Runyankole language

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Runyankole (also Runyankore) is a Bantu language spoken by the Banyankole of Southwestern Uganda. There are approximately 1.5 million native speakers, mainly found in Mbarara, Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Kiruhura, Ibanda, Isingiro,Rukungiri districts. Runyankore is part of an East and central African language variously spoken by the Banyankore, Bakiga, Banyoro, Batooro in Uganda; Banyambo,Nyakusa, Nyamwezi, Bahaya in Tanzania; Some ethnic groups in Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. They were part of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom of the 14-16th century.

There is a brief description and teaching guide for this language, written by C. Taylor in the 1950s, and an adequate dictionary in print. Whilst this language is spoken by almost all the Ugandans in the region, most also speak English, especially in the towns. English is the official language, and the language taught in schools.

A simple knowledge of greetings can serve to break down barriers between foreigners and Ugandans. The greeting "Agandi", implying, "How are you?" but literally meaning "other news!", can be replied with "Nimarungi" - "good news!". The proper greetings are O"reire ota" or O"sibire ota"? Respectively literally translated "How was your night/day!". The "Good night" "Orare gye" and "Good day" is "Osibe gye". Madam "Nyabo". Sir "Sebo". Omwana "baby". Baby boy "omwojo". Baby Girl "omwishikyi". Food "Ebyokurya". Milk "Amate".

Other useful words/phrases include:

  • Good morning. How are you?

Oraire ota (ori-rota) Replies: I'm fine Ndaire gye (indi-regee) or Ndyaho (indi-ya-ho)

  • Good morning. Did you sleep well?

Oriregye? (ori regee) Reply: Yes, fine, okay Kare (car-ee)

  • Good afternoon. How are you?

Osiibirota (o-see’-bur-ota) Replies: Nsibire gye (insi-bur regee) or Osiibire gye (Osi buregee)

  • Good afternoon. How has your day been?

Wasibota (wasi-wota) Reply: Fine, good - Nasibagye (nasi-wahgee)

  • Thank you

Webare (way-ba-ray)

[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Standard English - Runyankore/Rukiga Dictionary - Mwene Mushanga, Ph.D. Banyankore Cultural Foundation, Mbarara, Uganda, 2004 English to Runyankole Easy Reading Handbook, Vincent Busulwa, 2000 Staff of Bishop Stuart Core Primary Teachers' College, Mbarara, Uganda
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