Chisokone Street – kitweonline

 

One of our readers, Yzo Leon from the Philippines, suggested that it would be interesting to cover Bemba “street” language in our lessons. Yzo suggested that learning the usual expressions used in informal conversation would be a way of learning more about culture. We totally agree.

 

We will cover some words that may not be grammatically correct, but which you will hear on the streets. Apart from giving you some street credibility, it is an easy way of communicating even before you learn the big Bemba words. This is the first in a set of lessons on Bemba Street Language.

 

One of the largest influences on Bemba, as it is spoken in Kitwe and other towns along the line of rail, is English. People usually use English words mixed with Bemba. You can use English names to refer to a lot of items, and it will be possible for most people to understand you. This is true of names of everyday items and some technological terms.

 

Examples:

 

“Ama …” is used to refer to more than one item where its English name is used (in the singular).

 

Ama taxi = Taxis

Ama bus = Buses

Ama apple = Apples

Ama vegetable = Vegetables

Ama sweet = Sweets

Ama drink = Drinks

Ama basket = Baskets

Ama stamp = Stamps

Ama computer = Computers

Ama phone = Telephones

Ama mobile = Mobile phones

Ama cheque = Cheques

Ama window = Windows

Ama ceremony = Ceremonies

Ama wedding = Weddings

Ama Kwacha = Kwacha

 

Note that the English name does not have “s” on the end, even though it is being referred to in the plural.

 

Although there may be terms expressing new technologies, most people will refer to such items by their English names rather than the proper Bemba name.

Example:

Ama laptop  = Laptops

Very few people in Kitwe would understand you if you referred to a laptop as “Akasolobelo kapamatanta.”

 

Another example:

Ama wine = Wines

The proper name for it would be “Ndifai”

 

There are exceptions to the above generalization of not adding an “s” on the end of the English noun, e.g. “I’m going to post (some) letters” = “Naya muku posta ma letters,” but that is another lesson.

 

Practice making sentences using:

“Ndefwaya ama …” = I want ….

“Namukwata ama …?” = Have you got …?

 

e.g.

Ndefwaya ama pencil = I’m looking for pencils / I want pencils

Use the following words:

Pictures (Photos),

Guitars,

Mattresses,

Pillows,

Dresses,

Shirts,

Books,

CDs,

Videos,

Radio programs,

Churches,

Hotels,

Guest Houses.

 

Can you think of other words you can use “Ama …” with? Send in your suggestions and your questions.

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