To assist himself and others in getting ready for ministry in Uganda,
Barry McWilliams is working on an addition to his

Uganda Pages.

He wants to add a web page on his Uganda Pages that will serve as an introduction to the various tribes and languages of Uganda to assist those coming to Uganda on mission trips. He intends to have information and links there concerning tribal history, language, culture, Cities and districts, etc.

What he would like to include is page of basic expressions in each language that would be helpful for such visitors to know. He hopes eventually to do a page each of these expressions for Lugandan, Lusogan, Lugisu, Runyoro, Runtoro, Rukiga, Runyankole, Langi/ Alur, and Swahili.

If you are a native speaker of one of these languages could you please email eldrbarry with the appropriate phrases in your tribal language for the following List of formal and informal greetings, phrases, and worship expressions; and include any appropriate responses to them as well? And if you speak more than one of these, could you assist him in the other languages as well.

If you could also attempt to give a phonetical version for native English speakers as well, broken into syllables with the accent in caps (Example: Thank you! Weebale (way-BA-lay)) it would be helpful.

He would welcome any remarks about any gender related variations for example, if a phrase is appropriate when greeting some one of your own age and gender, but not appropriate when greeting someone of a different age and/ or gender).

If you could include any remarks concerning particular customs in your culture that you feel are important for visitors to know, he would appreciate it! (such as particular hand shaking, hugging, meal etiquette, etc). These would be the sorts of things, which you may have observed from your past experiences with us Muzugus -- any things you have wished we had known, which would improve our getting acquainted with people in your culture.

Of course, he would also like your permission to use that material on his web site. If desired, he would include a word of credit for you as well.

Here is THE LIST:

Greetings, Farewells & Civilities (These examples are from a Lugandan phrasebook)

• Good morning .........Wasuze otya nno? (literally 'how was your night?')
• Good afternoon .......Osiibye otya nno? (literally, 'how was your day?')
• Good evening ......... Osiibye otya nno? [Response: The one asked responds with "Bulungi" (i.e. 'fine') and repeats the inquiry]

• Hi? (informal)......Ki kati?
• How are you?.......Oli otya?
• I am OK ..............Gyendi
• Have a nice day.......Siiba bulungi
• Good night..............Sula bulungi (on retiring)
• Farewell (to one person)...Weeraba
• Farewell (to several people)..Mweraba
• See you later............Tunaalabagana
• Welcome (to one person).........Tukusanyukidde
• Welcome (to several people).....Tubasanyukidde
• Please...............Mwattu
• Please come in...............Mwattu yingira
• Please sit down................Mwattu tuula wansi
• Thank you............Weebale
• No thank you! (such as politely refusing an item, or more food at a meal)
• You are welcome.............. Kale
• Excuse me (to get attention)...........Owange
• Pardon? (What did you say?)............Wangi? / Ogambye ki?
• I'm sorry (apology)........................Nsonyiwa

Meeting People:

• What is your name?....................Erinnya lyo ggwe ani?
• My name is _______ ..................Erinnya lyange nze ________

Forms of Address

It is considered polite to show respect to older people regardless of their station in life. Respectful forms of address should be used when addressing superiors.

• Sir....................Ssebo
• Madam.............Nnyabo
• Mr................Mwami
• Mrs...................Mukyala
Are there any customs or expressions appropriate at meals? Such as washing of hands, order of being served, etc.

Worship (Pulpit) Expressions: (and any appropriate responses?)

Such as in the Church of Uganda where in Rukiga, where when the speaker says "Praise the Lord" (Ma-KAM-wa a-SHEEM-way) it is responded to by the congregation with "The Lord be praised" (a-SHEEM-we Ma-KAM-wa) (please forgive my mispronunciation in this example)

Some "Pulpit Greetings" and Phrases

• "Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ!"
• "Praise the Lord!" or "Hallelujah!"
• "Praise God! (This should refer to the God of the Bible)
• "Praise Jesus!"
• "Give Thanks to Jesus"
• "Amen!"
• "Jesus loves you!"
• "May God Bless you!" (or similar blessings or benedictions)

When Barry has visited Uganda, in the space of a couple of weeks, he has usually found himself in several language groups such as in 2005 Luganda (Kajjansi), Rukiga (Kinkiizi), and Lusoga (Kamuli); or in 2007 Runyoro (Mabale) and Luganda (Mukono). Not only was it hard for his western ears to hear the correct pronunciations, they were also different as he travelled, and seldom did he get opportunity to write them down to help him remember them either. That is why he would like to get this help from you, and to make it available to others as they come.

I would also enjoy having the words to the Church of Uganda (Anglican) Testimony Song, often spontaneously sung after someone has given a personal and moving testimony to God's grace in their life, as well as a translation. I usually find myself just humming and waving along.

Please feel free to add to this any other Christian expressions which you think are important for us visiting Muzugus to know. Contact Eldrbarry at eldrbarry@eldrbarry.net..