi Mkaazi Resident Representative Balozi Wa Afrika Ya Kusini Amabasador for South Africa Economic activities Shughuli za kiuchumi He is the national secretary Yeye ndiye mratibu wa kitaifa Afrika Kusini Itaendelea Kuimarisha Uhusiano Na Udugu Wake Na Zanzibar South Africa will continue to improve her relations and brotherhood with Zanzibar Milango ya mazungumzo ipo wazi. Door for negotiations is open Uhuru wa kila Taifa Sovereignty of every nation This is the relevant/responsible authority Hii ndiyo mamlaka husika To advise the government Kushauri serikali Below are words used in conversations about inter government relations and international issues. Cooperation Economy Foreign affairs Ushirikiano Uchumi Mambo za nje Conversational Phrases 214 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Agreement United nations Official government negotiations Three day official visit Guard of honour Signing agreement African union European union East African community Organization of American states International court of justice Peace keeping Ambassadors embassy Representative Programs Makubaliano Umoja wa kimataifa Mazungumzo rasmi ya kiserikali Ziara rasmi ya siku tatu gwaride la heshima Kutiwa saini kwa mikataba ya kiitifaki Muungano wa kiafrica Jumuiya ya ulaya Shirika la Africa Mashariki Jumuia ya nchi za america Koti ya kimataifa Kuweka amani Mabalozi Ubalozi mwakilishi Shughuli Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson nineteen of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 20. Conversational Phrases 215 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 20: LEGISLATURE & POLITICS This is lesson twenty of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about politics and about the legislature, or Parliament and the business carried out therein. ¥ Parliament Parliament is an elected assembly, responsible for passing legislation. Parliament is called Bunge in Kiswahili. The following is basic conversation about parliament, and in parliament. There is debate in parliament Kuna hija karika bunge Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to contribute to the debate Mheshimiwa Spika, naomba kutoa hoja The chairman of the committee on constitution, law and administration Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Katiba, Sheria na Utawala The death sentence is in section five of the constitution Hukumu la kifo iko katika kufungu cha tano cha katiba The following are vocabularies of parliament conversations. Parliament Committee Committee member Investigations Debate Bill Motion Debate Statute/Legislation Law Bye Law Policy Artice Council Commitee Commission Member Membership Manifesto Bunge Kamati Mwana kamati Uchunguzi Hoja Bili Azimio Majadiliano Sheria Sheria Kanuni Kanuni Fungu Halmashauri Kamati Tume Mwnachama Uanachama Idhani ya chama tawala Conversational Phrases 216 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬People in Parliament The following is a list of people in parliament Speaker Deputy speaker Member of parliament Honourable Prime minister President Vice president Deputy prime minister Leader of opposition Minister Shadow minister Spika Naibu spika Mbunge Mheshimiwa Waziri mkuu Rais Makamu rais Naibu wa waziri mkuu Mkuu wa upinzani Waziri Waziri Kivuli ¥ Politics Politics is siasa in Kiswahili. It the entire process of accessing power so as to control the use and distribution of resources in a country, or organization. The following is common conversation during discussions on politics and elections. Hili ni daftari la wapiga kura This is voters register vitambulisho vya Ukaazi residence permit Wameanza zoezi la uandikishaji They have started the voter registration exercise wanatumia teknolojia ya kileo They are using latest technology hatua kisiasa, kiuchumi na kijamii. Political, economical and social steps Chama kimeregeza msimamo wake The party has changed its position alipingwa hadharani He was refuted publicly wanachama walikuwa na jazba na hasira kubwa. The party members had anger and hatred Conversational Phrases 217 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo wajumbe wa baraza la wawakilishi Delegates of the council of representatives tume ya uchaguzi Electoral commission daftari la kupigia kura Elections register waandishi wa habari News editors News report Taarifa ya habari Ukumbi wa habari News station Kamati ya kuchunguza Committee to investigate Waziri wa Nchi Afisi ya Makamo wa Rais. Minister of state in the office of the vice president Baba wa taifa Father of the nation Mkutano wa hadara Public meeting Akihutubia wananchi As he was addressing the citizens hafla ya kukabidhi nguzo za umeme Ceremony to give electricity poles kusambaza huduma To provide services wamekuwa wakitoa ahadi, lakini baadaye hushindwa kuzitekeleza They give promise, but later cannot fulfil them Kamati ya kuchunguza viongozi Committee to investigate leaders kwenda kinyume na maadili ya Chama going against the ideals of the party Conversational Phrases 218 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo mjadala wa masuala ya maendeleo Discussion of issues of development kufanya tathmini ya kazi ya usajili wa vitambulisho to analyse the work of registration of identification documents The following are basic terms used in politics Politics Ministry Opposition Parliament Consitution Democracy Meeting Call a meeting Election Vote Ruling party National executive National committee Member of parliament elect Declaration National office Resign Councillor Membership card Pay annual fee Resolutions Carry out resolutions Count votes Union Declare winner Federation siasa Wizara Upinzani Bunge Katiba Demokrasia Mkutano Ita mkutano Uchaguzi kura Chama kinachotowala Halmahsauri yataifa Kamati ya taifa Mbunge aliyechaguliwa Azimio Ofisi kuu/ya taifa Uzulu Diwani Kadi ya uanachama Lipa ada ya mwaka Maazimio kutekeleza mamizo Hesabu kura Muungano Tangaza mshindi Shirikisho ‫ ق‬Political Party Officials The following si a list of names of various party officials. National Chairman Organizing secretary Deputy chairman of the party Commissioner for elections Secretary for Mwenye kiti wa kitaifa Hakimu mtendaji Makamu Mwenyekiti wa Chama Mkurugenzi wa Uchaguzi wa chama Katibu wa Intifada na Uenezi Conversational Phrases 219 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Founder of the party Accountant Secretary Treasurer Mwasisi wa Chama Mhasibu Katibu/mhandishi Mweka fedha ‫ ق‬Elections The following are conversational phrases I might find useful around election time. I'd like to register to vote. Ningependa kujisajili kupiga kura I'm on the electoral registry. Niko katika daftari ya orodha ya wapiga kura I haven't had my poll card, yet. Sijapata kadi yangu ya kupiga kura Where is the polling station? Stesheni ya kupiga kura iko wapi? Have you voted, yet? Umepiga kura lakini? Are you going to vote? Unaenda kupiga kura? Which party are you voting for? Unapigia kura chama gani? Who are you going to vote for? Utapigia nani kura? Who got the most votes? Nani alipata kura nyingi? Are you coming to vote? Unakuja kupiga kura? The polling station will be closing in an hour. Stesheni ya kupiga kura itafungwa ifikapo saa moja It does not matter who I vote for, we always end up worse off. Haijalishi nani tunampigia kura, tunashinda vibaya zaidi Conversational Phrases 220 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo They're all as bad as each other. Wote ni wabaya sawa Well don't complain to me if I don't like the policies of whoever wins. Basi usilalamike/usinune kama hutapenda sera/busara za atakaye shinda I don't think anyone will win. Sitarajii yeyote kushinda I guess they'll be right. Nadhani watakuwa vema Some people are poor Watu fulani/wengine ni maskini He spoke with gratitude Aliongea kwa moyo mkunjufu We voted recently Tulipiga kura hivi majuzi They will vote next week Watapiga kura wiki ijayo The president elect will be sworn in today. Rais mteuliwa ataapishwa Leo He will promote efforts for peace Ataedeleza juhudi za amani The following are vocabularies and things I might see around election time Voting register Electoral registry. poll card polling station Ink party Candidate Nomination Referendum Re-call vote Run-off vote policies Winner Kupiga kura Sajili Orodha ya wapiga kura Kadi ya kupiga kura Stesheni ya kupiga kura wino Chama mgombea Kuteuliwa Kura ya maoni Kura ya kuita Kura ya Sera Mshindi Conversational Phrases 221 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Loser Election Society Union Ballot Paper(S) Pamphlet(S) Poster(S) Politician(S) Vote(S) Voting Booth(S) Voters register residence permit Aliyeshindwa Uchaguzi Jamii Chama Karatasi za kura Kijitabu/ kabrasha Bango Mwanasiasa Kura Chumba cha kupiga kura daftari la wapiga kura vitambulisho vya Ukaazi The following are words I might see or hear during an election Block Vote Kura ya Jumla By-Election Uchaguzi mdogo Campaign (N) kampeni Candidate (N) Coalition (N) mgombea Constituent (N) Constituency (N) Debate (N) Debate (V) Deposit (N) Mwakilishwa Elect (V) chagua Election (N) uchaguzi muungano jimbo jadala jadili Electorate wachaguzi (N) General Uchaguzi mkuu Election Government Sirikali A way of voting in which your vote represents other members of your organization, especially at trade union meetings. A special election, held between regular elections, when an area votes. A by-election can be 'called' if an existing M.P. dies or retires. In an election a campaign is A political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to win the vote of the electorate. Often called a 'political campaign' or an 'election campaign'. The person who is running in an election. If there's no outright winner in an election a government can be formed in which several parties cooperate. A citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes; Each of the electoral areas or divisions in the UK which elect one or more members to parliament. A formal discussion of the merits of something. To argue for and against something. The sum of money that a candidate must pay in return for the right to stand in British parliamentary elections. The act of voting to select the winner of a political office. The formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. The people who are eligible to vote in an election. An election held for a nation's primary legislative body. The political body with the power to make and/or Conversational Phrases 222 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo House Of Commons House Of Lords Independent Leader Local Election Mp Member Of Parliament Opposition Party Policy Political Politician Politics Pm Prime Minister Proxy Vote Rhetoric Run Spin Veto Nyumba ya chini Nyumba ya juu enforce laws for a country, The lower house of the British parliament. The upper house of the British parliament. huria kiongozi A candidate who is not controlled by a political party. The person a person who runs a political party. (Margaret Thatcher was the leader of the Conservatives). Uchaguzi ya County, unitary authority, borough, district, city, town kienyeji or parish elections. Abbreviation of Member of Parliament. Mbunge The person who represents their constituency in the House of Commons. Upinzani The major political party opposed to the party in office and prepared to replace it if elected. kundi An organization formed to gain political power. Sera A deliberate act of government that in some way alters or influences the society or economy outside the government. Kisiasa Related to politics. Mwanasiasa A person active in politics. Siasa The process by which groups of people make decisions. Abbreviation of Prime Minister. Waziri mkuu The person who holds the position of head of the government. Kura ya The delegation of someone to vote on someone else's behalf. kupigiwa Balagha/usemaji The art of using language as a means to persuade someone to your way of thinking. Kimbia To campaign to stand for a political position. Sokota/suka To present the facts in such a way as to sway public opinion. A vote that blocks a decision. ‫ ق‬Conversation Questions about Politics & Government How are government officials chosen in your country? Maofisa wa serikali wanachaguliwa vipi nchini yenu? How interested are you in politics? Unapendezwa ka siasa kiasi gani? What is the most important political issue right now? Jambo muhimu zaidi la kisiasa ni gani saa hii? Do you think the election was fair? Conversational Phrases 223 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Unafikiri uchaguzi ulikuwa sawa? What do you think of American politics? Unafikiria nini kuhusu siasa za America? Have you ever been to a political demonstration or rally? Umeenda katika maandamano ya kisiasa? What can governments do about poverty? Serikali inaweza kufanya nini kuhusu ukuta/umasikini? Which politician do you admire? Ni mwanasiasa yupi unapendezwa naye? What do you think of President Barrack Obama? Unafikiria nini kuhusu rais Barak Obama? Why do you think there aren't more women in politics? Unafikiria mbona hakuna wanawake wengi katika siasa? To increase period in power kuongezewa muda wa kukaa madarakani Following unstable condition kutokana na hali tete iliyopo Ideological differences Kutofautiana kiitikadi Wanawake hatuhitaji tena viti maalumu As women, we do not need again special seats Baraza la Mapinduzi Revolutionary council Umoja, mshikamano na maelewano Unity, togetherness and understanding Amani, upendo na umoja Peace love and unity Aliyekuwa mgombea wa urais wa Zanzibar He was a presidential contender Ripoti za utafiti zilizotolewa na Kampuni ya Synovate Research report by the synovate company Imempa nafasi kubwa ya uongozi katika uchaguzi mkuu Conversational Phrases 224 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Has given him a large margin of leading in the general elections hawakubaliani na utafiti huo. They do not agree with that report The following are words I am likely to hear in the context of political discussions. Secretary general of the party Religious leaders Unity government Referendum Policies and rules of the party Chairman of revolutionary council Promoting understanding Leaders Political differences Chairman of election commission Term Advise Opposition parties Delegates at the convention General elections Institute of political science and research Two day convention Special seats Party ticket Katibu mkuu wa chama Viongozi wa dini Serikali ya umoja wa kitaifa Kura ya maoni Sera na ilani ya chama Mwenyekiti wa baraza la mapinduzi Kuendeleza maridhiano Viongozi Tofauti za kisiasa Mkurugenzi wa tume ya uchaguzi Kipindi Ushauri Vyama vya upinzani Washiriki wa kongamano Uchaguzi mkuu Taasisi ya sayansi na utafiti wa siasa Kongamano la siku mbili Viti maalumu Tiketi ya chama Vizuri! Good That is the end of lesson 20 of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 21. Conversational Phrases 225 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 21: LAW, JUSTICE & JUDICIARY This is lesson twenty-one of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson is about the institutions and people working in the law, justice and order system. I will learn how to converse in court, in the police station and how to talk about the judicial institutions. ¥ Law & Legal Process ‫ ق‬Common Offences Kosa La Jinai Kuiba Kubaka Uizi Wa Mabafu Treason Theft Rape Armed Robbery The following are terms used in the administration of justice ¥ Judicial Institutions The following are the institutions in charge of law, order and justice. Kwa mujibu wa sheria Under the law He is giving his testinony Anatoa ushududa He is a witness Yeye ni mshududia He is a generous judge Yeye ni jaji mkarimu Please explain further Tafadhali angazia zaidi The accused was informed Mshtakiwa aliharifiwa This is the national committee on justice and constitutional ffairs Conversational Phrases 226 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Hii ni kamati ya kitaifa ya maswala ya haki na kikatiba The chapter of the constitution Kipengele cha katiba Organisation Of Government Muundo Ya Serikali Commission for constitutional change Tume ya mabadiliko ya katiba Government department Taasisi ya serikali The courts has been given new responsibilities Koti hiyo imepewa wajibu mpya This is a draft constitution Hii ni rasimu ya katiba He needs a lawyer Anahitaji wakili The following are judicial institutions Magistrates Court High Court Court of Appeal Supreme Court Police Station Police Cell Prison Court Koti ya hakimu, kadhi, akida Koti ya juu Koti ya rufaa Koti ya Stesheni ya polisi Shina ya polisi Gereza Koti ‫ ق‬People in the Justice Institutions Minister for justice and constitutional affairs Waziri wa haki na mabo ya katiba Chef justice Jaji mkuu Deputy chief justice Makamu jaji mkuu Justices majaji Judges majaji Magistrates Hakimu, kadhi, akida Attorney general Mkuu wa sheria Conversational Phrases 227 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Advocates Lawyers Para legals Court clerks Policemen Prison officers Prisoners Commissioner of prisons Mteteaji/wakili Wakili Wana sharia karani wa koti Polisi Afisa wa magereza Mfungwa Mkuu wa magereza ‫ ق‬Activities in the Justice System Justice Judgment Remand Arrest Appeal Fairness Human rights Right Haki Hukumu rimende Kushikwa Kata rufani Haki Haki za kibina damu Haki ¥ At the Court These are the conversational phrases that are in court. When will the court session start? Koti itaanza saa ngapi? Where is the accused? Mshukiwa yuko wapi? That is the judge? Yule ndio jaji. That is my lawyer Huyo ni wakili wangu. What crime did he commit? Alifanya kosa gani? The court is in session Koti inaendelea Conversational Phrases 228 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo All rise Nyote simameni I am sentenced to seven years Unahukumiwa miaka saba Una swali la kusema Do you have something to say? Uko na wakili Do you have a lawyer? He has been sentenced to life improsonment Amehukumiwa kifungo cha maisha He has been sentenced to death sentence Amehukumiwa kunyongwa Below are basic vocabularies that are used within the courts. Court Crime Punishment Confession Mahakama Hatia Adhibu Kitubio Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-one of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 22. LESSON 22: ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT This is lesson twenty-two of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn economic phrases and common words used in economics and development field. ¥ Economic Theories & Institutions ‫ ق‬Macroeconomics Below are basic conversations about the economy: Conversational Phrases 229 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Fignting diseases is a challenge Kupambana na magonjwa ni chamgamoto Little by little, we're seeding the area with green collar jobs -- then the people that have both a financial and personal stake in their environment. Kidogo kidogo, tunapandikiza mbegu za mafanikio katika maeneo yetu kwa ajili ya kazi nzuri - halafu watu watakuwa na maamuzi ya kifedha na binafsi kuhusu mazingira yao. Plans to treat sewage Mipango ya kusafisha maji taka This policy is not a new issue Hii sera si swala geni And that shores up our economy, makes it stable. Hii inasaidia kutuliza uchumi wetu, kuufanya uwe imara. We need to do it for our own economy. Tunahitaji kufanya hili kwa ajili ya uchumi wetu wenyewe. He's abundant here in America, and he helps our economy grow. Anapatikana kwa wingi hapa Marekani, Na anasaidia uchumi wetu kukua. And we could hardly even pay anything, any salaries, in the economy. Na tulikuwa tunashindwa kulipia chochote, hata mishahara, katika uchumi. Of course it's a logarithmic scale here, but our concept of economy is growth with percent. Naam, hiki ni kipimo cha logarithm, lakini dhana yetu ya uchumi ni kukua kwa asilimia. Video: Narrator: America is in crisis -- the economy, national security, the climate crisis. Marekani ipo katika mzozo, uchumi, Usalama wa taifa, mzozo wa tabia nchi. East Europe: Soviet economy for a long time, but they come out after 10 years very, very differently. Ulaya Mashariki: Uchumi wa Kisovieti muda mrefu, lakini waliweza kujikwamua baada ya miaka kumi kwa utofauti sana. So all the changes and reforms we were able to make have shown up in results that are measurable in the economy. Kwa hiyo mabadiliko yote tuliyoweza kufanya yameweza kuonekana kwa vitendo ambavyo vinaweza kuonekana katika uchumi. This is the GDP per capita. And it's a new technology coming in, but then amazingly, how well it fits to the economy of the countries. Conversational Phrases 230 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Hii ni GDP per capita Na ni teknolojia mpya inayokuja, lakini cha kushangaza, ni namna ambavyo inashabihiana na hali ya uchumi wa nchi. We need a worldwide, global mobilization for renewable energy, conservation, efficiency and a global transition to a low-carbon economy. Tunahitaji uhamasishaji wa dunia nzima kwa nishati mbadala, utunzaji mazingira, ufanisi na dunia ya mapito kuelekea uchumi wa kaboni pungufu. And in the '80s now, they give up communist planning and they go for market economy, and it moves faster even than social life. Na miaka ya 80 sasa, waliacha mpango wa kikomunisti na wakaingia kwenye uchumi wa soko huria, na inaenda haraka hata zaidi ya maisha ya jamii. We need productive uses of resources Tunahitaji matumishi endelevu ya rasilimali And this is to illustrate to you that once you get the macro-economy straightened out, the opportunities in various other sectors are enormous. Na hii ni kuwaonyesha kwamba uchumi wako unaporekebishika, fursa katika sekta nyingine zipo nyingi. Our exchange rate that used to fluctuate all the time is now fairly stable and being managed so that business people have a predictability of prices in the economy. Thamani ya fedha yetu ilikuwa ikibadilika kila mara kwa sasa ipo angalau imara na kusimamiwa, ili wafanyabiashara wawe na uhakika wa bei katika uchumi. These countries are lifting more than the economy and will be very interesting to follow this over the year, as I would like you to be able to do with all the publicly funded data. Au sio? Nchi hizi zinanyanyuka zaidi ya uchumi na itakuwa ni ya kufurahisha kufuatilia hii kwa miaka ijayo, na kama ambavyo ningependa muweze kufanya kwa kutumia takwimu zilizogharamiwa na umma. Before we used to just budget on whatever oil we bring in, because oil is the biggest, most revenue-earning sector in the economy: 70 percent of our revenues come from oil. Zamani tulikuwa tumezoea kubajeti kutokana na kipato ambacho tulikipata kutokana na mafuta, kwasababu mafuta ndiyo sekta kuu ya mapato katika uchumi: asilimia 70 ya mapato yetu yanatokana na mafuta. Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that addresses issues affecting an entire economy, including: Unemployment Kukosa ajira Inflation Kuvimba/kupanda kwa bei Economic growth Kukuwa kwa uchumi Conversational Phrases 231 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Monetary policy Fiscal policy. Government debt Budget deficit Gdp Labour Capital. Black market Deflation Sera za pesa Sera za uchumi Deni ya serikali Kasoro/upungufu/nakisi/ hasara ya bajeti Jumla ya kukuwa kwa uchumi Ajira Uchumi Ulanguzi Upungufu wa bei za bidhaa ‫ ق‬Economic Theories and Institutions The following are basic phrases in economic and development Tunatafautiana katika siasa lakini hatutafautiani katika maendeleo We differ in politics but in development issues Hatua za uendelezaji wa miradi ya maendeleo Progress of continuing with development programs Principal means of production Njia kuu ya kuzalihsa The economic status of the nation the year 2007 Hali ya Uchumi wa Taifa katika mwaka 2007 Budget and development plan of 2008/2009 Bajeti na Mpango wa Maendeleo wa mwaka 2008/2009 Ministry for finance and economy Waziri wa Fedha na Uchumi Small quantity of money that was put aside Kiasi kidogo cha fedha kilichotengwa. Human resource skills elimu ya ujasiriamali Lack of bank branches kukosekana kwa matawi ya Benki First phase awamu ya kwanza Using national networks kutumia mitandao ya kimataifa Conversational Phrases 232 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Investors in big industries wawekezaji wenye viwanda vikubwa Giving education to small scale entrepreneurs to be able to grow their businesses. Kutoa mafunzo kwa wajasiriamali wadogo ili waweze kukuza Biashara zao. The following are vocabularies used when talking about economy generally Policy Proposals Capitalism Communism Feudalism Imperialism Capitalist Communist Sera Mapendekezo Ubepari Ukomunisti/ujamaa Ukabaila Ubeberu Bepari Mkomunisti Conversational Phrases 233 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Monetary/Financial Institutions Financial institutions serve various purposes. Depository institutions (banks, savings and loans [S&Ls], and credit unions) transform liquid liabilities (checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit that can be cashed in prior to maturity) into relatively illiquid assets, such as home mortgages, car loans, loans to finance business inventories and accounts receivable, and credit card balances. Depository institutions also operate the payments system where bank balances are shifted between parties through checks, wire transfers, and credit and debit card transactions. Muungano wa kukopesha Credit Union Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies, or SACCOS Banks Benki Regulatory institutions, in set fiscal policies and regulates banking sector and financial institutions sector. Central banks Ministry of finance and planning, Capital market authorities Stock exchanges Investment authorities Stockbrokers Investment bank Banki kuu Wizara ya fedha na upangaji halmashauri ya soko la hisa Soko la hisa Halmahsauri ya kutega mali Muuza hisa Benki ya kutega uchumi Insurance companies fall into two broad categories--life and health insurers, whose policies provide financial protection against death, disability, and medical bills; and property and casualty insurers, whose policies protect policyholders against losses arising from fire, natural disasters, accidents, fraud, and other calamities. Insurance Life insurance Health insurance Insurance policy Policy holder Bima Bima ya maisha Bima ya Afya Sera ya bima Mshika sera Policy institutions, which are regional or national institutions that set polices on economic development and development issues. They include the regional economic Conversational Phrases 234 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo blocks, and national institutions like economic and policy research institutes. They include EU, European Union, EAC, East African Community Southern Africa Development Corporation, SADC ECOWAS Muungano wa ulaya /Jumuia ya Europa Shirikiso ya Africa mashariki Shirikisho la uchumi la Africa Kusini Shirikiso ya kiuchumi ya Africa magharibi International financial institutions, which are established to fund international development programs. World Bank International Monetary Fund IMF African Development Bank ADB East African Development Bank EADB. Banki ya dunia Benki ya kimataifa Benki ya maendeleo ya Afrika Benki ya maendeleo ya Afrika mashariki ‫ ق‬International Trade International trade is the flow of goods-and-services across international boundaries. Imports Goods Services Foreign sector Domestic economy Foreign trade Exports Balance of Trade Barriers to Trade Nunua (kutoka nchi za nje) Bidhaa Huduma Sekta ya nchi za nje Uchumi ya kinyumbani Biashara ya nchi za kigeni/ nchi za nje Uza (kwa soko za nje) Ziada ya Biashara Vizuizi za Biashara A barrier to trade is a government-imposed restraint on the flow of international goods or services. Tariff Subsidy Embargo Free Trade Division of Labour Foreign Currency (Forex) Capital Flight Kodi faraja Kizuizi Biashara ya wazi Mgawanyo wa leba Fedha za kigeni Kutoroka kwa rasilmali Conversational Phrases 235 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The following are phrases about financialinstitutions: Financial services: we had 89 banks. Huduma za fedha tulikuwa na Benki 89. So in financial services, a great deal of opportunity. Kwa hiyo kwenye huduma za fedha, kuna fursa kubwa zaidi. Little by little, we're seeding the area with green collar jobs -- then the people that have both a financial and personal stake in their environment. Kidogo kidogo, tunapandikiza mbegu za mafanikio katika maeneo yetu kwa ajili ya kazi nzuri - halafu watu watakuwa na maamuzi ya kifedha na binafsi kuhusu mazingira yao. That was after having spent about 20 years together with African institutions studying hunger in Africa, so I was sort of expected to know a little about the world. Hii ilikuwa baada ya takriban miaka 20 ya kufanya kazi pamoja na taasisi mbalimbali za Afrika nikitafiti kuhusu njaa katika Afrika, kwa hiyo nilikuwa natarajiwa niwe najua zaidi kuhusu dunia. trade chuma trade sanaa trade biashara trade chuma trade sanaa trade biashara international kimataifa international kimataifa International System of Units Vipimo sanifu vya kimataifa Conversational Phrases 236 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo International Court of Justice Mahakama Kuu ya Kimataifa Not the International Monetary Fund. Si Shirika la Kimataifa la Fedha. They talk to international donors. kwa sababu hawahitaji kuongea na wananchi wao. That means that there was a place for a professor of international health -- (Laughter) and for my course. Hii ina maana kwamba kulikuwa kuna nafasi ya Profesa wa afya ya ulimwengu -(Kicheko) na kwa kozi yangu. Agriculture, which employs 18 percent of our poverty-stricken citizens, takes only 18 billion. Trade and industry takes 43 billion. Viwanda na biashara vinachukua billioni 43 Ngoja nikuonyeshe ni nini matumizi ya umma matumizi ya usimamizi wa umma yana nini ndani yake? Mauritius was the first country to get away with trade barriers, and they could sell their sugar -- they could sell their textiles -- on equal terms as the people in Europe and North America. Mauritius ilikuwa nchi ya kwanza kuondokana na vikwazo vya biashara, na waliweza kuuza sukari yao. Waliweza kuuza nguo kwa taratibu sawa na watu wa Ulaya na Amerika Kaskazini. Agriculture, which employs 18 percent of our poverty-stricken citizens, takes only 18 billion. Trade and industry takes 43 billion. Viwanda na biashara vinachukua billioni 43 Ngoja nikuonyeshe ni nini matumizi ya umma matumizi ya usimamizi wa umma yana nini ndani yake? ¥ Microeconomics Microeconomics examines the behavior of basic elements in the economy, including individual markets and agents (such as consumers and firms, buyers and sellers). Microeconomics deals with economics decisions made at a low, or micro, level. Competition Market structure Perfect competition Monopoly Oligopoly Entrepreneurship Markets prices ushindani Taratibu/muundo wa soko Ushindani kamili/timilifu/barabara Ushindani wa ummoja Ushindani wa chache Biashara/hoja/shughuli Bei ya soko Conversational Phrases 237 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Producers Profit Wazalishaji Maslahi/faida The following are basic phrases used in conversations about micro economics. Discussions for government budget Majadiliano ya Bajeti ya Serikali. Stable economy uchumi imara Wealth production uzalishaji mali Good investment policies Sera nzuri za uwekezaji. Our economic status is generally acceptable Hali ya uchumi wetu kwa ujumla unaridhisha Our economy grew by 7.1 percent Uchumi wetu ulikua kwa asilimia saba nukta moja Different economic hurdles misukosuko mbalimbali ya kiuchumi. Price fluctuations reached 9 percent the month of March, 2008 Mfumuko wa Bei, Ulisikiza asilimia 9 mwezi Machi 2008, Increase in the price of cereals, petrol oil and other goods from outside kupanda kwa bei ya nafaka, mafuta ya petroli pamoja na bidhaa nyingine kutoka nje. Challenge is to make sure that the growth of economy is sustainable and of high proportions between 8 and ten percent Changamoto ni kuhakikisha kuwa ukuaji wa uchumi ni endelevu na wa viwango vikubwa kati ya asilimia 8 hadi 10. Program to empower the citizens economically Mpango wa Uwezeshaji wa Wananchi Kiuchumi To involve many citizens in economic growth and poverty reduction kuwashirikisha wananchi wengi zaidi katika kukuza uchumi na kuondoa umaskini. Program for citizens to self employ dhana ya wananchi kujiajiri Conversational Phrases 238 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Getting credit kuomba mikopo I request businesspeople Natoa wito kwa wafanyabiashara Investment centre Tanzania Kituo cha Uwekezaji Tanzania Using various strategies, including websites and meetings kutumia mbinu mbalimbali zikiwemo tovuti na mikutano improvement of private sector Uimarishaji wa Sekta Binafsi The government is continuing to partner with private sector Serikali inaendelea kushirikiana na sekta binafsi To enable it to contribute more to the economy kuiwezesha kutoa mchango mkubwa zaidi katika uchumi. To reduce the obstacles that private sector is faced with kupunguza vikwazo ambavyo sekta binafsi inakumbana navyo Lack of enough money for investment ukosefu wa fedha za kutosha za uwekezaji, The government has given security for credit Serikali imetoa udhamini wa mkopo World Bank Benki ya Dunia Institue of private sector, tanzania Taasisi ya Sekta Binafsi Tanzania. National chamber of commerce Baraza la Taifa la Biashara To promote discussions between gouvernent and private sector Kuimarisha majadiliano kati ya Serikali na Sekta Binafsi The greatest constributor to economy mhimili mkuu wa uchumi. National debate Conversational Phrases 239 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mdahalo wa Kitaifa Budget speech Hotuba ya Bajeti To support industries of exports, land, tourism, human resource, financial services, technology and citizens economic empowerment Kukuza Viwanda na Mauzo ya Nje, Ardhi, Utalii, Rasilimali Watu, Huduma za Fedha, Miundombinu na Uwezeshaji wananchi kiuchumi. Government efforts Jitihada za Serikali Certificates of produce in stores Stakabadhi za Macao Ghalani. To promote production groups Kuimarisha vikundi vya wazalishaji, Village financial services program Programu ya Huduma za Kifedha Vijijini ‫ ق‬Economic Systems An economic system is the branch of economics that studies the methods and institutions by which societies determine the ownership, direction, and allocation of economic resources. Here are some basic conversationa phrases on economic systems: Help me fight for environmental and economic justice. Nisaidieni kupigania haki ya mazingira na uchumi. And their approaches to local economic and job development are so lame it's not even funny. Na mtazamo wao katika uchumi na kuendeleza ajira ni dhaifu sana hata si ya kuchekesha. They provide opportunities to be more physically active, as well as local economic development. Inatoa fursa kwa jamii kujishughulisha, pamoja na maendeleo ya uchumi. Al Gore: Finally, the positive alternative meshes with our economic challenge and our national security challenge. Conversational Phrases 240 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Mwisho mbadala chanya Unaoana na changamoto zetu za kiuchumi na changamoto zetu za usalama wa taifa. A study by the Economic Commission for Africa showed a clear trend upwards in governance in 28 African countries. Utafiti uliofanywa na Tume ya Uchumi ya Afrika unaonyesha wazi mwelekeo mzuri wa utawala katika nchi 28 za Afrika. We need modern technology Tunahitaji teklogia ya kisasa Because from a planning perspective, economic degradation begets environmental degradation, which begets social degradation. kwasababu ya mipango, kutetereka kwa uchumi kunasababisha uharibifu wa mazingira, ambao unasababisha mmomonyoko wa jamii. Anyway, the demonstration project is a springboard for our own green roof installation business, bringing jobs and sustainable economic activity to the South Bronx. Hata hivyo, mradi wa mfano ni chanzo cha kuezeka paa zetu za kijani, kuongeza ajira na maendeleo endelevu katika Bronx Kusini. (Kicheko). But what it immediately did was that the volatility that had been present in terms of our economic development -- where, even if oil prices were high, we would grow very fast. Lakini kitu ambacho kilitokea haraka ilikuwa ni mabadiliko ambayo yalikuwepo kwa maendeleo yetu ya uchumi -- ambapo, hata kama bei ya mafuta ingekuwa juu, tungekuwa haraka sana. I thought, these students coming to us actually have the highest grade you can get in Swedish college systems -- so, I thought, maybe they know everything I'm going to teach them about. Nilifikiri wanafunzi hawa kuja kwetu ni lazima wana maksi za juu unazoweza kupata kwenye mfumo wa vyuo vya Sweden -- kwahiyo labda wanajua kila kitu kuhusu nitakachowafundisha. We have the opportunity now to bring together all the stakeholders to re-envision how this 28 acres can be better utilized for parkland, affordable housing and local economic development. Tuna fursa sasa ya kuwaunganisha wadau wote katika kufikiria hizi ekari 28 zinaweza kutumikaje vizuri kwa ajili ya Parkland, nyumba za bei nafuu na maendeleo ya uchumi. Capitalism Socialism Free market Technology Interest Ubepari Ujamaa Soko huru/soko huria Teknologia Riba Conversational Phrases 241 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Conversational Phrases 242 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Economic Sectors & Performance ‫ ق‬Communications /Mawasiliano The following are conversational phrases used when talking about communications Most activities in the communications sector are driven by private sector shughuli nyingi katika Sekta ya Mawasiliano zinaongozwa na Sekta Binafsi mobile phone companies Kampuni za Simu za Mkononi Network services huduma za mitandao Statistics show that clients of mobile phones have increased Takwimu inanyesha kwamba Wateja wa simu za mkononi wameongezeka Technology for broadcastings services were improved Miundombinu ya huduma za utangazaji iliboreshwa To enhance communications stations nationally kuimarisha vituo vya Mawasiliano Nchini To support use of news and communications technology for business, education, health and governance kukuza matumizi ya Teknolojia ya Habari na Mawasiliano kwa ajili ya Biashara, masomo, Afya na utawala. The following are vocabularies used when talking about communications generally Communication Mawasiliano Technology Teknologia Conversational Phrases 243 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Energy /Nishati The following are conversational phrases used when talking about energy Distribution of electricity to citizens Usambazaji wa Umeme kwa wananchi Money for purchase of new machines for electricity generation Fedha za kununua mitambo Mpya ya kuzalisha umeme Electricity generation using diesel oil kuzalisha umeme kwa kutumia mafuta ya dizeli yenye uwezo Fixing electricity lines in town Kuweka nyaya za kusambaza umeme katika mji. Energy sector Sekta ya Nishati Electricity generation plant kituo cha kuzalisha umeme And the public is there, and the Internet is there, but we have still not used it effectively. Na umma uko pale, na mtandao wa Intaneti uko, lakini bado hatujautumia ipasavyo. And Nigeria, with the oil sector, had the reputation of being corrupt and not managing its own public finances well. Na Nigeria, ikiwa na sekta ya mafuta, ilikuwa na sifa ya rushwa na kutosimamia vizuri masuala ya fedha za umma. And that's because most people with decision-making powers, in both the public and the private sector, really don't feel as though they're in danger. Na mara nyingi ni kwa sababu watu wengi wenye uwezo wa kutoa maamuzi, katika sekta za umma na binafsi, hawaoni kama wako kwenye hatari. Wind, sun, a new energy grid. Upepo, jua, nishati mpya ya gridi. We need a worldwide, global mobilization for renewable energy, conservation, efficiency and a global transition to a low-carbon economy. Tunahitaji uhamasishaji wa dunia nzima kwa nishati mbadala, utunzaji mazingira, ufanisi na dunia ya mapito kuelekea uchumi wa kaboni pungufu. Of the 90 percent of the energy that Mr. Gore reminded us that we waste every day, don't add wasting our energy, intelligence and hard-earned experience to that count. Kati ya asilimia 90 ya nguvu tunazopoteza kila siku ambayo Bw. Gore alitukumbusha, hajumuishi kupoteza nguvu zetu, akili na ujuzi wetu mkubwa. Conversational Phrases 244 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The Chinese objected, and so the compromise was "more than 90 percent." Now, the skeptics say, "Oh, wait a minute, this could be variations in this energy coming in from the sun." “Kama hii ni kweli, basi anga za juu zingekuwa za moto sana sawa na anga za chini, iwapo joto zaidi litakuwa linaingia. The following are vocabularies used when talking about energy generally Energy Electricity Nuclear Sector Nishati Umeme Nuklea Sekta ¥ Personal Financial Management Personal financial management relates to the ability to take control of finances. To do this, I need to appreciate the following issues. Now I have money on that axis, and I have the possibility of children to survive there. Sasa nimeweka pesa pale kwenye mhimili, na nina uwezekano wa watoto kusalimika pale. (Laughter) So I don't have a problem with developers making money. (Kicheko). Kwa hiyo sina tatizo na waendelezaji kutengeneza pesa. United Arab Emirate, money which was quite equally and well used. Umoja wa Falme za Kiarabu, pesa ya kutosha ni sawa na ikatumiwa vizuri. They cached all the oil; they got all the money; but health cannot be bought at the supermarket. Walivuna mafuta yote, walipata pesa zote, lakini afya haiwezi kununuliwa dukani. There's no issue with fighting malaria and putting money in that and saving children's lives. Hakuna tatizo katika kupambana na malaria na kuwekeza pesa kwenye hilo na kuokoa maisha ya watoto. money order hawala So, where should we be putting the money? kwa kushika bakuli la kuombea? Because all governments across the world need money to survive. Conversational Phrases 245 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Bono:ni jina la kiireland (vicheko) Bono[haileweki] asante sana. If we can invest in places where you yourselves make money whilst creating jobs and helping people stand on their own feet, isn't that a wonderful opportunity? Kama tunaweza kuwekeza kwenye maeneo ambayo nyinyi wenyewe mnapata faida wakati huo huo mkitengeneza ajira na kuwasaidia watu wasimame wenyewe, hii siyo fursa nzuri? Many landlords believed it was more profitable to torch their buildings and collect insurance money rather than to sell under those conditions -- dead or injured former tenants notwithstanding. Wenye nyumba wengi waliona ni faida zaidi kuchoma moto majengo yao na kupata hela za bima kuliko kuyauza yakiwa katika hali nzuri - bila kujali wapangaji wao kama wamekufa au kujeruhiwa. So if you want to be in Africa, think about investing. Kama wataka kuwa Afrika, fikiria kuhusu kuwekeza mali You have to invest in health. Inabidi uwekeze kwenye afya. Wealth Mali poverty ufukara poverty umaskini Plans to fight poverty in Uganda are mooted, if we do not solve the climate crisis. Mpango wa kupambana na umaskini Uganda utaathiriwa iwapo hatutatatua tatizo la hali ya hewa. 50 percent of our residents live at or below the poverty line. Asilimia 50 ya wakazi wetu wanaishi chini ya mstari wa umaskini. And we have most who lived in absolute poverty were Asians. Na waliokuwa kwenye umaskini mkubwa zaidi ni Waasia. 10 percent the world population, most in poverty. Asilimia 10 ya idadi ya watu duniani, wengi wao wako kwenye umaskini. Here, time to invest; there, you can go for a holiday. Hapa, muda wa kuwekeza, kule, unaweza kwenda kwa mapumziko. And I want to say that some of the best people to invest in on the continent are the women. Conversational Phrases 246 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Na nataka kusema jambo kuhusu watu bora zaidi wa kuwawekezea katika bara hili ni wanawake. If we can invest in places where you yourselves make money whilst creating jobs and helping people stand on their own feet, isn't that a wonderful opportunity? Kama tunaweza kuwekeza kwenye maeneo ambayo nyinyi wenyewe mnapata faida wakati huo huo mkitengeneza ajira na kuwasaidia watu wasimame wenyewe, hii siyo fursa nzuri? And if we are down to three or four conflicts, it means that there are plenty of opportunities to invest in stable, growing, exciting economies where there's plenty of opportunity. Na iwapo tuna migogoro mitatu minne hivi, ina maana kuwa kuna fursa nyingi za kuwekeza katika uchumi ulio imara, unaokua na wenye kusisimua ambako kuna fursa nyingi sana. If you are investing in tar sands or shale oil, then you have a portfolio that is crammed with sub-prime carbon assets. Kama unawekeza kwenye udongo wa lami au mafuta, basi una kibindo ambacho kina raslimali za kaboni. Mapato Matumizi Mali/rasilimali/mitaji Hasira/upoteaji Bajeti/kufanya bajeti Akiba Bima Kutega Uchumi/kuwekeza Taxes Kodi Tax Planning Kupanga kodi Estate planning Kupanga rasilimali/mali Wills Wasia Trusts amana Debt Deni Wealth Mali Estate Mali Revenue Expenses Assets. Liabilities Budgeting! Saving! Insurance Investing Vizuri! Good Conversational Phrases 247 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Well, that is it for lesson twenty-two of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 23. Conversational Phrases 248 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 23: SECURITY This is lesson twenty-three of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn how to talk about security agents and basic conversational phrases with them. Security in Kiswahili means Usalama. ¥ Security Institutions Security in the country is provided by the police, the army and the prisons service, together with private security firms. Here is a basic conversation about security forces. How is the security situation? Hali ya usalama iko vipi? Who is the head of the police force? Nani mkubw awa polisi? Do you have a navy? Mko na mabaharia? Nani ni mkuu wa amri jeshi? Who is the head of the armed forces? vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama instruments for defence and security sheria ni msumeno na hakuna aliyekuwa juu ya sheria. The law is a saw and no one is above the law kuzishawishi nchi za ulaya ya kaskazini To convince Nordic countries, northern European countries washukiwa walifuatwa marubani mwako na jeshi la polisi nakisi za usiku The suspects were followed in their homes with the police force at night wakiwa na silaha mikononi They had weapons in their hands Wavunjifu wa amani. Peace breakers misingi ya sheria. Dictates of law Conversational Phrases 249 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo kufikishwa Mahakamani Taken to court Aliamua kuja Polisi kutoa Ripoti he has decided to report to the police mtuhumiwa ametoweka The suspect has run away Jeshi la polisi limelazimika kuimarisha ulinzi The police force has been forced to increase security jeshi la polisi bado linafanya uchunguzi The police force is still carrying out investigations Akitoa maarifa kwa vyombo vya habari, Mkurugenzi wa Habari na Uhusiano wa Umma wa Chama By elections campaigns Kampeni ya uchaguizi mdogo America is in crisis -- the economy, national security, the climate crisis. Marekani ipo katika mzozo, uchumi, Usalama wa taifa, mzozo wa tabia nchi. Finally, the positive alternative meshes with our economic challenge and our national security challenge. Mwisho mbadala chanya Unaoana na changamoto zetu za kiuchumi na changamoto zetu za usalama wa taifa. There is conflict there Kuna mgogoro kule They do not have personal interests Hawana masilahi ya kipekee There is a threat of war Kuna tishio la vita The following are some basic vocabularies in the security sector. ‫ ق‬Security Agencies Police Army Force Navy Disciplined forces Polisi Ami Jeshi Jeshi maji Amri jeshi Conversational Phrases 250 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Intelligence services Investigation department Prison officers Police force Anti riot police Huduma ya ujasisi Idara ya upelelezi Afisa wa magereza Jeshi la Polisi Kikosi cha Kutuliza Ghasia Conversational Phrases 251 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Weapons and Security Equipments Guns Sword Bomb Tanks Missiles Intelligence passport Bunduki Silaha Bomu Kifaru/vifaru Misail Ujasusi paspoti ¥ Security Personnel ‫ ق‬Armed Forces Army officer/soldier Captain General Constable Corporal Private Inspector general army Commander order base Afisa wa amri jeshi/mwanajeshi Kapteni General Askari Karol Mwanajeshi Inspect General jeshi Kamanda agizo kianzio ‫ ق‬Police Police Prison warder Army officer/soldier Captain General Constable Corporal Private Inspector general Commissioner of police Assistant commissioner of police Polisi Afisa gereza Afisa wa jeshi Kapteni Jenerali konstebo koprol Mwanajeshi Inspekta Jenerali Kamishna wa polisi Kamishna msaidizi wa polisi Administrative police Commander Makamu kamishna wa polisi Polisi wa utawala Kamanda Conversational Phrases 252 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ At the Police Station The following are some basic phrases I can use at the police station. Hello officer. Habari ofisa. I am grateful. Maybe yours? Njema nashukuru. Labda yako. Ningependa kuripoti kesi. I would like to report a case. Unaitwa nani? What is your name? Naitwa chris Adams My name is Chris Adams Nini mbaya? What is wrong? Nimeibiwa? I have been stolen from? Nini illibwa? What was stolen? Andika ripoti Write the report Wapi ofisa mkuu? Where is the officer in charge? Tutamshika? We will arrest him? Ni kosa gani? What crime is it? Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-three of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 24. Conversational Phrases 253 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 24: THE MEDIA This is lesson twenty-four of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson introduces the meanings in Kiswahili of words and phrases most commonly used by the media fraternity. ¥ Media Services This section introduces certain conversational phrases used in refence to the media. Akizungumza na gazeti hili When talking with the newspaper Well, the Alliance for Climate Protection, which I head in conjunction with Current TV -who did this pro bono -- did a worldwide contest to do commercials on how to communicate this. Naam, Umoja wa Ulinzi wa Hali ya Hewa, ambao ninauongoza kwa kushirikiana na CurrentTV – ambao wameandaa muswaada huu, walifanya mashindano dunia nzima ya jinsi ya kutangaza hili. In a special briefing at his office Katika mahojiano maalum ofisini kwake We do not have internet services Hatuna huduma ya mtandao I do not have an email address Sina anuani ya barua pepe Official news/information/notice Taarifa rasmi BBC Kiswahili service Idhaa ya Kiswahili ya BBC However, the media is not telling us the whole truth. lakini vyombo vya habari havielezi ukweli wote. Did you read the newspaper today? Ulisoma gazeti leo? No. I watched the TV. La. Nilitazama televisheni. How is the news reporting? Conversational Phrases 254 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Utangazaji ni wa hali gani? Is there media freedom? Kuna uhuru wa utangazaji? Nani anaripoti habari? Who is reporting the news? Who owns the biggest newspapers in your country? Nani mwenye gazeti kubwa nchini? He owns the biggest TV stations? Anamiliki stesheni kubwa zaidi ya televisheni/runinga ¥ People in the Media mkurugenzi mtendaji wa chama cha waandishi wa habari wanawake Organizing secretary of the women’s journalist association chama cha waandishi wa habari union of journalists mkurugenzi mtendaji Organisign secretary The following are the vocabulary for use in media conversations Entertainment Article Other news Story Column Views of readers Pictorial Job vacancies Friends corner News News brief Media Journalist News anchor Freedom Website Burudani Makala Habari nyingine Hadithi Kolamu Maoni ya wasomaji Habari na Picha Nafasi za kazi Kona ya Marafiki Habari Habari fupi Habari Mwandishi wa habari Msomaji habari (TV) Uhuru/huria Tovuti Conversational Phrases 255 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Types of News Media Arabic, ta`rifa, information, an inventory, `arf, knowledge. ‫ ق‬Compounds with Product or Component Names The compounds below contain both, product and component names. The product names are marked in red. Product names are usually trademarked and, therefore, must remain unchanged. Additions to a product or component name are added with a hyphen or, if that is not appropriate, I need to create a periphrastic construction. English example Windows Calendar Microsoft Word document Microsoft SQL Server Database Microsoft Windows Software Explorer ActiveX Control Kiswahili example Kalenda ya Windows waraka wa Microsoft Word Hifadhidata Microsoft SQL Server Kichunguzi Programu cha Microsoft Windows Kidhibiti ActiveX ‫ ق‬Compounds with Acronyms, Abbreviations or Numerals The compounds below contain either an abbreviation or a numeral followed by a component name. The abbreviation or numeral is marked in red in the English example. computer kompyuta That's why the 100 dollar computer will be so important. Ndio maana kompyuta ya dola 100 itakuwa ya muhimu sana. computer tarakinishi The Kiswahili example below show how such constructions should be translated. English example CD-ROM drive 2-D gridlines 24 bit color value 3.5 Floppy 5 1/4-inch Floppy 35mm slides Radios Records Kiswahili example kiendeshi cha CD-ROM mistari ya mraba fito ya P-2 thamani ya rangi ya biti 24 diski tepe 3.5 diski tepe ya inchi 5 1/4 slaidi za mm 35 Redio Rekodi Conversational Phrases 256 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Videos Disks Files Mouse Video Diski Mafaili Kipanya Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-four of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 25. Conversational Phrases 257 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo PART FOUR: GRAMMAR LESSON 25: NOUNS This is lesson twenty-five of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! This lesson introduces the meanings in Kiswahili of words and phrases most commonly used by the media fraternity and in reference to the media. In this lesson, I will learn the noun classification system in Kiswahili. ¥ Defining a Noun! A noun is a word used to name a person, animal, place, thing, and abstract idea. ¥ Noun Classification in Swahili Swahili has a noun class system that is divided into 11 classes. The class of a noun is signaled by a pair of prefixes attached to the nominal stem, one for singular, one for plural a characteristic pattern of grammatical agreement, whereby possessive pronouns, demonstratives, verb subject and object prefixes, and other sentence elements are assigned a prefix that co-indexes the class of the noun, if it denotes an inanimate object. Sentence elements relating to nouns that denote animate beings are indexed by a special set of "animate concords", regardless of the prefix on the noun. The eleven classes are: KI-VI M-MI M-WA SH/J-MA N U PA The noun class is the base of my sentence and all verbs and adjectives will have the same prefix than the prefix of the subject. ‫ ق‬KI-VI Class The KI-VI class nouns are objects/tools or things. This class is also called KITU (thing) class. Conversational Phrases 258 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The singular prefixes of the noun are KI and the plural prefixes are VI (get vocabulary list). kitabu, vitabu - book, books This class is very simple as the adjective prefixes and the verb prefixes are the same than the nouns (so no complicated table to learn). kitabu kidogo kimoja - one small book* vitabu vidogo vitatu - three small books** Finally, note than the singular form become ch and the plural form vy when the noun start with a, e, o or u (get vocabulary list). chumba (ki-umba) - room vyumba (vy-umba) – rooms ‫ ق‬M-MI class The M-MI class nouns are like the KITU class, that is objects/tools or things but it includes also trees, plants, natural phenomena (smoke, fire), body parts. It is also called the MITI (tree) class. The singular prefixes of the noun are M and the plural prefixes are MI (get vocabulary list). mti, miti - tree/trees The adjective prefixes for this class are M and MI. Mti mdogo mmoja - one small tree* Miti midogo mitatu - three small trees** Finally, the singular form becomes mw when the noun starts with a vowel. mwezi (mu-ezi), miezi - moon, moons mwili (mu-ili), miili - body, bodies M MI Muhogo (Cassava) Mti (Tree) Mtumbwi (boat) Mto (river/pillow) Mfuko (bag) Mkono (Arm/hand) Mihogo (Cassava) Miti (Trees) Mitumbwi (boats) Mito (rivers/pillows) Mifuko (bags) Mikono (arms/hands) Conversational Phrases 259 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬M-WA class The M-WA class nouns are persons. It is usually called the MTU (person) class. The singular prefixes of the noun are M (sometimes mw) and the plural prefixes are WA (getvocabulary list). mtu, watu - person/people mtoto, watoto - child/children Remarks mtu designed a person but mwananume a male person and mwanamke a female person. The prefixes of the adjective are M and WA. mtu mdogo mmoja - one small man watu wadogo watatu - three small men The prefixes of the verb for M/WA class are WA for the plural and A for the singular (A being the prefix of the subject for the third person: analala - he is sleeping) watoto wadogo wanalala - the small children are sleeping. mtoto mdogo analala - the small child is sleeping. Finally, note than the must remove wa in the plural form if the word roots is starting with wa or w followed by a vowel (get vocabulary list). mwanafunzi, wanafunzi - student, students mwizi, wezi - thief, thieves M WA Mwalimu (Teacher) Mwanafunzi (Student) Mtu (person) Mtoto (Child) Msichana (girl) Mvulana (boy) Mke (wife) Mme (husband) Mwanamke (Woman) Bibi (Miss) Bwana (Mister) Walimu (Teachers) Wanafunzi (Students) Watu (people) Watoto (Children) Wasichana (Girls) Wavulana (boys) Wake (wives) Waume (husbands) Wanawake (women) Mabibi Mabwana Conversational Phrases 260 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬SH/J-MA class This class is also known as the MA class that is the plural prefix (MA) of the noun class. This noun class contains all words starting with j, ji, sh or a vowel and also all monosyllabic words. At the plural form, ma is added to the stem of the noun, such as (get vocabulary list) : shamba, mashamba - garden, gardens (cultivated field) ua, maua - flower, flowers jiko, meko (ma-iko) - fireplace, fireplaces jambo, mambo (ma-ambo) - matter, matters To get a list of MA class nouns, check out our vocabulary list. Adjectives and nouns used with MA class nouns take no prefix at the singular form (except when the adjectives start with a vowel-see remarks below) and take the prefix MA at the plural form: shamba dogo moja - one small field mashamba madogo matatu - three small fields Remarks When adjectives start with a vowel, they take the prefix j at the singular form and the prefix ma at the plural form (or me when the vowel is e or i). Here, a simple example using the adjective -ekundu (red): ua jekundu moja - one red flower maua mekundu matatu - three red flowers ? MA Daftari (note/exercise book) Madaftari (exercise books) Pipa (barrel) Mapipa (barrels) Godoro (mattress) Magodoro (barrels) Sanduku (suitcase/box) Masanduku (Suitcases/boxes) Shati (shirt) Mashati (shirts) Kabati (Cupboard) Makabati (Cupboards) Gari (car) magari (cars) basi (bus) mabasi (buses) Sikio (ear) Masikio (ears) Jicho (eye) Macho (eyes) Ziwa (lake) Maziwa (lakes) Conversational Phrases 261 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ziwa (breast) Titi (Breast) Maziwa (Breasts) Matiti (breasts) ‫ ق‬N Class The N class is large and it is somehow difficult to get N class nouns as most of the time the N don't even appear or is changed to another letter. The good thing about N class nouns is that the singular and plural forms of N class nouns are identical, for example nyumba means house or houses. The bad thing is that the N class nouns are grouped in three categories and it is not easy to get it right at the beginning. The first category is the simplest category because nouns are starting with the letter N which can only be seen before letters d, g, j and z and also in the form ny before a noun starting with a vowel. ndege - bird(s)/plane(s) nyumba - house(s) The second category are nouns starting with mb or mv as the letter n changes to m before a noun stem starting with b and v. mvinyo (n-vinyo) - wine(s) mbuzi (n-buzi) - goat(s) I must know that only three nouns starting with mv are N class nouns (all other words are plural forms of other noun classes). These three nouns are mvua - rain(s), mvi - white hair(s) and mvinyo - wine(s) And most of the nouns starting with mb are from the N class (but keep in mind that mb can also be seen for the plural form of other noun classes as U class). Finally, the third category has no uniformity, they are foreign words or others words where the letter N drops out. ‫ ق‬U Class The U class nouns are abstract nouns and most of them do not have plural, as they qualified states, qualities (like beauty) or substance composed of small particles (like flour). Conversational Phrases 262 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The singular prefix is U (or w when nouns start with a vowel) udogo - smallness uzuri - beauty Ufaranza - France unga - flour wizi - theft The plural prefix, when nouns are concrete countable object, is the same than the one of N class nouns. Just to remind myself of the rule of the N class nouns for the plural form. N can only be seen before d, g, j, and z and under the form ny when nouns start with a vowel. udevu, ndevu - hair of the beard wimbo, nyimbo - song, hymn or before b or w, the N change to mb ubao, mbao - plank uwingu, mbingu – sky and with others letters, the N just disappear ukuta, kuta - wall upepo, pepo – wind ‫ ق‬PA Class The PA class has only one word, "mahali" which means place(s). The adjectives table prefixes for the singular and plural forms are "pa" mahali padogo pamoja - one small place mahali padogo patatu - three small places Note that "pamoja" means also "together" I should remember that noun class cannot be determined solely from the form of the noun: the prefixes for Classes 1 and 3 (m- in both cases) are homonymous; this is also often true of Classes 9, 10, and 5, where the noun may have no prefix at all. The agreement prefixes also show some homonymy. Therefore the definition of `noun Conversational Phrases 263 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo class' in Swahili normally involves reference both to the prefix on the noun (if there is one) and to the pattern of grammatical agreement Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-five the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 26. Conversational Phrases 264 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 26: PRONOUNS/ VIJINA This is lesson twenty-six of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about Kiswahili pronouns. Learning the Swahili Pronouns is very important, because its structure is used in every day conversation. The more I master, the closer you get to mastering the Swahili language. But first I need to know the role of Pronouns in the structure of the grammar in Swahili. Pronouns are words that refer to and substitute nouns.This substitution is important to make the sentences less cumbersome and less repetitive. ¥ Types of Pronouns There are different types of pronouns, classified broadly a personal pronoun, the demonstrative pronoun, the interrogative pronoun, the indefinite pronoun, the relative pronoun, the reflexive pronoun, and the intensive pronoun. Time place and demonstrative pronouns have a very important role in Swahili, therefore they need very special attention. ‫ ق‬Personal Pronouns A personal pronoun refers to a specific person or thing and changes its form to indicate person, number, gender, and case. In English personal pronouns are (I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they), and (me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them). In Swahili, the personal pronouns are: 1st person- Mimi (singular) –sisi (plural) 2nd Person – wewe (singular) –ninyi/nyonyi/nyinyi (plural) 3rd person- yeye (singular) - wao(plural) He Yeye SheYeye They Wao Conversational phrases mimi husoma I learn Conversational Phrases 265 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo wewe husoma you learn yeye husoma he/she learns ninyi/nyinyi husoma you learn sisi husoma we learn wao husoma they learn ¥ Free Pronouns Free pronouns are bound/indirect pronouns as used in the section of negation for the same. 1st Peson- ni/tu for example – ninaenda (I am going), tunaenda (we are going) 2nd Person u/m for example – unaenda (I am going), mnaenda (you (plural) are going) 3rd person a/wa for example – anaenda(she/he is going), wanaenda( they are going) The above examples are in present tense. I can do the same for the past and future tense ‫ ق‬Independent Pronouns Independent pronouns are not attached to a verb in the manner of a subject marker. An independent pronoun cannot replace a subject marker; however it can help to clarify meaning. The independent pronouns are: I, me you he, him/she, her we, us you (plural) they, them mimi wewe yeye sisi nyinyi wao Conversational Phrases 266 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Demonstrative Pronouns A demonstrative pronoun points to and identifies a noun or a pronoun. "This" and "these" refer to things that are nearby either in space or in time, while "that" and "those" refer to things that are farther away in space or time. The demonstrative pronouns are "this," "that," "these," and "those." "This" and "that" are used to refer to singular nouns or noun phrases and "these" and "those" are used to refer to plural nouns and noun phrases. Note that the demonstrative pronouns are identical to demonstrative adjectives, though, obviously, you use them differently. It is also important to note that "that" can also be used as a relative pronoun. this that these those hii hio hii/hawa/haya/hizi hao/hayo Below are demonstratives pronouns in conversations refering to people this person that person these persons those persons huyu yule hawa wale Below are demonstratives pronouns in conversations refering to objects this (thing) that (thing) these (things) those (things) hii ile hizi zile ‫ ق‬Possessives Pronouns The possessive pronouns in Swahili have no feminine or masculine aspect. They depend mainly on the pronouns and the noun class. The roots are 1st person: Conversational Phrases 267 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo -angu((mine-singular), - etu ((ours-plural) For example: yangu ni hii(this is mine), yetu ni hii (this ours) This is in the class of I-ZI Changu ni hiki (this is mine), chetu ni hiki( this ours). This is in the class of KI-VI 2nd person: -ako (yours) (singular), - enu (yours-plural) For example: yako ni hii (this is yours), yenu ni hii (these are yours-plural) Chako ni hiki (this is yours), chenu ni hiki (this is yours-plural) 3rd person: -ake (hers/his), -ao (theirs) For example: yake ni hii (this is hers/his) yao ni hii( these are theirs) Chake ni hiki (this is hers), Chao ni hiki (this is theirs) Note: in Swahili the possessive pronouns are used without the nouns. If I use them together with the nouns they become adjectives. For example: Yangu ni hii(this is mine) Yangu is a possessive pronoun here Nyumba yangu ni hii (this is my house) Yangu is a possessive adjective Here are some examples: Conversational Phrases 268 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Pronouns I you he/she we they me you him her us them my your his her our their mine yours his hers ours theirs Viwakilishi mimi wewe yeye sisi wao mimi wewe yeye yeye sisi wao yangu yako yake yeye yetu yao yangu yako yake yake yetu yao ‫ ق‬Relative Pronouns I can use a relative pronoun is used to link one phrase or clause to another phrase or clause. The relative pronouns are "who," "whom," "that," and "which." The compounds "whoever," "whomever," and "whichever" are also relative pronouns. Below are the pronouns in Kiswahili Who Whom That Which Whoever Whomever Whichever Amba-, Mwenye Ambaye, ambao Amba-, -enye, yenye Amba-, -lo-, iyo Yeyote Yeyote -ote, as in chochote I can use the relative pronouns "who" and "whoever" to refer to the subject of a clause or sentence, and "whom" and "whomever" to refer to the objects of a verb, a verbal or a preposition. Conversational Phrases 269 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Here are relative pronouns in sentences You may invite whomever you like to the party. Unaweza kuliko yeyote upendaye kwa burudani The candidate who wins the greatest popular vote is not always elected. Mgombeaji myenye ana kura nyingi zaidi ya umaarufu huwa achaguliwi Whoever broke the window will have to replace it. Mwenye alivunja dirisha lazima ataibadili The crate which was left in the corridor has now been moved Crate iliyoachwa katika ukumbi sasa umesha tolewa I will read whichever manuscript arrives first. Nitasoma mwandiko/mswada yeyote itakayofika kwanza ‫ ق‬Indefinite Pronouns An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun referring to an identifiable but not specified person or thing. An indefinite pronoun conveys the idea of all, any, none, or some. The most common indefinite pronouns are as below: all another any anybody anyone anything each everybody everyone everything few many nobody none one several some somebody someone. Yote/wote Nyingine Yeyote Mtu yeyote Aina yeyote Kitu chochote Kila Watu wote Kila aina Kila kitu Chache Mingi Hakuna mtu Hamna Moja Mingi Baadhi Mtu Fulani Aina Fulani/mtu fulani Conversational Phrases 270 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Note that some indefinite pronouns can also be used as indefinite adjectives. The highlighted words in the following sentences are indefinite pronouns: Many were invited to the lunch but only twelve showed up. Wengi waliitwa kwa mulo lakini kumi na wawili pekee walifika The office had been searched and everything was thrown onto the floor. Ofisi ilishaangaliwa na kila kitu ikatupwa sakafuni We donated everything we found in the attic Tulipeana kila kitu tulichopata katika chumba cha juu Make sure you give everyone a copy of the amended bylaws. Fanya hima umpe kila mtu nakala ya kanuni Give a registration package to each. Pea kila mtu kipeto/furushi la kujiandikisha ¥ Reflexive Pronouns I can use a reflexive pronoun to refer back to the subject of the clause or sentence. The reflexive pronouns are "myself," "yourself," "herself," "himself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves." Note each of these can also act as an intensive pronoun. myself yourself Himself/ herself itself ourselves yourselves themselves mimi Mwenyewe Wewe mwenyewe Yeye mwenyewe Sisi Nyiyi Wao Each of the highlighted words in the following sentences is a reflexive pronoun: Diabetics give themselves insulin shots several times a day. Wagonjwa wa sukari hujipa shindano ya insulin mara mingi kwa siku He often does the photocopying herself Yeye hutoa nakala mwenyewe Richard usually remembered to send a copy of his e-mail to himself. Richard alikumbuka kujitumia nakala ya barua pepe mwenyewe Conversational Phrases 271 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo We did it ourselves. Tuliifanya sisi wenyewe Personal pronouns, indefinite pronouns, relative pronouns, reciprocal or reflexive pronouns have a very important role in Swahili; therefore they need very special attention. Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-six of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 27. Conversational Phrases 272 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 27: VERBS This is lesson twenty-seven of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about Kiswahili verbs. Learning the Swahili Verbs is very important, because its structure is used in every day conversation. The more I master, the closer I get to mastering the Swahili language. But first we need to know the role of Verbs in the structure of the grammar in Swahili. A verb is a word that convey action (bring, read, walk, run), or a state of being (exist, stand). In most languages a verb may agree with the person, gender, and/or number of some of its arguments, such as its subject, or object. The Kiswahili Verb The Swahili verb consists of a subject marker, a tense marker and a verb stem. For instance the word "Ninalala" can be split up into three parts fitting the above category. Ni-na-lala I am sleeping Ni- is the subject marker for "I" na- is the tense marker indicating "present tense" lala- is the verb stem for "sleep" The verb in Kiswahili is marked by a prefix which identifies the subject. The following are some of the various prefixes. ni - I - first person singular u - you - second person singular a - s/he third person singular tu - we - first person plural m - you - second person plural wa - they - third person plural The object prefix follows the tense marker and comes before the verb stem. Examples: Ni-na-m-ngojea - I am waiting for him/her Ni-subject marker Conversational Phrases 273 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo na - tense marker m - object ngojea - verb stem ¥ Verbs & Tenses In Kiswahili, verbs are preceded by the tense maker. A verb tense indicates the time of an action, event or condition by changing its form. ‫ ق‬Present Tense In Swahili, verbs take the following the prefix –na- to form the present tense: a-na-enda she/he is going a-na-imba she/he is singing a-na-andika she/he is writing The infinitive verbs above are enda (go), imba (sing), andika (write) ‫ ق‬Past Tense In Swahili, the prefixes for the past tense verbs is -li-: For example; a-li-enda she/he went a-li-imba she/he sang a-li-andika she/he wrote So just take any regular verb stem and add the prefix -li‫ ق‬Future Tense The future tense marker is "ta”. Just use the infinitive verb and add prefix -taConversational Phrases 274 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo For example: a-ta-enda she/he will go a-ta-imba she/he will sing a-ta-andika she/he will write In summary tenses in Swahili are determined by the prefix I put before the verb. This prefix normally comes after the prefix that stands for the noun. The prefixes are: Present tense –naPast tense –liFuture tense –ta¥ To Be The English verb "to be" has special constructions depending on the meaning. "To be something" is ni. The negative, "not to be something" is si. The ni can be dropped without changing the meaning, The si cannot be omitted. He is rich yeye ni tajiri He is not rich yeye si tajiri "To be in or at a place" is denoted with the subject marker plus ko. "Not to be in or at a place" is the negative subject marker plus ko. The subject marker for he/she becomes yu, with the negative hayu-. I am not in Kenya He is in Kenya He is not in Kenya subject marker si yu hayu ko ko kenya ko kenya ko kenya siko kenya yuko kenya hayuko kenya "To be with" is the same as "to have" in Swahili. This is formed by the subject marker plus na, the Swahili word for "and" or "with". "Not to have" is the negative subject marker plus na. subject marker na Conversational Phrases 275 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo I have a coat She has a coat John has a coat John ni a a na koti na koti na koti nina koti ana koti John ana Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-seven of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 28. Conversational Phrases 276 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 28: ADVERB This is lesson twenty-eight of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about Kiswahili adverbs. An adverb is a word that describes an action, telling "how," "when," "where," "how often," or "how much" an action took place. In the phrase "the cat ate hungrily," hungrily is an adverb since it describes how the cat ate. While in English adverbs are usually formed by adding (-ly) to adjectives. In Swahili many adverbs are words on their own. Some adverbs are: easily, warmly, quickly, mainly, freely, often, and unfortunately. Learning the Swahili Adverbs is very important, because its structure is used in every day conversation. The more adverbs I master, the closer I get to mastering the Swahili language. But first I need to know the role of Adverbs in the structure of the grammar in Swahili. Swahili adverbs are part of speech. Generally they are words that modify any part of language other than a noun. Adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives (including numbers), clauses, sentences and other adverbs. ¥ Types of Adverbs There are different types of adverbs, depending on the subject of the sentence. Adverbs of time, place, manner and frequency have a very important role in Swahili; therefore they need very special attention. ‫ ق‬Adverbs of Manner / Vielezi Ya Mwenendo These describe how something happens. For example: Ojijo aliandika polepole Ojijo wrote slowly Adverbs Of Manner very quite pretty really fast well hard Vielezi Ya Mwenendo sana kabisa vizuri kweli haraka vizuri ngumu Conversational Phrases 277 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo quickly carefully hardly barely mostly almost absolutely alone beautifully terribly quietly noisily lovingly greedily nicely frankly naturally neatly oddly hungrily gently slowly loudly together independently Haraka/haraka haraka kwa makini ugumu ugumu mara nyingi karibu Kwa hakika pekee Vizuri Vibaya Polepole Kwa kelele Kwa upendo Ulafi Vizuri Kwa ukweli Kwa tabia/kwa kawaida Kwa usafi Kiovyo Kwa njaa Kwa upole polepole Kwa kelele pamoja Kivyake ‫ ق‬Adverbs of Place/ Vielezi Ya Mahali These describe where something happens. For example: Juma alienda Mombasa Juma went to Mombasa adverbs of place here there over there everywhere anywhere nowhere away out inwardly outwardly Vielezi ya mahali hapa kule kule kila mahali/popote mahali popote mahali pasipo ondoka nje ndanindani Nje nje Conversational Phrases 278 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo far then away upward downward up down inside outside indoors outdoors home homeward backward forwards southward abroad Mbali Halafu Mbali Juu ya/ zaidi ya Chini ya Juu Chini Ndani Nje Ndani ya nyumba Nje ya nyumba Nyumbani Kuelekea nyumbani Kuelekea nyuma Kuelekea mbele Kuelekea kusini Ugenini/ughaibuni/nchi za nje ‫ ق‬Adverbs of Time/Vielezi Vya Muda These describe how long or when something happens. For example: Alonso atakuja kesho Alonso will come tomorrow adverbs of time Vielezi ya muda yesterday jana today leo tomorrow kesho now sasa then Kisha later baadaye tonight usiku wa leo right now sasa hivi last night jana usiku this morning asubuhi ya leo next week wiki ijayo already tayari recently hivi majuzi/hivi karibuni lately siku hizi soon hivi karibuni immediately Hivi sasa/sasa still bado Conversational Phrases 279 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo yet ago before after still yet punctually today tomorrow suddenly often bado mda uliopita/kale kabla Baada ya Bado Lakini Mapema Leo Kesho Kwa ghafla Mara kwa mara/mara nyingi ‫ ق‬Adverbs of frequency / Vielezi ya mzunguko These describe how often something happens. For example: Rehema anakula mara mbili Rehema eats twice adverbs of frequency always frequently usually sometimes occasionally seldom rarely never always never sometimes often seldom yearly daily weekly nightly periodically sporadically rarely frequently regularly normally occasionally Vielezi ya mzunguko kawaida mara kwa mara kawaida mara kwa mara mara kwa mara sio kawaida mara chache kamwe Kila wakati Kamwe/kabisa Saa zingine Mara kwa mara Kwa nadra/mara chache/si aghalabu Kila mwaka Kila siku Kila juma Kila usiku Kwa muda/kwa kipindi Si aghalabu/moja moja/ Si mara nyingi/kwa uhaba/kwa adimu Mara kwa mara Kila tabia/kwa kawaida Kwa kawaida/mara nyingi sana Mara kwa mara Conversational Phrases 280 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Uses of Adverbs Adverbs in Swahili are also used in adjectives and also other adverbs. For Example ‫ ق‬In Adjectives Natalia ni msichana mzuri sana Natalia is a very good girl) Sana/very explains further the adjective mzuri (good) ‫ ق‬In Adverbs Alonso atakuja kesho jioni Allonso will come tomorrow evening Jioni explains further the adverb kesho Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson twenty-eight of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 29. LESSON 29: ADJECTIVES/VIVUMISHI This is lesson twenty-nine of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about the Kiswahili adjectives. Learning the Swahili Adjectives is very important, because its structure is used in every day conversation. The more I master, the closer I get to mastering the Swahili language. But first we need to know the role of Adjectives in the structure of the grammar in Swahili. ¥ Role of Adjectives Swahili Adjectives are words that describe or modify another person or thing in the sentence. An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying, or quantifying words. An adjective usually precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies. Conversational Phrases 281 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo While in English an adjective does not change when the noun changes, in Swahili an adjective should agree with noun class. ¥ Classification of Adjectives Adjectives can be classified into many categories. In English, adjectives are generally used in the order: quantity-->opinion-->size-->age-->shape-->color-->origin-->material-- >purpose. Adjectives of Colors, Shapes, and Sizes have a very important role in Swahili; therefore they need very special attention. ‫ ق‬Quantity quantities few little many much part some a few whole kiasi Chache kidogo wengi zaidi sehemu baadhi Chache nzima ‫ ق‬Opinion good better best bad worse worst mediocre awful fantastic pretty ugly clean dirty wasteful difficult comfortable valuable worthless useful nzuri bora, zaidi, tafadhali zuri zaidi, bora kuliko yote baya baya zaidi Baya sana Duni, hafifu baya Zuri -Zuri/-mrembo baya safi Chafu mharibifu Gumu/kisugu starehe Fani Duni/dufu/bovu Muhimu Conversational Phrases 282 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo useless important evil angelic rare scarce poor rich lovely disgusting amazing surprising unusual usual Bozibozi/bidi Muhimu/maalum/tukufu/kuu Baya/ovu/shari kimalaika Haba/ghali/nadra Haba/ghali/nadra /chache Ishiwa, maskini Tajiri/kwasi kizuri chukiza Cha ajabu Kushangaza/kushtua/kugutua Geni Kawaida/pepe/kawa Conversational Phrases 283 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Personality/Emotion furahi Ogopeshwa Enye furaha Haraka Changamfu Huzuni Chekesha, chesi Ingiza baridi/shtuka/Ingiza njeve/gutua hangaika furahishwa happy frightened cheerful quick jolly sad funny scared excited elated ‫ ق‬Sound Juu Laini Nyamaza/nyamavu Kilio/unyende mlio Tulia/nyamaza Kelele/kishindo/sauti Zimia, chugua Zimbaa/zubaa Nong’ona/mnong’ono Usu loud soft silent screaming shouting quiet noisy faint speechless whispered hushed ‫ ق‬Taste tastes bitter fresh salty sour spicy sweet ladha Chungu upya chumvi chacha chenye viungo tamu Conversational Phrases 284 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Qualities qualities bad clean dark difficult dirty dry easy empty expensive fast foreign full good hard heavy inexpensive light local new noisy old powerful quiet correct slow soft very weak wet wrong young sifa mbaya safi giza Ngumu chafu kavu rahisi tupu ghali Haraka Geni Jaa Njema ngumu nzito Bei rahisi Nyepesi Kienyeji Mpya kelele zee hodari tulivu sahihi polepole laini sana dhaifu loa makosa Ujana Conversational Phrases 285 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ‫ ق‬Touch hard soft bumpy smooth irregular scaly polished glossy gumu Laini/legea chubuko Laini/nyooka Potovu/ si sawa ugamba katuliwa Ng’arishwa ‫ ق‬Speed Haraka Haraka Pole pole Mbio/harakisha/kesi/kiwango ajili kele Mbio mbio haraka fupi quick fast slow speeding rushing bustling swift hasty prompt brief ‫ ق‬Temperature hot cold freezing icy frigid burning feverish Moto Baridi Baridi baridi ubaridi Mwako/mchomo/miako/kuchoma joto ‫ ق‬Age young old baby ancient teenage babyish recent infantile mdogo Mzee Motto Ya zamani Kijana Kitoto Karibuni kitoto Conversational Phrases 286 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo kijana Zima, kubwa, iva, kuwa, timamu, pevu Uzee Ujana mtindo Kisasa adolescent mature elderly youthful fashioned modern ‫ ق‬Distance short remote far outlying faraway close nearby distant far long neighboring Fupi Mbali/ chache Mbali karibu mbali Karibu Karibu Mbali Mbali Refu Karibia ‫ ق‬Shape sizes big deep long narrow short small tall thick thin wide shapes circular straight square triangular Kimo/Vimo Ukubwa kina kirefu urefu Wembamba Ufupi Udogo Urefu Unene Wembamba upana maumbo mviringo unyofu mraba Pembe tatu ‫ ق‬Color Now, this is a people who cognitively do not distinguish the color blue from the color green Naam, hawa ni watu ambao kwa kutambua hawawezi kutofautisha rangi ya bluu na rangi ya kijani Conversational Phrases 287 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo (Laughter) But, besides being a black woman, I am different from most of you in some other ways. (Kicheko). Lakini, pamoja na kuwa mwanamke mweusi, niko tofauti na wengi wenu katika njia nyingine. Black Sea Bahari Nyeusi Help me make green the new black. Nisaidieni kufanya kijani iwe nyeusi mpya. As you see, it expands to the dark blue -- that's the annual ice in winter, and it contracts in summer. Kama mnavyoona, inatanuka kuelekea rangi ya bluu iliyokolea. Hiyo ni barafu ya mwaka wakati wa masika. Na inasinyaa wakati wa kiangazi. Your yellow ones here are the Arabic countries, and they get larger families, but they -no, longer life, but not larger families. Hizi za njano hapa ni nchi za Kiarabu, na wana familia kubwa, lakini wao -- hawana maisha marefu, lakini si familia kubwa. And each of these orange cones represents an image that was discovered to belong to this model. Na kati ya kila hizi pia za rangi ya chungwa zinawakilisha taswira ambazo ziligunduliwa zinauhusiano na muundo huu. white man mzungu At the time, the community was a mostly white, working-class neighborhood. Kwa miaka hiyo, wengi wa wanajumuia hiyo walikuwa wazungu, jumuia ya wafanyakazi. And as others like him pursued their own version of the American dream, white flight became common in the South Bronx and in many cities around the country. Na wengine kama yeye waliifata ndoto ya Marekani kwa jinsi wajuavyo wao, white flight ilikuwa kitu cha kawaida katika Bronx ya Kusini na miji mingine nchini. As a black person in America, I am twice as likely as a white person to live in an area where air pollution poses the greatest risk to my health. Kama mtu mweusi nchini Marekani, nina uwezekano mara mbili kama mtu mweupe kuishi kwenye eneo ambalo uchafuzi wa hali ya hewa unaweza kuhatarisha afya yangu. The permanent ice is marked in red. Barafu ya kudumu imewekewa alama nyekundu. red pepper Conversational Phrases 288 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo pilipi hoho Red Sea Bahari ya Sham./Bahari ya Shamu Red-lining was used by banks, wherein certain sections of the city, including ours, were deemed off-limits to any sort of investment. Red-lining ilikuwa inatumiwa na mabenki, katika baadhi ya maeneo ya jijini, ikiwa pamoja na kwetu, ilikuwa haijapewa kipaumbele kwa uwekezaji wa aina yeyote ile. All the green Latin American countries are moving towards smaller families. Nchi zote za kijani za Amerika ya Kusini zimeanza kuelekea kuwa na familia ndogo. colors black blue brown gray green orange purple red white yellow rangi Nyeusi bluu hudhurungi kijivu Kijani Kibichi Chungwa Zambarau/urujuani nyekundu nyeupe manjano ‫ ق‬Time early late morning night evening everlasting initial first last delayed punctual Mapema Chelewa/leit Asubuhi Usiku Jioni Milele Mwanzo Ya kwanza Ya mwisho Cheleweshwa Mapema Vizuri! Good Conversational Phrases 289 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Well, that is it for lesson twenty-nine of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 30. Conversational Phrases 290 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 30: PREPOSITIONS This is lesson thirty of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about prepositions in Kiswahili language. ¥ Role of Prepositions! A preposition links nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence. Learning the Swahili Prepositions is very important, because its structure is used in every day conversation. The more I master, the closer I get to master the Swahili language. But first we need to know what is the role of Prepositions in the structure of the grammar in Swahili. Swahili prepositions link nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence. The word or phrase that the preposition introduces is called the object of the preposition. A preposition usually indicates the temporal, spatial or logical relationship of its object to the rest of the sentence as in the following examples: ¥ List of Prepositions! English Prepositions about above across after against among around as at before behind below beneath beside between beyond but by despite down during except for Swahili Prepositions kuhusu juu katikati baada ya dhidi ya miongoni mwa karibu kama saa kabla nyuma chini chini kando ya kati ya ng'ambo lakini na licha ya chini wakati ila kwa Conversational Phrases 291 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo from in inside into near next of on opposite out outside over per plus round since than through till to toward under unlike until up via with within without two words according to because of close to due to except for far from inside of instead of near to next to outside of prior to three words as far as as well as in addition to in front of kutoka katika ndani katika karibu kando ya juu kinyume nje nje juu kwa kuongeza pande zote tangu kuliko kupitia mpaka kwa kuelekea chini ya tofauti mpaka juu kupitia na ndani ya bila maneno mawili kulingana na kwa sababu ya karibu kutokana na isipokuwa mbali na ndani ya badala ya karibu na karibu na nje ya kabla ya maneno matatu mbali kama kama vile zaidi mbele ya Conversational Phrases 292 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo in spite of on behalf of on top of licha ya kwa niaba ya juu ya Vizuri! Good Well, that is it for lesson thirty of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 30. Conversational Phrases 293 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 31: CONJUNCTIONS/VISHIRIKISHI This is lesson thirty-one of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about conjunctions in Kiswahili language. Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases or clauses together. Conjunction is called kiunganishi, in Kiswahili. ¥ Role of Conjunction! A conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases, clauses or sentences. Some conjunctions are: and, as, because, but, or, neither/nor, for, since, so, until, yet, and while. The only Bantu conjunction in Swahili is NA. In addition to this one word, certain tense forms, such as KA, KI, NGE and NGALI, as well as JAPO, serve the purpose served by conjunctions in many languages. Swahili also makes use of a variety of non-Bantu loan words and various phrases to function as conjunctions. A rather comprehensive list of these follows.Conjunctions can be grouped under two main headings; coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. ¥ Types of Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions join words or word groups of equal rank. The coordinating conjunctions of Swahili may be grouped under five headings, namely those which introduce: a. b. c. d. e. additional information or explanations; alternatives or choices; opposite or contrasting circumstances; the result of a given reason, or the reason for a stated result; a simultaneous action or circumstance ‫ ق‬Explanatory Conjunctions These are conjunctions whicn introduce additional information or explanation. THESE INCLUDE SINGLE WORDS, PHRASES, AND A VERB CONSTRUCTION. na which is And, Vijana walilima na wazee walipanda. The young people hoed and the old people planted. Conversational Phrases 294 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo pia, which is Also, too or as well Atanunua matunda sokoni, pia atanunua dawa dukani. She will buy fruit at the market; she will also buy medicine at the shop. TENA, which is furthermore, besides or again Atakwenda mjini, tena ataninunulia chakula. He is going to town; besides, he will buy food for me. juu ya hayo, pamoja na hayo, zaidi ya hayo which all mean either, In addition, furthermore or besides Amepata kazi mpya; juu ya hayo mshahara wake umeongezeka. He has got a new job; besides that, his salary has increased. Kuku watupatia mayai; zaidi ya hayo twapata nyama. Chicken give us eggs; moreover we get meat. isitoshe, which means, Moreover (often about less fortunate matters) Nasikia baridi, isitoshe kichwa kinauma. I feel cold, furthermore I have a headache. Alianguka akavunjika mguu; isitoshe mkono ukaumia pia. He fell and broke his leg; as if that weren't enough, his arm was injured also. Yaani Maana Yake Which both mean That is or that is to say Alikuwa na ugonjwa mbaya wa tumbo, yaani alihara damu. She has a serious stomach ailment; that is she had bloody diarrhoea. Nitanunua pazia, yaani vitambaa vinavyofungwa kwenye madirisha. I shall buy curtains, that is (lengths of) cloth which are fastened at the windows. Kesho itakuwa Sikukuu ya Wakulima; maana yake hatutafanya kazi kesho. Tomorrow is Farmers' Day; that is, we have a day off tomorrow. Wanapeleleza desturi za wananchi; maana yake, wanatafuta habari ili wapate hakika ya desturi hizo. Conversational Phrases 295 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo They are investigating the customs of the local people; that is, they are seeking accurate information about these customs. kwa mfano, which means, For example Ameona nchi nyingi; kwa mfano, aliishi kwa miaka mingi katika kisiwa cha Pemba. She has seen many countries; for example she lived for many years on Pemba Island. Amepanda miti mingi ya matunda, kwa mfano michungwa, mipera, na mingineyo. He has planted many fruit trees, for example orange trees, guava trees, and such. There is conflict of land between farmers and livestock keepers Kuna migogoro ya ardhi kato ya wakulima na wafugaji Kichinjio iko wapi? Where is the slaughter house? ‫ ق‬Alterantive/Choice Conjunctions These are conjunctions which introduce choice or an Alterantive. These comprise a rather small group: au, which means, Or Atafika kesho au kesho kutwa. He will come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. au .... au, which means Either... or... Atafika au leo au kesho. He will come either today or tomorrow. ama, which means Or This appears to more strongly imply an alternative than au, and is therefore particularly useful in "either... or..." expressions. Ama atafuatana nasi safarini ama atabaki nyumbani. Either he will accompany us on the trip, or he will stay at home. Note also: Ama hutaki? Or don't you want to? Ama sivyo? Or is it not so? Conversational Phrases 296 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ama vipi? Or how (what)? Wala, which means Nor (used with negative verbs) Mti hauna matunda wala majani. The tree has neither fruit nor leaves. ‫ ق‬Contrasting/Opposite Conjunctions These are conjunctiosn which introduce opposite or contrasting circumstances include verb constructions as well as words that are simply conjunctions and nothing more. Lakini, which means But, nevertheless, however Jana alichelewa kuamka, lakini leo ameamka mapema. Yesterday he was late in awakening, but today he has awakened early. Note also this use of lakini: Nina vyombo vingi vya nyumbani. Huna birika, lakini. I have many household utensils. You don't have a teapot, however. (Lakini in this position is totally unstressed). A word similar to lakini can very occasionally be heard in a limited sense: walakini, a noun meaning a lack or defect. It can be heard in such expressions as: Nyumba ile ina walakini. That house has a defect. Sina neno, lakini kuna walakini. I have no objection, but there is a "but". Bali, which means But rather, on the contrary Tusipopanda sasa hatutapata mavuno mapema, bali tutachelewa kuvuna. If we don't plant now, we won't have an early harvest; on the contrary, we will be late in harvesting. Usimfukuze mwizi tu, bali umkamate. Don't just chase the thief away, but catch him. Hatujifunzi Kifaransa bali Kiswahili. We are not learning French, but rather Swahili. Conversational Phrases 297 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ila, which means Except, but (i.e. "only") Hakuna matunda ila ndizi tu. There is no fruit except just bananas. Hana ila mke mmoja. He has but (only) one wife. Following si…, ila conveys "but also": Si wagonjwa tu waliosaidiwa, ila watu wengine pia. It was not only sick people who were helped, but also other people. Isipokuwa, which means Unless, except Sifui nguo zangu isipokuwa zimechafuka. I don't wash my clothes unless they are dirty. Hawaendi mjini isipokuwa Jumamosi tu. They don't go to town except on Saturdays. Ingawa, which means Even though, although Tulikwenda mjini ingawa mvua ilinyesha. We went to town even though it rained. Ingawa anakaa mbali hachelewi kazini. Although he lives far away he is not late for work. Ijapokuwa, which means Even though, although Alifanya kazi mchana kutwa ijapokuwa ni mgonjwa. She worked the whole day even though she is ill. Ijapokuwa is sometimes abbreviated to japokuwa or simply japo, which is in actual fact a tense. The above sentence could have been rendered: Alifanya kazi mchana kutwa ajapokuwa mgonjwa. She worked the whole day even though she is ill. Ingawa and ijapokuwa (and all its variations) are used interchangeably. ¥ Reason/Result Conjunction Conversational Phrases 298 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo These are conjunctiosn which function in sentences stating a result and a reason for that result. The reason is stated first, and the conjunction introduces the result kwa hiyo kwa hivyo hivyo which all mean Therefore Nina njaa, kwa hiyo nitakula. I am hungry, therefore I shall eat. Mvua inanyesha, kwa hivyo nitakaa nyumbani. It is raining, therefore I will stay home. Aliumwa vibaya, hivyo alikwenda hospitali. He had much pain, so he went to the hospital. kwa ajili ya hayo kwa sababu hiyo kwa sababu hizo which all mean, Therefore, consequently, for this (these) reason(s). Wajumbe walishindwa kupatana, kwa ajili ya hayo, Mkutano uliahirishwa. The delegates could not agree, consequently the meeting was adjourned (for a time). Ndege haikufika jana, kwa sababu hiyo wageni wetu watafika siku nyingine. The plane did not come yesterday; therefore our guests will come some other day. Ndiyo sababu ndiyo maana Which all mean, therefore, that is the reason Sina baiskeli, ndiyo sababu ninatembea kwa miguu. I have no bicycle, therefore I walk by foot. Kulikuwa na matope mengi barabarani, ndiyo maana tulikwama. There was a lot of mud on the road, that is why we got stuck. The result is stated first, and the conjunction introduces the reason for that result. Conversational Phrases 299 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo (kwa) sababu (kwa) maana kwa kuwa kwa vile kwani Which all mean, Because Nitakula kwa sababu nina njaa. I shall eat because I am hungry. Nitakaa nyumbani kwa maana mvua inanyesha. I shall stay home because it is raining. Alikwenda hospitali kwa kuwa aliumwa vibaya. He went to the hospital because he had great pain. Ninatembea kwa miguu kwa vile sina baiskeli. I travel by foot because I have no bicycle. Tulikwama kwani kulikuwa na matope mengi. We got stuck because there was much mud. All these expressions meaning "because" are interchangeable. ‫ ق‬Event or Circumstance Conjunctions These are conjunctions which introduce an event or circumstance occurring at the same time as the first action. Huku, which means, Meanwhile! Mwizi alikimbia huku akichukua nguo zetu. The thief ran (meanwhile) carrying our clothes. Hali, which means, While, since, seeing that Aliondoka hali anaimba. She left (meanwhile) singing. Siwezi kupika mkate leo hali hakuna unga. I can't make bread today since there is no flour. Kwa nini umeshapanda hali mvua haijaanza bado? Why have you already planted seeing that the rain has not started yet? Maadam, which means, While, since, seeing that Conversational Phrases 300 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Tununue sabuni maadam inapatikana. Let's buy soap while it is available. ‫ ق‬Subordinating Conjunction A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause (one that functions as a noun, adjective or adverb in the sentence, and is not able to stand alone as a complete sentence). Subordinating conjunctions can be grouped under three headings, namely, those which introduce: a) the purpose of an action; b) a condition, an "if" situation; or c) Merely introduce the clause and can usually be omitted without loss of meaning. The Purpose of an Action Conjunctions which introduce the purpose of an action are most often followed by a subjunctive verb construction, although an infinitive is also possible, especially in an impersonal situation. Ili, which means, So that, in order that Twafuga kuku ili tupate mayai. We keep chicken so that we can get eggs. Yafaa kufuga kuku ili kupata mayai. It is good to keep chicken in order to get eggs (for anyone--an impersonal statement). Tutunze mazao ili tuwe na chakula mpaka mwaka ujao. Let us take care of our crops so we will have food until next year. Kusudi, which means, So that, in order that, for the purpose (of) Nimekuuliza kusudi nipate hakika. I have asked you in order that I may be sure. Mbwa anafungwa kusudi asikimbie ovyo. The dog is tied so that he does not run around in a disorderly way. A Condition; an "If" Situation These conjunctions which introduce a condition are words, phrases, or verb forms. Kama, which means, If, whether Conversational Phrases 301 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kama yeye hayupo, mwite mwingine. If she is not there, call someone else. Kama anaomba msaada, umsaidie. If she asks for help, help her. Sijui kama atakuja. I don't know whether he will come. Mwulize kama anakusudia kufika. Ask him whether he intends to come. ikiwa iwapo endapo which all mean, if, in case Ikiwa mvua itanyesha kesho hatutakwenda mjini. If it rains tomorrow we will not go to town. Iwapo nguo zimechafuka tutazifua. If the clothes are dirty we will wash them. Atarudi mapema endapo amemaliza kazi yake. He will come back early if he has finished his work. Mwache tu ikiwa hataki kwenda. Just leave her alone if she does not want to go. kama kwamba kana kwamba which all mean, As if Anafanya kazi yake kama kwamba haijui. He works as if he does not know how to do it. Mtoto alilia kana kwamba ana maumivu makali. The child cried as if he had severe pain. Alitembea kana kwamba ni kilema. She walked as though she were disabled. Kama kwamba and kana kwamba are interchangeable. Conversational Phrases 302 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Conjunctions Which Introduce A Clause These are conjunctions which merely introduce a clause and they are four in number. All are verb forms; kuwa is of course recognizable, but kwamba is also a verb most familiar in its prepositional form, kuambia. kwamba ya kwamba kuwa ya kuwa They all mean That (as introduction to a clause) Aliniambia kwamba atakuja kesho kutwa. She told me that she would come the day after tomorrow. Walisema ya kwamba hawatakuja. They said that they would not come. Nimesikia kuwa walikwenda Dodoma. I have heard that they went to Dodoma. Tuliona ya kuwa itafaa kuondoka mapema. We thought it would be good to leave early. These four words and phrases meaning "that" are completely interchangeable. They can be omitted without any loss of meaning in the sentence: He told me he will come tomorrow They said they will not come I head they went to Dodoma We saw it would be better to leave early! Aliniambia atakuja kesho. Walisema hawatakuja. Nimesikia walikwenda Dodoma. Tuliona itafaa kuondoka mapema. Vizuri Good Well, that is it for lesson thity-one of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! I can now proceed to lesson 32. Conversational Phrases 303 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 32: PUNCTUATION MARKS/ALAMA This is lesson thirty-two of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about Swahili punctuation marks, including the fulls top, comas, colons, semi colons, and others. ¥ Fourteen Punctuation Marks in English/Kiswahili Grammar Knowing where and when to use the fourteen punctuation marks can greatly improve my writing skills. There are fourteen punctuation marks in English/kiswahili grammar? They are: 1. Period (alama ya kituo), 2. Question mark (alama ulizi), 3. Exclamation point (kishangao), 4. Comma (alama ya mkato), 5. Semicolon(alama ya mkato), 6. Colon (alama ya mkato), 7. Dash (kistari), 8. Hyphen (kistariungio), 9. Parentheses (mabano funguzi), 10. Brackets (pande zote mabano), 11. Braces (bano-mraba), 12. Apostrophe (apostrofi, ritifaa), 13. Quotation marks (alama ya kutaja), and 14. Ellipses (alama endelezi). Conversational Phrases 304 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Punctuations Marks for Sentence Endings Three of the fourteen punctuation marks are appropriate for use as sentence endings. They are the period, question mark, and exclamation point. ‫ ق‬Period (.) The period (.) is placed at the end of declarative sentences, statements thought to be complete and after many abbreviations. For example: As a sentence ender: Jane and Jack went to the market. After an abbreviation: Her Mar. birthday came and went. ‫ ق‬Question mark (?) Use a question mark (?) to indicate a direct question when placed at the end of a sentence. For example: When did Jane leave for the market ? ‫ ق‬Exclamation Point/Mark (!) The exclamation point/mark (!) is used when a person wants to express a sudden outcry or add emphasis. Within dialogue: “Ohh No!” screamed Jane. To emphasize a point: My mother-in-law's rants make me furious! Conversational Phrases 305 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Punctuations Marks For Pause in Series/Lists The comma, semicolon and colon are often misused because they all can indicate a pause in a series. ‫ ق‬Comma (,) The comma is used to show a separation of ideas or elements within the structure of a sentence. Additionally, it is used in letter writing after the salutation and closing. Separating elements within sentences: Suzi wanted the black, green, and blue shoes. Letter Salutations: Dear Uncle John, Separation of two complete sentences: We went to the movies , and we went to the beach. To set off clauses or phrases tucked within a sentence. Justice O’Connor, in a passionate dissent, reviewed the history of habeas corpus. The defendant, who had twice escaped custody, was escorted into the court with chains on his hands and feet. To set off clauses and phrases at the beginning or the end of a sentence. In a passionate dissent, Justice O’Connor reviewed the history of habeas corpus. When the defendant entered the courtroom, the jurors were startled to hear a chain rattling between his feet. At the date of separation no formal appraisal was available, although the parties had some rough estimates. To separate independent clauses joined by and, or, but¸ for. The accident occurred in California, but the suit was filed in Oklahoma. The defendant rose slowly from his chair, and the foreman intoned the verdict in a tone reeking of self-satisfaction. Competent editors disagree about whether you should put a comma before and or or joining the last two elements in a series of three or more. Put a pair of commas around clauses beginning with “which.” Conversational Phrases 306 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo The appraisal, which was filed at this hearing, indicated a value of $13,000. One comma is enough if the which clause occurs at the end of a sentence. The wife signed the agreement , which was then signed by the husband. ‫ ق‬Semicolon (;) The semicolon (;) is used to connect independent clauses. It shows a closer relationship between the clauses than a period would show. For example: John was hurt ; he knew she only said it to upset him. ‫ ق‬Colon (:) A colon (:) has two main uses: The first is after a word introducing a quotation, an explanation, an example, or a series. It is also often used after the salutation of a business letter. The second is within time expressions. Within time, it is used to separate out the hour and minute: 12 : 15 p.m. Conversational Phrases 307 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Punctuations Marks to Contain Words/ Ideas Brackets, braces and parentheses are symbols used to contain words that are a further explanation or are considered a group. ‫ ق‬Parentheses ( () ) Parentheses ( () ) are curved notations used to contain further thoughts or qualifying remarks. However, parentheses can be replaced by commas without changing the meaning in most cases. For example: John and Jane ( who were actually half brother and sister ) both have red hair. ‫ ق‬Brackets ([]) Brackets are the squared off notations ([]) used for technical explanations. YourDictionary uses them when you look up word definitions. At the bottom of each definition page, brackets surround a technical description of where the word originated. ‫ ق‬Braces ({}) Braces ({}) are used to contain two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit. They are not commonplace in most writing, but can be seen in computer programming to show what should be contained within the same lines. Conversational Phrases 308 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Other Punctuations Marks Two kinds of dashes are used throughout written communications. They are the endash and the emdash. ‫ ق‬Endash (-) An endash is a symbol (-) that is used in writing or printing to connect numbers or to connect elements of a compound adjective, such as 1880-1945 or Princeton-New York Trains. However, the emdash has more complicated grammatical use. The symbol of - is used to:    Indicate a break in thought or sentence structure Introduce a phrase added for emphasis, definition, or explanation Separate two clauses It is used in the following manner: We only wanted to get two birds-but the clerk talked us into four pregnant parakeets. ‫ ق‬Hyphen (-) A hyphen (-) is the same symbol as the endash. However, it has slightly different usage rules. A hyphen is used between the parts of a compound word or name or between the syllables of a word, especially when divided at the end of a line of text. Examples of this in use include: Between a compound name: Mrs. Smith-Reynolds Within a compound word: back-to-back ‫ ق‬Apostrophe (') An apostrophe (') is used to indicate the omission of a letter or letters from a word, the possessive case, or the plurals of lowercase letters. Examples of the apostrophe in use include: Omission of letters from a word: An issue of nat'l importance. Possesive case: Sara's dog bites. Plural for lowercase letters: Six people were told to mind their p's and q's. It should be noted that, according to Purdue University, some teachers and editors enlarge the Conversational Phrases 309 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo scope of the use of apostrophe, and prefer their use on symbols (&'s), numbers (7's) and capitalized letters (Q&A's), even though they are not necessary. Apostrophes are also used in abbreviations, such as in “can’t”, instead of “cannot”, or “won’t”, instead of “will not”, or “don’t”, instead of “do not”. It is important to note that in reported speech, I am allowed to use shortened words, with apostrophes, but in direct speech, I should use full sentences. Aposptrophes make the words weaker. Full sentences make words forceful. ‫ ق‬Quotations marks ( “” ) Quotations marks ( “” ) are a pair of punctuation marks used primarily to mark the beginning and end of a passage attributed to another and repeated word for word. They are also used to indicate meanings and to indicate the unusual or dubious status of a word. Single quotation marks (') are used most frequently for quotes within quotes. ‫ ق‬Ellipses mark (. . . ) The ellipses mark is generally represented by three periods (. . . ) although it is occasionally demonstrated with three asterisks (***). The ellipses are used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words. Ellipses are frequently used within quotations to jump from one phrase to another, omitting unnecessary words that do not interfere with the meaning. Students writing research papers or newspapers quoting parts of speeches will often employ ellipses to avoid copying lengthy text that is not needed. Conversational Phrases 310 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo LESSON 33: ORAL LITERATURE/FASIHI This is lesson thirty-three of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’! Conversational Course! In this lesson, I will learn about Swahili literature, including the music, dances, drama and poetry. Poem/Poems Shairi/Mashairi Theatrical Play Mchezo Wa Kuigiza Story/stories Hadithi ¥ Introduction to Swahili Literature Swahili literature is, generally speaking, literature written in the Swahili language particularly by Swahili people of the East African coast and the neighboring islands. It may also refer to literature written by people who write in Swahili language. It is an offshoot of the Bantu culture. The following are terms used when talking about competitions in performance arts, that is, music, dance and drama. Music is called mziki; dance is kucheza; and drama is agizo. The first literary works date back to the beginning of the 18th century, when all Swahili literature was written in the Arabic script. The translation of Arabic poem Hamziya from the year 1652 is the earliest Swahili written text. Starting in the 19th century, missionaries and orientalists introduced the Roman alphabet for recording Swahili language. Swahili literature has been an object of research by many western scholars since the 19th century. There is a debate whether there was objectivity on those researches as a few scholars tried to establish a canon of Swahili writing. One of the main characteristics of the Swahili literature is the relative heterogeneity of the Swahili language. One can find works written in Kiamu, Kimvita, Kipemba, Kiunguja, Kimrima, Kimtang'ata, Ki-Dar-es-salaam and Ki-Nairobi which are considered varieties of Swahili. Swahili literature has been sometimes characterized as Islamic by some western scholars. This approach was criticized by some experts such as Alamin Mazrui and Ibrahim Noor Shariff. In fact, Swahili poetry has produced many secular works by such poets as Muyaka bin Ghassany and Muhammad Kijuma. Conversational Phrases 311 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Because of this orientalist exploration and interest in the Swahili culture and language, most of the theses made on the Swahili literature have been done outside of the native place. Swahili literature is classified into three genres: Riwaya (the novel), tamthilia (drama/play) and ushairi (poetry). KiSwahili oral literature includes songs and dance, sayings, stories, and riddles. Conversational Phrases 312 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Music & Dance Poetic and musical expression is an important feature of the Swahili culture. There are different types of music, for different occasions. ‫ ق‬Taarab Swahili music, Taarab, is poetically very rich. The traditional Taarab rhythm is a slow beat that borrows heavily from Indian and Arabic melody. Taarab (or tarabu), is sung in Swahili language with melodies and orchestration are of Arab and Indian influence (although Western instruments, such as guitars, are sometimes used). Taarab music, which has distinctly Arabic origins, is performed at weddings and concerts. Band members play keyboards, flutes, brass instruments, and drums to accompany singers. Many KiSwahili lyrics are double entendres (having double meanings) that hint at romantic love. ‫ ق‬New Genres In the 20th century several musical genres have emerged in the Swahili world that is derivatives of Western popular music. One major example is muziki wa dansi, which is the Tanzanian counterpart of Congolese soukous (rumba). In the last decades of the century most Swahili music has been in the afropop vein; this includes several local derivatives of American hip hop, e.g., bongo flava. ‫ ق‬Chakacha Chakacha is another authentic Swahili music genre with a faster tempo than Taarab. Several women's dance groups perform at weddings for all-female audiences. They dance chakacha, which resembles belly dancing, and also lelemama, a very subtle dance with tiny hand movements. Conversational Phrases 313 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Poetry The main written form of oral literature is poetry. KiSwahili poems include long epics, prayers, and meditations on many subjects. Poets, the greatest of which are called malenga, are held in high esteem. Generally, Swahili poetry is derived from Arabic poetry. Swahili poetry or "ushairi" (from Arabic: Shîir, poetry) is still written in the traditional manner. It began in the northern Kenya coastal towns of Lamu and Pate before spreading to Tanga Region, Zanzibar and other nearby areas. However, there are a few fundamental differences between the Swahili and Arabic poetry. With much of African influence, the two poems can hardly be compared for it is sui generis. Traditional poetry can be classified into different groups according to its form and content. It can be epic, lyrical or didactic, as well as religious or secular. Examples of narrative poetry, known as utenzi, include the Utendi wa Tambuka by Bwana Mwengo (dated to about 1728) and the Utenzi wa Shufaka. Use of Swahili prose was until recently practically restricted to utilitarian purposes. However, the traditional art of oral expression in poetry has produced a number of valuable works. It is characterized by its homiletic aspects, heroic songs, folklore ballads and humorous dialogues which accurately depict Swahili life, cultural beliefs and traditions. Because of the immediate historical aspect of the Swahili literature, especially in the 19th century, it is still a hard job to interpret many of the poems due to the lack of knowledge of the context in which the poem was written. Generally, Swahili poetry is derived from Arabic poetry. Swahili poetry or "ushairi" (from Arabic: Shîir, poetry) is still written in the traditional manner. It began in the northern Kenya coastal towns of Lamu and Pate before spreading to Tanga Region, Zanzibar and other nearby areas. However, there are a few fundamental differences between the Swahili and Arabic poetry. With much of African influence, the two poems can hardly be compared for it is sui generis. Traditional poetry can be classified into different groups according to its form and content. It can be epic, lyrical or didactic, as well as religious or secular. Examples of narrative poetry, known as utenzi, include the Utendi wa Tambuka by Bwana Mwengo (dated to about 1728) and the Utenzi wa Shufaka. Use of Swahili prose was until recently practically restricted to utilitarian purposes. However, the traditional art of oral expression in poetry has produced a number of valuable works. It is characterized by its homiletic aspects, heroic songs, folklore ballads and humorous dialogues which accurately depict Swahili life, cultural beliefs and traditions. Because of the immediate historical aspect of the Swahili literature, Conversational Phrases 314 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo especially in the 19th century, it is still a hard job to interpret many of the poems due to the lack of knowledge of the context in which the poem was written. ‫ ق‬Epic Poetry/Utenzi Utenzi or utend̠i is epic or narrative poetry in Swahili. Its name derives from the fact that it usually describes heroic deeds (utendi, meaning 'act' or 'deed', is derived from the Swahili verb ku-tenda 'to do'). Well-known examples of utenzi are the Utendi wa Tambuka by Bwana Mwengo (one of the earliest known literary works in Swahili, dated 1728), the Utenzi wa Shufaka, and the Utenzi wa vita vya Uhud (the epic of the battle of Uhud) compiled around 1950 by Haji Chum. Reciting utenzi is a popular pastime on weddings and other ceremonies and feasts; often, specialized narrators are invited to do this. Utenzi verse form consists of four-line stanzas, with each line having eight syllables. The last syllables of the first three lines rhyme with each other, while the fourth line has a rhyme that is constant throughout the whole of the epic. This last rhyme thus serves to tie all stanzas of the epic together. Within a line of eight syllabes there are no further meter requirements. The verse form can be illustrated by the first stanza of the Utend̠i wa Tambuka): Bisimillahi kut̠ubu yina la Mola Wahhabu Arraḥamani eribu na Arraḥimu ukyowa The first three lines all end in -bu. The last syllable of the fourth line ends in the vowel a, and this sound is found at the end of every stanza of the poem. When recited, this last syllable is sustained for some time and given emphasis. Conversational Phrases 315 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Folk Tales/Story Telling Story telling is a beloved part of Swahili life, and almost every question and discussion can easily turn into a long story with ample side tracks and repetitions. Both Arab and African cultures have a strong oral tradition. Arabs were the first literate people to settle or visit Pemba and the Islands; however the ability to read and write was reserved for the upper classes or the traders. Arabs are known for their stories and poetry, and these soon became incorporated in the Swahili mix of cultures. But for the Swahili who could not read or write memory was vital …This is the role of the elderly: to remember, not only your own history, but also rules, teachings, examples, people, ancestries, songs and poetry. Anything important will be repeated over and over again, until you remember. Still today, a simple shopping list is, with enormous speed, spoken out aloud, time and time again, until there is no mistake: whatever needs to be bought, from whom, for how much, even the change is calculated and noted in advance! A simple “yes” or “no” or a quick summary of the facts is not easy for a Swahili. There is simply so much more to say, all part of the art of relaying a story! The beautiful part here is that one can go to a village, and ask any old man (mzee) to tell a story, which is considered a completely normal thing; old men tell stories! Wonderful tales will emerge which explain the world, life, rules, names, anything. And, they have been told for centuries! ‫ ق‬New Genres (Novels/Fiction) Fiction in Swahili literature mainly consisted of oral narrative traditions. It was not until the 1940s that Swahili started to have a written fiction. Myths and heroes are generally from Islamic sources. For example, many people tell short, moralistic tales based on the Prophet Muhammad's life. The other stories are from the constitutive tribes of the Bantu’s that intermarried with Arabs to give rise to Swahili culture. Conversational Phrases 316 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Idioms & Expressions (Kanga Writings) An idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. Swahili idioms and expressions are found in owmen shwlas, called Kangas. The following are some common idioms and expressions: For whatever reason I am going to use kanga, I should bear in mind that it's the writing that tells everything! Kanga writings are some the writings appearing on kanga - a very popular dress amongst the Waswahili and now put on across East Africa. As I will notice, some of these writings are common Swahili proverbs. Majority of them, however, are just messages the wearer wishes to send across. It may be a message of love, caution, warning, reassurance, or just an act of self-expression. Kanga Writing (Swahili) Akipenda chongo huita kengeza Literal Translation Most Common Meaning A person in love with a one-eyed person calls her/him "cross-eyed" Akufukuzae hakwambii toka A person who wants you out of her/his place will not tell you, 'Get out!' When a person is in love, he/she hardly sees the bad attributes of his/her lover. She/he will always be little or find excuses for any faults on her/his lover. The actual Swahili proverb does not stop there, it continues with: "... I will just learn that from her/his actions." Ala! Kumbe! I see!! That is so! Atakae hachoki A person in need never gets tired Being lucky is like (the blowing of) the wind, now (it's blowing) on my Bahati ni upepo sasa upo kwangu Literally, the proverb tells people not to wait until they are verbally notified that they are no longer welcome at a particular place, instead, they should try to take note of the attitude, actions, and behaviour of their hosts, to know that they have stayed long enough and it was time to leave. A common expression used to show that one is surprised by some information that he or she has just come to know of. Of course she/he will feel tired only after getting what she/he wants. Indeed, don't expect to be lucky all the time. Conversational Phrases 317 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Chanda chema huvikwa pete side A favourite finger gets a ring on An award or privilege usually goes to the one who deserves it. Another Swahili proverb: Mcheza kwao hutunzwa - A person who plays at home gets awarded. A person who brings "the bacon" home, is the one that gets recognition. Dua la kuku A chicken's prayer This saying is normally used to refer to halimpati mwewe does not affect a the helplessness of the powerless in hawk the hands of their oppressors. Had the prayers of the victims be of any effect on to their victimizers, then certainly the oppression would end. But that does not seem to be the case. Fadhila za punda ni The way a donkey This saying is used when one gets bad mateke expresses gratitude treatment in return to a favour he or is by giving she gave to someone. Another Swahili someone a bunch of proverb: "Mtenda wema kijuki, kicks mwishowe hutiwa moto", (A bee gets burnt/smoked in return for the favour of making honey). Fitina yako faida Your bad words When someone goes around yangu against me, actually spreading bad words against you, she benefit me. When may actually benefit you in a way. For you incite others example, the other people will realize against me, you that the other person is really bad for actually benefit me. what she says about you. Or, the other people will come back to you and tell you what the person is saying against you and I will know that she is a person to avoid - hence a benefit to you. Hasidi hana sababu An envious person He/she would practice envy for no requires no reason reasons at all! There is something to practice envy within him/herself that makes him/her practice envy. The inner urge is all by itself enough reason! Hata ukinichukia la Hate me, but I The words of a person full of courage! kweli nitakwambia won't stop telling you the truth. Jogoo wa shamba A country rooster Usually meant to despise country hawiki mjini would not crow people but its wider meaning is that while in town some things only fit in some environments. Kikulacho kinguoni What "eats" you is The source of your problems is those mwako in your dress close to you. Conversational Phrases 318 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Kila jambo na wakati wake There is an opportune time for everything To aim is not to hit Do not mix up things! A time for work shouldn't be used for playing, and vice versa. Kuelekeza si Good intentions alone serve nothing if kufuma not followed by tangible results. Kuku mgeni hakosi A new hen would I can always easily identify a new always have a string person in town through his/her kamba mguuni tied to its leg appearance, actions and behaviour. There will always be something that he/she will have or do that is not common in the town. In other words, each stranger comes with an identity! Kupata si werevu, Getting something is Another Swahili saying: Mpaji ni na kukosa si ujinga not necessarily Mungu - God is the Sustainer. because of cleverness, and missing something is not necessarily because of ignorance Lia na tabia yako Blame your It's very easy to blame others usilaumu wenzako character not your whenever one faces a problem. This fellows writing is a reminder that sometimes the blame should be on the "man in the mirror" - that is, yourself! Lisemwalo lipo If it's being talked This is a very common Swahili saying. about then it's One would say that when he has already here heard about something he/she is not sure of especially something big or bad. Mapenzi hudumu Love lasts if you eat The literal translation does not make ukila zabibu grapes much sense but it actually means, love is sustained by sexual relation. Mchimba kisima, A person who digs A person who sets a trap often times huingia mwenyewe a well, gets himself finds himself caught in it. If you have inside (first) bad intentions against others, chances are, you'll be the first to be affected by those intentions directly or indirectly. Mdhaniaye ndiye The one whom you I am barking up a wrong tree. kumbe siye think is the right one is the wrong one Mke mwema A good wife is a A wife full of love, lights up the home pambo la nyumba home's adornment with her compassion. Mke mwenza!! Cowife! Ha! Just A wife tells her husband to never even haa!! mezea! swallow it! think about having a second wife! The Conversational Phrases 319 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Msilale wanawake Women: do not fall asleep Msilolijua litawasumbua I will be troubled with what you have no knowledge of I thought of you as my girlfriend, but alas! I am my cowife My presence does not please you and neither can you afford to be without me I thought of you as gold but I am such a pain Naona ni shoga yangu, kumbe ni mke mwenzangu Nikiwepo sipendezi na kunikosa huwezi Nilikudhani dhahabu kumbe adhabu statement "mezea" (just swallow it) is Swahili slang which means, "let it pass" or as they say in the US, "Forget it!" It's a call to women not "to fall asleep" - meaning, not to be completely passive. They should "wake up" and do what is best for them. Normally said to discourage those who are so nosy about the affairs of others. Someone is messing around with someone else's husband! Mmmh! A kanga with such writing is definitely intended to give someone a good "rub". The giver of such a kanga might even be hit back with it! I regarded you as the most precious thing I have ever had, but you have proved to be nothing but torture and torment to me. Of course the meaning is far from the "fish" thing! It is a caution against making hasty decisions on things that affect us directly. And in this particular context it is with regard to relationships. The writing teaches us not to be too swift at dumping our friends and lovers only to regret when they find "better" suitors. Get prepared for the worst! As the Americans would say: You ain't seen nothin' yet!! Samaki akioza usimtupe ataokotwa uje ujute If a fish goes bad don't throw it away lest you regret when someone picks it up Ukistaajabu ya Musa utaona ya Firauni If the acts of Moses make you wonder, wait until you see the acts of Pharaoh Don't abandon your Value more what is yours and more old rug for a passing permanent rather than a temporary mat thing that is not yours even though it appears to be better looking than yours. Don't blame an ant, Don't look for lame excuses. it will never finish the sugar Don't hate me for Hate me for something else but not (my) poverty because of my poverty as I didn't ask God to make me poor. Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao Usilaumu sisimizi sukari haimalizi Usinichukie kwa umasikini Conversational Phrases 320 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Usinipende kwa moja nipende kwa yote Don't love me for just one thing, love me for everything Uzuri wa mke ni tabia si sura A wife's beauty is in her character, not her looks Fumbling around Another Swahili proverb: "Simba does not accomplish mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama" - A anything quiet lion is the one that catches the prey. You build A wake-up call for a person too somebody else's negligent of his own life. place while yours is falling down Give them their Usually said when one proceeds (bitter) medicine telling someone things that he or she tablets; It is upon would not like to hear. Maybe them to swallow or someone is complaining about what to spit them off! he or she did or just an attempt to intimidate him or her. Vishindo vingi sio kutenda jambo Wajenga kwa wengine kwako kwabomoka Wape wape vidonge vyao, wakimeza, wakitema shauri yao She/he demands to be loved as a person (as a whole) not just as someone that possesses one likable/adorable thing. Compare with: Don't judge a book by its cover! Conversational Phrases 321 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Riddles A riddle, called kitendawili in Kiswahili, is a statement or question or phrase having a double or veiled meaning, put forth as a puzzle to be solved. Riddles are of two types: enigmas, which are problems generally expressed in metaphorical or allegorical language that require ingenuity and careful thinking for their solution, and conundrums, which are questions relying for their effects on punning in either the question or the answer. Contrary to popular belief, riddles do not necessarily involve wordplay. Below are some sampled riddles, with their literal translation and the answers. Swahili Riddle Kila niendako yuko nami. Nyumba yangu haina madirisha wala milango. Naisikia, lakini siioni. Mlima wangu una msitu kileleni tu. Taa yangu inaangaza dunia nzima. Huku ng'o na kule ng'o. Askari wangu wamevaa nguo nyeusi. Namsikia saa zote lakini simwoni. Haionekani na haishikiki. Huwafanya watu wote walie. Kipo lakini hukioni. Kuku wangu ametagia kwenye miba. Kiwanja kizuri lakini ndege hazitui hapo. Mzungu amejishika kiunoni. Huku mlima na kule mlima, katikati bonde. Literal Translation "He/It is with me wherever I go." "My house/dwelling has neither windows nor doors." "I (can) hear it but I don't (i.e. can't) see it." "My mountain has a forest only at the peak/summit." "My lamp illuminates the entire world/earth." "Here (you see) nothing and over there (you see) nothing." "My soldiers are wearing black clothes." "I hear him (i.e. it) all the time but I don't see him (i.e. it)." "It is invisible and untouchable (i.e. intangible)." "It makes all the people (i.e. everybody) cry." "It is around but you don't see it." "My hen has laid an egg on thorns." "The (air) field is nice but no aircraft land on it." "A European, whose hand is on his waist." "On this side (there is) a mountain and on the other side (there is) a mountain Answer kivuuli/shadow Egg ? sun ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Conversational Phrases 322 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ninapompiga mwanangu, watu hucheza. Nyumba yangu haina taa. Ukiingia ndani yake, hutoki. Anakuangalia saa zote bila kufumba macho. Parr! Hata Makka. Mama nieleke. Nende huko na nikirudi nimshike Ngombe wa mama mkia. Nyumba yangu haina milango. (too), in the middle (there is) a valley." "When I beat/hit my child, the people dance/play." "My house/dwelling has no lights (inside)." "If you enter it, you don't (i.e. cannot) get out." "He/It looks (i.e. stares) at you all the time without closing his/its eyes." Prr! straight to Mecca. Mother! Carry me on your back. Let me go far away and when I come back let me catch hold of the tail of my mother’s cow. My house has no door. ? ? ? ? (utelezi) /(slipperiness (kita) /(bedstead) (kata ya maji) (ladle for drinking water) (yai) (egg) Kitendawili changu cha ajabu kina matone ya dhahabu. My wonderful riddle is adorned with spots of gold. (Qurani Takatifu) (the Holy Quran ) Ubwabwa wa mwana mtamu. A child's porridge is delicious. (usingizi) (sleep) Kipo lakini hukioni It is here but you cannot see it (kisogo) (the nape of the neck) Nilikuwa nikienda njiani nilipomsikia mtu akinita Wifi! Wifi!” lakini nilipogeuka sikumwona mtu. Nzi hatui juu ya damu ya simba. Bibi mweupe ametupwa mibani. I was going along the road when I heard a person calling me, Sister -in-law!’ but when l turned round there was no one in sight. The fly cannot settle on the lion’s blood. The white lady has been thrown upon the thorns (mbaazi kavu) (dry pigeon-peas in their pods) Pana visu vingi lakini mpini mmoja tu Ukiona Njigi’ utadhani ‘Njege’; na unapoona There are many knives but only one handle If you see ‘Njigi’ I will take it be Njege’; and should you . (chana ya ndizi) .(a bunch of bananas) (maziwa na tui la nazi) (moto) (fire) (machicha ya nazi). (the shreds of the meat of the coconut after the milk has been squeezed out of it) Conversational Phrases 323 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Njege’ utafikiri ‘Njigi’. see Njege’ I will think it Njigi (cow-milk & coconut-milk) Popoo mbili zavuka mto. Two areca-nuts cross a river. (macho) (eyes) Nyumba yangu ndogo ina madirisha mengi. Kombe Ia Mungu Ii wazi Nimewafungia milango wanangu huku wakipigana My house is small but it has many windows. God’s cup is open. I have shut the door on my children and they are now fighting. (dema) (a fish- trap) Nyumba yangu kuu ina mlango mdogo. My house is large but its door is small. (chupa) (bottle) Wanangu wote wamevaa vizibao, wasiovaa si Wanangu. My sons wear Waistcoats: those who do not are not my Sons. (kunguru wenye mabaka meupe) (white-breasted cr0ws) Nimeanika mpunga wangu juani lakini, kulipopambazuka sikuuona. Watoto wangu wote wamevaa kofia, wasiovaa si wanangu. Nina watoto wanne, lakini akiondoka mmoja waliosalia hawafanyi kazi. I have put my paddy rice in the sun to dry but when day dawned I couldn’t see it. All my children have caps on. Those without are not my children. (nyota) (stars) My children are four in number but, when one goes away, the rest cannot work. (matendegu ya kita) (the legs of a bed) (kisima) (a well) (bisi zikikaangwa) (maizeseeds being roasted) (fuu) (fruit of vitex cuneata ) Conversational Phrases 324 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Proverbs A proverb is a short saying or sentence that is generally known by many people. The saying usually contains words of wisdom, truth or morals that are based on common sense or practical experience. The proverbs not only bear philosophical contents but also products of the mental, scientific alertness of the concerning events, situations and experiences of the lives of the people. These proverbs are divided into three categories, namely, proverbs of admonition, advice, and words of wisdom. In order to avoid spoon-feeding, the easier proverbs are not interpreted. Just try to guess what they mean. Admonition Swahili Proverb Haraka haraka haina baraka. Wapishi wengi huharibu mchuzi. Mtaka yote kwa pupa hukosa yote. Asiyesikia la mkuu, huvunjika guu. Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta. Usichague mchumba siku ya Idi. Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Bahati ya mwenzio usiilalie mlango wazi. Literal Translation Interpretation/Meaning/Moral "Haste haste has no blessing." "(Too) Many cooks spoil the sauce/gravy." Great haste makes great waste. "He who wants everything in one go, will forsake everything." "He who does not heed the chief's advice, breaks his leg/foot.” Do not try to achieve too many goals at once. Don't be too greedy. "If you don't seal a crack (in the wall), I will (have to) (re)build (an entire) wall." "Do not select a fiancee/fiance during the day of Eid (a Muslim Festival)" "Do not abandon your own in favour of ephemeral matters." ? "Do not leave the (front) door open and go to bed just because someone you know did the same thing but nothing happened to ? If you ignore expert advice/guidance, ill might befall you. Don't be reckless. During a festival everyone is wellgroomed, such that you cannot judge a person's true character. Don't judge a book by its cover. It is difficult to regain control of what you abandoned in favour of passing temptations. You should rely more on what has been tested and tried. Don't change horses in midstream. Don't be reckless just because others were lucky. Conversational Phrases 325 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Usitupe jongoo na mti wake. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Majuto ni Mjukuu. Anayefikiri amesimama, aangalie asianguke. him." "Do not throw away a centipede/millipede together with its stick!" "Don't insult the midwives as long as I am still able to bear children." After completing a job, you shouldn't throw away the tools or utensils because I will certainly need them for another job. Always separate the wheat from the chaff. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Don't burn the bridges behind you. "Regret(ing) is a grandchild. Do not be reckless! (In other words, people regret only after something has happened to them.)" "He who thinks he is Even after taking all the necessary standing (stably), should be precautions, don't be careless. on his guard not to fall down." Conversational Phrases 326 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Wisdom Proverb/Saying/Maxim Literal Translation Interpretation/Meaning/Moral Kipya kinyemi, "A new (thing/item) To start with, every novelty kingawa kidonda. is sounds interesting even if in pleasant/interesting, reality it isn't good or worth even if it is much. wound/sore." Dalili ya mvua ni "The sign (i.e. Pay attention to indications mawingu. precursor) of rain is for something which is going clouds." to happen. Akiba haiozi. "Reserves/Savings It is advisable to save money never rot/decay." or have reserves. Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves. Wema hauozi. "Mercifulness does If I am merciful to others they not rot/decay." will never forget you for that. Mtoto wa nyoka ni "A snake's child (i.e. ? nyoka. offspring) is (also) a snake." Kutoa ni moyo, si "Giving (i.e. Donating has more to do with utajiri. [abbreviated: donating) is only a willingness than wealth. Kutoa ni moyo, ...] matter of Charity begins at home. willingness and not of wealth." Penye nia pana njia. "Where there is a Where there is a will there is a will there is a way." way. Pole pole ndio "Slowness is the Sometimes it is advisable to mwendo. (better) proceed slowly in order to locomotion." avoid misfortune. Mwenda pole "He who moves Those who proceed slowly hajikwai. forward slowly (i.e. carefully) are unlikely to does not trip." have accidents or fail. Maji yakimwagika "If water has been ? hayazoleki. spilt it cannot be scooped up." Subira huleta heri. "Patience brings If I am patient I can expect to blessing/success." be successful some day. All good things come to those who wait. Kidole kimoja "One finger does ? hakivunji chawa. not break (i.e. cannot kill/crush) a louse.” Akili nyingi huondoa "Too much Do not try to overdo things maarifa. intelligence or be a smart one. removes/displaces Conversational Phrases 327 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Shukrani ya punda ni mateke. skills/techniques." "If the cat goes away, the mice rule." "Mountains don't meet but human beings do." "The days of a thief are forty. (A thief can stay at large for only forty days.)" "Asking (questions) is not stupidity (i.e. if you ask questions it does not mean that I am stupid)." "Anyone who has a sister will certainly have a brother-inlaw." "Anyone who has eyes (i.e. who can see) is not (i.e. will not be) told to look (around)." "Anyone who selects a (i.e. unnecessarily insists on using a specific) hoe is no farmer." "He who is not taught (i.e. properly brought up) by his/her mother, will be taught by the world." "A dash/race on the floor ends at the edge." "A bad (thing) strolls, a good (thing) sells itself." "The gratitude of a donkey is kicks." Haba na haba hujaza "A little and a little Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. Milima haikutani, lakini binadamu hukutana. Siku za mwizi ni arobaini. Kuuliza si ujinga. Mwenye dada hakosi shemeji. Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. Asiyefunzwa na mamae hufunzwa na ulimwengu. Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. Kibaya chajitembeza, kizuri chajiuza. ? Do not say that I will never meet somebody. Sooner or later a thief will get caught. Crime does not pay. If someone asks a question in order to get information then they should not be regarded as being stupid. Do not try to prevent the inevitable. You needn't tell people to be aware of their environment. Anyone who is too choosy (in selecting the required tools), is in reality not willing to do anything. If parents do not fulfil their obligation in properly guiding or bringing up a child, the child will have to learn everything the hard way. A flash in the pan. You needn't publicise good products or services. An ungrateful person will reciprocate by doing something bad. Unceasing little quantities can Conversational Phrases 328 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo kibaba. fill the measure." Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. "A clever bird gets caught in a defective hole (i.e. nest/trap)." "Whatever is preying on you (e.g. a louse), is nested inside your clothing." "Whatever is being mentioned does exist and if it does not then it will happen or come into being soon." "Wherever smoke is being emitted, there is a fire." "Borrowing (money) is (like) a wedding, paying back is (like) a mourning period." "He who isn't around, his (share) isn't around either." Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. Lisemwalo lipo na kama halipo laja. Panapofuka moshi pana moto. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Asiyekuwepo na lake halipo. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili. Hasira, hasara. "There is no secret for two people." "Rage/Fury (causes) loss/damage." Kawaida ni kama sheria. "A norm/habit is like a law." Sikio halilali na njaa. "An ear never goes to bed (while) hungry." "After suffering/distress (comes) relief/solace.” "Living for a long time, (means) Baada ya dhiki faraja. Kuishi kwingi, kuona mengi. eventually create a massive quantity. Anyone who always tries to show others that he/she is very cunning can be tricked very easily. The people who undermine you, are amongst your friends. People wouldn't talk about something which does not exist. There is no smoke without fire. Everybody enjoys borrowing money, but repaying is always very agonizing. You needn't consider/accommodate anyone who (deliberately) failed to turn up. Out of sight, out of mind. A secret can only be kept by one person. Being uncontrollably furious can lead to serious consequences . Norms/Habits are just as binding as laws. Habit is second nature. There is always something I will hear (about) (news, rumours, ...) After having suffered a lot, you might experience relief. Old people have experienced a lot. Conversational Phrases 329 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Ukiona vyaelea, vimeundwa. Mkono mtupu haulambwi. Ng'ombe wa masikini hazai. Akili ni mali. Mtoto umleavyo ndivyo akuavyo. Aisifuye mvua imemnyea. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. Macho hayana pazia. Ngoja ngoja huumiza matumbo. Bendera hufuata upepo. Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. Hasira ya mkizi ni furaha ya mvuvi. Tembo wakigombana, seeing a lot." "If you see them (i.e. certain things) floating, (know that) they were made/designed (otherwise they would sink)." "An empty hand is not (i.e. cannot be) licked." "The cow of a poor person does not give birth (to offspring)." "Intelligence is an asset." "A child grows up (exactly) the way you bring him/her up." "Anyone who praises the rain, it has rained on him." "A new hen always has a string on one leg (because it is not familiar with its new environment)." "Eyes have no curtains." "(The statement) wait wait damages the bowels." "A flag follows (i.e. flutters according to) the wind." "A good day is visible (i.e. evident) in the morning.” "The rage (i.e. wriggling) of a cuttle-fish is joy for the fisherman." "When elephants Things don't function without having been carefully designed and manufactured. If you don't have anything to offer, you won't have any friends. The poor always remain poor. If I am intelligent I can achieve a lot. You should pay attention to the way you bring a child up. If you praise something, then you know why I am doing it. There is always something which betrays inexperienced people. Don't expect people not to see what they want to see. If you keep telling people to wait (unnecessarily) they won't like it. People tend to adapt to their circumstances. Often there is a sign of good things to come. Struggling blindly can be very counter-productive. A confrontation between big Conversational Phrases 330 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo nyasi ndizo huumia. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. Elimu haina mwisho. Akufukuzaye hakwambii toka. Fimbo ya mbali haiui nyoka. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. quarrel (i.e. fight each other) it is the grass which suffers." "A hen's prayer does affect a hawk/falcon (which swoops down to grab chicks)." "Education has no end." shots affects the common man much more than those involved. It is no use to swear at the mighty. You should never say: "Now I've learned enough." There is always room for new skills. There are indirect signs which indicate that I am unwelcome. "Anyone who chucks (i.e. is trying to chuck) you out, does not tell you to go away/out." "A remote stick I can only effect something by does not kill a being on location or using the snake." means available. That is to say, "remote control" is not very effective. "He who ascends a Success needn't last long. ladder/staircase There are certain conditions (eventually) which cannot be maintained. descends." "A ghost which Someone who exploits I will knows you does make sure that you don't not eat you until it collapse completely because finishes you." otherwise there won't be anybody whom he can exploit. Conversational Phrases 331 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Advice Proverb/Maxim/Saying A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A burnt child dreads fire. Actions speak louder than words. All good things come to those who wait. A stitch in time saves nine. Brain is better than brawn. Clothes don't make the man. Don't burn the bridges behind you. Don't cry over spilt milk. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Garbage in, garbage out. Haste makes waste. In for a penny, in for a pound. It takes two to tango. Never judge a book by its cover. Out of sight, out of mind. Send a thief to catch a thief. (Related) Swahili Equivalent Fimbo ya mbali haiui nyoka. Mtoto akililia wembe, mpe. Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. Subira huvuta heri. Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Usichague mchumba siku ya Idi. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki. Usitupe jongoo na mti wake. Mpanda ovyo, hula ovyo. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Ukitaka kula nguruwe, kula aliyenona. Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. Usichague mchumba siku ya Idi. Asiyekuwepo na lake halipo. Dawa ya moto ni moto. Literal Translation "A remote stick (i.e. one which is far away) does not (i.e. cannot) kill a snake (near you)." "If a child cries for a razor-blade, give it to him." "The fee/present of (i.e. given by) a person is to talk, (but) a gentleman is deed/action (i.e. a gentleman acts)" "Patience pulls (i.e. attracts) success." "If you don't seal a crack (in the wall), I will (have to) (re)build a (complete) wall." "Give way to the strong one/person." "Don't select a fiance/fiancee during an Eid/Id day (i.e. a festival)." "Don't insult (the) midwives as long as I am still able to give birth. " "If water has been spilt, it cannot be scooped up." "Don't throw away a centipede/millipede (together) with its stick." "He who sows haphazardly, eats (i.e. reaps) haphazardly." "Haste haste has no blessing." "If you want to eat a (an entire) pig, eat a fat one." "A single finger does not (i.e. cannot) break (i.e. crush/kill) a louse." "Don't select a fiance/fiancee during an Eid/Id day (i.e. a festival)." "He who isn't around, his (share) isn't around (either). (This is to make sure that people don't miss events — e.g. meetings — unnecessarily.)" "The medicine (i.e. antidote) for/against fire is fire.” Conversational Phrases 332 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Something is better than nothing. There is no smoke without fire. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Time and tide wait for no man. To spill the beans. Embe dodo sawa sawa na kisukari. Panapofuka moshi pana moto. Wapishi wengi huharibu mchuzi. Ngoja ngoja huumiza matumbo. Kumwaga mchele mbele ya kuku. Truth will out. Njia ya mwongo ni fupi. What goes up must come Aliye juu, mgoje down. chini. When the cat's away the Paka akiondoka mice will play. panya hutawala. Where there is a will there Penye nia pana is also a way. njia. I am never too old to Elimu haina learn. mwisho. Yakizidi hata bubu If things get husema. extreme, even a dumb person will speak. "A dodo (a type of mango) is the same as (i.e. just as good as) a kisukari (a type of banana). (Don't be too choosy!)" "Where smoke is being generated, there is a fire." "(Too) Many cooks spoil the sauce/gravy/broth." "Wait wait hurts the entrails." "To spill (scatter) rice in front of chicken." "The path/route of a liar is short." "Wait at the bottom, for the one who is up." "When the cat has gone away, the mice rule/govern/prevail." "Where there is a will/an intention, there is a way." "Education has no end(ing)." There is an extent to which people can keep silent. Vizuri Good Well, that is THE END of the ‘Tuongee Kiswahili’ Conversational Lessons! Conversational Phrases 333 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Appendices TUONGEE KISWAHILI CURRICULUM Introduction to Tuongee Kiswahili Interactive Course SECTION A: ORIGIN OF THE SWAHILI ¥ Overview of Swahili History ¥ A Brief History of the Swahili Language ¥ Swahili Dialects SECTION B: CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES PART ONE: BASIC PHRASES Lesson 1: Greetings & Goodbyes ¥ Greeting Someone! ¥ Inquiring After someone’s Condition! ¥ Responses to Greetings! ¥ Special Greetings ¥ Saying Goodbye Lesson 2: Introducing Myself & A Friend ¥ Introducing Someone ¥ Asking someone’s Name ¥ Asking Where Someone Comes From ¥ Asking How Much Language Someone Knows Lesson 3: Asking For Something ¥ The Three Question Verbs! (I Need; I Want; I Would Like!) ¥ How to Ask General Questions Lesson 4: Numbers & Arithmetics ¥ Cardinal Numbers ¥ Parts ¥ Ordinal Numbers ¥ Signs Lesson 5: Time, Days & Directions ¥ Time and Dates ¥ Days ¥ Directions Lesson 6: Colours, Sizes & Measurements ¥ Colours ¥ Shapes ¥ Sizes ¥ Measurements, Measuring Units & Measuring Tools Lesson 7: Relationships (Family & Friends) ¥ Family ¥ Friends ¥ Marriage Lesson 8: Body Parts, Hygiene & Clothing ¥ Body Parts ¥ Clothes & Dressing ¥ Ceremonial Clothing (Wedding, Officials, etc) ¥ Hygiene & Cleanliness ¥ Hair PART TWO: GETTING AROUND Conversational Phrases 334 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Lesson 9: Travel & Accommodation ¥ Travelling ¥ Transportation ¥ Accommodation ¥ Asking For The Embassy Lesson 10: Shopping ¥ Markets ¥ Shopping ¥ Money Lesson 11: Eating Out & Entertainment ¥ Restaurant ¥ Entertainment ¥ Creative Arts ¥ Performance Arts ¥ Asking Someone Out Lesson 12: Office, Work & Occupations ¥ Occupations ¥ Office ¥ Receiving Phone Call Lesson 13: Health & Hospital ¥ Hospital ¥ Diseases & Ailments ¥ Death & Burial Lesson 14: The Home ¥ Rooms in the House ¥ Household Objects ¥ Eating At Home (Kitchen) Lesson 15: The Farm ¥ Plants ¥ Structures in the Farm ¥ Animals ¥ Climate ¥ Places in the Farm Lesson 16: Sports & Games ¥ Types of Sports & Games ¥ People in Sports ¥ Sport Events & Competitions Lesson 17: Education ¥ Classroom ¥ Asking About Someone's Education ¥ Education Institutions Lesson 18: Religion & Religious Institutions ¥ Religions ¥ Religious Institutions PART THREE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS Lesson 19: Government & Executive ¥ Government ¥ Executive ¥ Countries, Nationalities & Citizenship Lesson 20: Legislature & Politics ¥ Parliament ¥ Politics Lesson 21: Law, Justice & Judiciary ¥ Law & Legal Process Conversational Phrases 335 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo ¥ Judicial Institutions ¥ At the Court Lesson 22: Economy & Development ¥ Economic Theories & Institutions ¥ Microeconomics ¥ Economic Sectors & Performance ¥ Personal Financial Management Lesson 23: Security ¥ Security Institutions ¥ Security Personnel ¥ At the Police Station Lesson 24: The Media ¥ Media Services ¥ People in the Media PART FOUR: GRAMMAR Lesson 25: Nouns ¥ Defining a Noun! ¥ Noun Classification Lesson 26: Pronouns ¥ Types of Pronouns ¥ Free Pronouns ¥ Reflexive Pronouns Lesson 27: Verbs ¥ Verbs & Tenses ¥ To Be Lesson 28: Adverb ¥ Types of Adverbs ¥ Uses of Adverbs Lesson 29: Adjectives ¥ Role of Adjectives ¥ Classification of Adjectives Lesson 30: Prepositions ¥ Role of Prepositions! ¥ List of Prepositions! Lesson 31: Conjunctions ¥ Role of Conjunction! ¥ Types of Conjunctions ¥ Reason/Result Conjunction Lesson 32: Punctuation Marks ¥ Fourteen Punctuation Marks in English/Language Grammar ¥ Punctuations Marks for Sentence Endings ¥ Punctuations Marks For Pause in Series/Lists ¥ Punctuations Marks to Contain Words/ Ideas ¥ Other Punctuations Marks Lesson 33: Oral Literature/Fasihi ¥ Introduction to Swahili Literature ¥ Music & Dance ¥ Poetry ¥ Folk Tales/Story Telling ¥ Idioms & Expressions (Kanga Writings) ¥ Riddles ¥ Proverbs Conversational Phrases 336 Tuongee Kiswahili!-By Ojijo Tuongee Kiswahili: Conversational Phrasebook Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational Phrasebook is designed to help me speak Kiswahili in basic daily situations rapidly, effectively, and easily. This Conversational phrasebook has 32 topical lessons (accompanied by Audio CDs), covering everything that I need to know to understand and speak Kiswahili. By reading this book, I will be able to introduce myself, get help in an emergency; shop; order in a restaurant; communicate in the office, talk about myself and family and even discuss literature, politics and public affairs. Each topic in the book is written in the format of Conversational Phrases; followed by Vocabulary. Tuongee Kiswahili Conversational Course is a Conversational course that uses this phrasebook together with audio CDs to make me want to study. It does not waste my time just teaching me vocabulary and grammar. If I am going to learn Kiswahili, or any other language for that matter, I HAVE to speak it. The motto is “Listen, Repeat, and Speak Kiswahili. Ojijo, The Author, Speaker & Doer Ojijo, a lawyer, author of 55 books, public speaker, investor, entrepreneur, and Inua Kijana Fellow, believes contract work is the best way to create employment and impart job skills and believes people who have (won) contracts deserve an efficient way to access finance to fulfil the contracts. He founded GoBigHub.com, a platform that connects people who have (won) contracts to people who have money to finance the contracts. Ojijo has previously worked as communication skills consultant; guest lecturer on law; and collective investment schemes advisor. He is also a performance poet, armature pianist, armature guitarist, and a believer in open religion. E: [email protected] M: +256 776 1000 59. Conversational Phrases 337