Zarma Basics

June 24th, 2006 Posted in Philosophy |

For those of you who would like to learn some basics in Zarma I thought I might put a few Greetings here and then later add more and more.

To, Sintin (ok, first)
Fofo = Hello (and thank you)
Engoya = thanks for your greetings (responce for fofo)

Mate Gaham = How is your self (lit. Body)
Mate Fu (Hu) = How is your home or family
Mate Farga = How is the tiredness
Mate Goyo = How is your work
Mate ni go = How is your day going

Ifo ni ga ne mate fo se (What you are to say for the Mate greetings)
Bani samay walla = Everything is in very good Health (Can be used at any time)
g’Ir’koy Sabu = Thanks to God (lit. Maker)
Alhamdililay = Thanks be to God (Arabic)
To Madalla = Excelent (Arabic)

Salam Alekum = Peace on you (Arabic)
Amin Alekuma Salam = Amen, peace to you as well (Arabic) 

Silman Kayna (Small Example)

A. Salam Alekum
B. Alekuma Salam
A. Fofo, Mate Gaham?
B. Engoya, Bani Samay Walla! Mate Farga?
A. Alhumdililay, Mate Goyo?
B. Goyo ga Sabu (lit. work is thankful), Mate Hu?
A. To Madala, Mate Farga?
B. G’Ir’koy Sabu
A. To, Kala Ton Ton (ok, until later)
B. To, Kala a Ton Ton

For the first few weeks at post that was what most of my conversations consisted of.