Swahili 101: How to say hello (just say everything!)

The one thing a phrasebook won't tell you about Swahili, or at least Zanzibar Swahili, is that they do greetings in a BIG way here. By which I mean, if you're with anyone you might remotely be acquainted with it's completely acceptable to say pretty much every greeting you can think of. So you get to learn your greetings.

Here's an example (with rough translations).

A: No problems? (Hujambo)

B: No problems.

A: Wassup?

B: I'm cool.

A: How've things been lately?

B: fine. How's home?

A: good. Are the kids fine?

B: they're fine. How's the village?

A: good. How are you this morning?

B: fine.

A: good?

B: very! And you, are the kids good?

A: they're all good.

B: thanks to God!

And now you can move on with the day

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When it comes to saying goodbye, it's a different matter. Don't be surprised if the person on the other end of the phone answers your question with "ok" and hangs up. Face to face, goodnight often works, and goodbye for semi formal situations, or see you.

But don't skimp on the hellos until proven otherwise!!!