9 Common Swahili Words to Know During Your Trip to African Great Lakes
Swahili is one of the most traditional languages, spoken by millions across Africa. It is one of the official languages of four different countries: 1. Tanzania. 2. Kenya. 3. Uganda. 4. The Democratic Republic of Congo. The value of a Swahili translation is the language itself. As with the coastal areas, trades have always been a value for Swahili people for centuries.
Swahili is a mix of languages. It includes local Bantu Language and Arabic Language. Besides these two languages, Swahili is also a mix of Persian, English, Portuguese, German and French. The language is influenced due to trade contact.
If you want to get the best out of this coastal land or establish or expand your business, you should find professional Swahili translation services provider. A team of Swahili natives can only help you communicate smoothly through the cultural nuances that make a Swahili translation a true business tool.
Below are some interesting words used in the Swahili language. These words can be beneficial during your trip to any African great region either for business purposes or some other reasons.
Whether you are traveling to the African great lakes for a business purpose or other reasons, it is important to know by what name Swahili natives call a particular day. For example, Jumatmao is ‘Wednesday, ’ i.e. the fifth day of the week. You will be puzzled to know that Alhamisi in Swahili means ‘Thursday’ whereas it is used for the fifth day of the week in Arabic.
Ahsante — among Swahili business people in– is very popular. According to a Swahili translation services provider, when you provide any service or product to Swahili people, they may say ‘Ahsante.’ It means ‘thank you.’ If they say, “ahsante sana”, it indicates even better, meaning “thank you very much.” It is a polite expression showing them to acknowledge what you have done for them.
‘Sorry’ is also a popular word used in the business world. Swahili natives call the word ‘Sorry’ ‘Pole.’ If a Swahili business person says “pole” to you, you should appreciate that he feels sorry for mistakes or anything else for which he is feeling sorry.
If your business is associated with the travel industry, a very popular word you may be using in your business is ‘Safari.’ It is a Swahili word, meaning “journey.”
Djinni means a class of spirits, lower than the angels that influence humankind for either evil or good. Evidently, djinnis are believed to look like black cats. That’s why it is difficult for Swahili people to find differences between djinni cats and real cats.
Kipikikusikitishacho is the longest word in the Swahili language. It means “What´s bothering you?” This word is used in combination with ‘Kipi.’
Shikamoo’s literal meaning is “I touch your feet”. Swahili natives use this work to express greet and show respects to an older person. However, “Habari” or “Jambo” means “Hello.”
In the English language, Jumbo is usually used to describe large things. You can also happen to hear Jumbo, the name of an elephant. The word ‘Jumbo’ most probably came from the word Jambo.
If you have watched the famous movie Star Trek, you are familiar with the character Lieutenant Uhura. This name comes from the Swahili word ‘Uhuru’. This means freedom; independence.
It is important to have some ideas about the language of the place you are doing your business at, or you are planning to travel. The words mentioned above can make your journey more exciting and successful. However, if you are traveling to African Great Lakes for a business deal, you should hire a Swahili translation service provider to avoid any difficulty and make a successful business deal.