About Kenya
Kenya is a country with more than 32 tribes all speaking different languages.
In Kenya the common language used by all the tribes to communicate with each other
Is Swahili.
In you stay in Kenya you will hear some common words like Jambo
If you make a little effort you will learn a few of them your safari in Kenya will be a lot more fun.
This will earn you a lot of appreciation and you will be glad that you did it..
In Swahili, safari means “journey”. Msafiri means one who goes on a journey
The are two ways of starting a greeting. One is just to say ‘ Jambo ‘( standing for “matters “) and the other term is to say “Habari” ( meaning “News”) Both of them are applied in the same way as “hi” in English despite the meaning.
Habari Bwana – Hello, Sir
Habari Bibi – Hello, Madame
Hello – Habari
I am fine – Nzuri
Thank you – Asante
Good Bye – Kwaheri
Here are the replies:
Nzuri , I am fine
Habari gani – How are you
Habari Yako, Bwana – Hello, Sir, what are your news
Nzuri tu – Just fine
Nzuri sana – Very fine
Jambo greetings change according to number and person.
Hujambo,bwana – Hello, Sir
Sijambo, bibi – I am fine, Madam
Hamjambo, Mabwana – Hello, gentlemen
Hatujambo, bibi – We are fine, madam
Bibi is a term of respect used to address women.
Mama is a term of great respect and is usually used to address older women.
Bwana is a term of respect for men, meaning “sir” or “mister”.
Mzee means “elder” or “senior”.
Rafiki means “friend”