.JPG)
Even though we only had about a week of “official” language school, we are slowly learning some basics to help us communicate in Tanzania.
In Kiswahili, knowing how to greet someone is essential. And greetings extend beyond simply, “Hi, how are you?” Most people are familiar with the greeting, “Jambo” but we have learned that will often mark you as being a tourist. Officially, you would say “Hujambo” and the reply would be, “Sijambo”. There are many variations on this, but more commonly you would greet someone with “Habari za….” This means, literally, what is the news of… So it can be what is the news of the day, work, the family, the school, the possibilities are endless! And you never ask just one, they can keep going!
Some other basic phrases that we use often are “asante” which means thank you, “karibu” which can mean you’re welcome or just welcome, and “pole sana” which means I’m sorry.
Although many Tanzanians in the city speak English, there are many basic words like these that make interactions easier. One of our favorite dukas (store) has some great guys that work there who are always trying to teach us new words. Not only are they the nicest guys around, they make shopping there so much more fun.
Then there are the traffic words. Dar es Salaam is never short on modes of transportation. There are dala dalas (buses), piki pikis (motorcycle taxis), bicycle taxis, and bajajis (like a motorized rickshaw).
Certainly, Tanesco (the electric company) and Dawasco (the water company) are important words to know, since you are often dealing with issues with one or the other.
The part of my new vocabulary that I haven’t been thrilled with, actually has nothing to do with learning Kiswahili. It’s all happening in English and at times is troubling. Living in a third world country means that talk of hospitals and clinics is commonplace. Malaria, amoeba, worms and deworming (not just for your pets, but your family too!) and unknown diagnosis are also pretty typical. And just recently, I’ve gotten to add the term “flesh eating bacteria” to my list of discussions (thankfully not for our family, but you can certainly keep another family in your prayers).
Living in Dar es Salaam has made me realize, in many, many ways, how much I have taken for granted while living my life in the United States. And, despite the difficulties we often face here, I know that we are blessed beyond measure. God is working mightily in Tanzania. You can see it in the number of translations of His Word that are being completed, you can hear it in the praises, and you can feel it the joy that manifests itself in the His people. And the best news is, He’s not done yet!
