Hooked on Bemba
Hi everyone! Since Zambia is a country with 73 different language groups, which is what happens when people unfamiliar with local cultures divide up a continent for their own benefit, we figured a little language lesson was in order. Kawama is home to members of the Bemba ethnic group, one of the larger ones, and its citizens were kind enough to teach us the following (spelling is approximated):
Molishani (mo-lee-SHAH-nee) – How are you?
Bwino (BWEE-no) – I am fine
Mwabukashani (mwa-boo-kah-SHAH-nee) – Good Morning
Mashwoken (MAH-sh-woe-ken) – Good Morning
Natotela (nah-TOE-tay-la) – Thank you
Desacupale (day-SAH-coo-pah-lay) – God Bless You
Nuevonan (noo-eh-vo-NAN) – What’s your name?
Chimo (chee-MO) – One
Chibili (chee-BEE-lee) – Two
Chitatu (chee-TAH-too) – Three
Amolu (ah-MO-loo) – Leg
Amoboco (ah-mo-BO-co) – Arm
Fitumbowa (fee-toom-BO-ah) – A delicious pastry that we will miss dearly
Muzungu (moo-ZOON-goo) – White person
Good luck!