How do the Samburu say Hello?

So, you’re planning a trip to Africa, how do you connect with the country that you are going to visit? Easy, you learn the language!

Samburu is a Maa language dialect that is spoken by the Samburu tribe in northern Kenya.  Tanzania is home to about 130 different tribes and each of these tribes speak their own language. Swahili is the language used in Kenya and Tanzania, which is fairly easy to learn.

While travelling around Africa, you will meet many Samburu and Maasai natives who live close to game reserves. So, in order to prepare for encounters, here are some basics that you need to learn.

Basic Samburu Greetings

• Good morning – “Serian iteperie
• Good afternoon – “Serian itumumutie mpar”
• Good evening – “Serian etunye swom”
• Good night – “Teperie nkai”
• Hello – “kejua”
• Goodbye – “ikidua”
• See you soon – “Ikidua tookuna naatana”
• See you later – “kidua kenya”
• Have a good time –  “tewenie nkai”
• I have to go now – “kaloito taata”
• It was very nice – “keishupat duo oleng”
• My name is  – “kaaji nanu nkarna”
• What is your name?  -“Kijuai nkarna”
• Pleased to meet you! – “Kasham kutumote”
• How are you? –  “Aji itiu iye”
• Fine, thanks. And you?  – “Keisidai, ashe, oh iye”
• Thank you – “ashe”

Basic General Samburu Terms

Do you speak English? – “Indim airoro lkutuk e lachmb”

• I don’t understand – “madamuta”
• Please speak slowly – “iroro akini”
• Please repeat that – “ngila”
• Please write it down – “ingero”
• Excuse me, please – “tining’okija”
• Could you help me? – “Teretoki”
• Could you do me a favour? – “Taskaki”
• Can you show me? – “Ntoduaki ja”
• How? – “Aikoja?”
• Where? – “Aji?”
• When? – “Anu?”
• Who? – “Ng’ai?”
• Why? – “Aanyo?”
• Which? – “Aaha?”
• I need – “kayeu”
• Yes – “eeh”
• No – “mara nejia”

Transcend Cultural Barriers

These easy to remember words and phrases will make your trip even more enjoyable. Now you can converse with the locals, and get to know them a little better.