So now you now the Swahili word for cool, which is a useful one in such a laid-back and relaxed place. With younger people, the question and answer Mambo? and Poa are more common. As in many African countries, that’s the standard answer – no-one will ever tell you that they’re anything other than fine! Ask them either Hujambo? or Habari? They’ll reply Sijambo or Nzuri, both of which mean fine. Let’s say you want to know how your new Zanzibari friend is doing. Let’s start with some of the more common phrases and see how you get on. These missing letters gave rise to the old jokes that on Zanzibar you never have to wait in line, and if you start a relationship with a Zanzibari, they’ll never leave you!īasic Swahili is relatively simple to learn, especially as every letter is pronounced. While Swahili was originally written in Arabic script (Swahili is an African language with many influences), a more familiar Latin alphabet is now used (with the exception of the letters ‘Q’ and ‘X’. It could even open doors – including perhaps the famous carved wooden ones in Stone Town. In the main tourist areas, you’ll find that many people speak at least some English, but trying to converse in Swahili will ensure that you receive an even warmer welcome. The literal meaning of the opening line of this song is “Hello mister” but once you’ve mastered that, you’ll find that the more Swahili words and phrases that you can learn, the better. We reckon it’s impossible to spend any time on Zanzibar without hearing this earworm! Your first encounter with the Swahili language may come in the form of the impossibly catchy song beloved of tourists and barmen alike: “Jambo Bwana”.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |