GLOSSARY

Swahili is an African language that incorporates words from a number of different languages, including Arabic and English. It is pronounced just as it is written.

baba: father

bati: corrugated iron

bibi: miss

bwana: mister or master

memsahib: mistress; pronounced msabu by some

mtoto: child

mzimu: dead person

ngoma: a ceremonial dance

nina itwa: I am called

nozuri: wondrous

panga: a broad-bladed knife

popo: bat

posho: maize porridge

shamba: farm

sobai (Masai): good morning

tumaini: hope

uhuru: freedom

wasiwasi: worries, troubles