How about we learn some Lunyole words. Lunyole/ Nyole/ Olunyole/ Nyore/ Olunyore is spoken by the Anyole of Vihiga County. But before we enjoy the roll of this beautiful language off our tongues, a bit of surprising trivia.
Whilst researching this article, I came across a classification of languages that on one part is proof that the strength of we people of Mulembe is derived from our cultural diversity. Conversely, the classification also went to the heart what ails us, people from different Oluhyias, in realizing our modern aspirations as one people.
The classification divided Luhya dialects across two groups of languages. First, the Masaba-Luhya group consisting of: Masaba (incl. Bukusu), what they called Luhya proper, Nyore from modern day Uganda, Nyole, Samia–Songa, Marachi from Butula, Khayo from Nambale/Busia constituencies.
The second group called Logooli-Kuria consists of: Ngurimi, Ikizu–Sizaki/Shashi, Suba, Suba-Simbiti, Kabwa, Singa, Logoli, Idaxo-Isuxa-Tiriki, Gusii , Kuria (Simbiti, Hacha, Surwa, Sweta), Zanaki, Ikoma,?Ware languages.
LUNYOLE, CLOSER TO LUBUKUSU THAN LOGOOLI?
This classification of Luhya dialects reminded me of the Kenyan urban saying: ” Kwa ground vitu ni different.” Meaning, the reality on a hyper-local prism differs from prescribed notions. The reason I say this is because contemporary know-how has it that with time, neighbors and brothers Mulogooli and Munyole have come to understand each others dialect. Thus learning that Lunyole was considered closer to Lubukusu than kiMaragoli, was surprising.
In order to test whether time and modern life had resulted in unification of the different Luhya dialects towards one Mulembe language for Great Lakes Bantus, we randomly sampled 30+ Lunyole words. For the uninitiated, these 30+ words should set you off in learning to speak Lunyole. For seasoned speakers of the different Luhya dialects, take this as an opportunity to revel in our diversity and sameness.
LUNYOLE WORDS AND THEIR TRANSLATION: INANIMATE OBJECTS FOUND IN NATURE
Maatsi
Means water in Nyole. In Maragoli, water is known as ‘amaaze’.
Ifula
That means ‘rain’ in among the Anyole. Among their brothers the Maragoli, it becomes ‘imbura’.
Esaal’a
Means stick in Olunyore. ‘Ku-musaal’a’ is a word that when spoken to most Luhya dialects is coded speak for one thing: Cannabis Sativa. While ‘saal’a’ also means to ‘get hurt’ or to be ‘in pain’ in Lulogooli.
LUNYOLE DESCRIPTIVE WORDS
Ma-hiu
Refers to something being hot. Thus in Olunyole one says ‘Maatsi ma-hiu’ when they talk of hot water.
I-nzakanyu
Means the color red. The ideophone ‘kha’ can be added to denote something that is very red as in : i-nzakanyu kha!
Esiooba
Means outside. This word can be used in the variety of ways that it is used in English including as a preposition, adverb and noun.
DOING WORDS
Ya-khu-pak-il-e
If your mother is Bukusu and she exclaims ‘Khupa!’, you better run for the sake of your bottom for you are about to get a spanking. A Maragoli mother would have to go through more consonants to communicate her desire to spank your bottom by saying ‘nda-ku-kuba’. Similarly, the Nyole phrase in question here ‘ya-khu-pak-il-e’ means he or she hit me.
Okhunyala
This Nyole word talks of possibility. Precisely translates as: ‘to manage [to do . . . ]’ . This Nyole word is also found in Luwanga where it has similar use and meaning.
Okhwenya
This Nyole word talks of a weak necessity. Precisely translates as: ‘to want’. Like the word ‘okhunyala’ it is also found in Luwanga.
Okhwola
Translates as: ‘to arrive’ or ‘to reach’. Particularly used to express when it is necessary for one to arrive or reach in order to do/act in a certain way. To find perfect use of this word in Lunyole, consider its suitability when giving directions to a location. The Luwanga counterpart is ‘okhula’.
Ka-eny-ek-ang’-a
In Swahili it roughly translates to ‘ingewezekana’. Therefore, this word is used to denote a weak epistemic possibility.
Okhu-teek-a
To cook. Also used as a figure of speech to indicate that a Woman is married to a certain people or place. Thus a Maragoli woman might say she comes from say, Chavakali, but ‘adeek-a’ Webuye. This is to say, the same can be said of a Bukusu lady after enganana negotiations. For instance, it can be said that she went ‘khuteek-a’ among the Balunda clan of the Bukusu if she married to a man from that clan.
Okhu-itsa
To come.
Okhu-injil-a
To enter.
U-nyal-a
Means: ‘you can’. In Maragoli that would be ‘u-nyar-a’.
W-evikh-E
Means ‘wear’. This is another word that cuts across the different Luhya dialects save for differences in intonation. For example, an important Maragoli Marriage rite is known as: Kuvika kesegese.
LUNYOLE WORDS TO DO WITH RANDOM HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Rishirti
Shirt.
Okhu-inyala
Means to take a leak. [To pee.]
Ino
This one.
Nende
With
Mulwaye
Means to be ‘sick’ or ‘unwell’.
LUNYOLE WORDS RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION/ MOVEMENT / TRAVELLING
Indika
Means bicycle. In Lulogoli one says ‘i-ngi-da’
Indege
aeroplane/ flight
O-niin-E
Means to ‘take’ as one does when they board a matatu. Generally, this word refers to the action of climbing e.g like when climbing a tree or even boarding a plane.
Okhu-tsia
To go.
Nzitsa ingo
I am going home.
LUNYOLE WORDS FOR TIME
Ng’ondi
Means ‘today’.
Lwabeye
Means ‘yesterday’. Moreover, in the literal sense the Lunyole word ‘lwabeye’ means ‘that which was’.
LUNYOLE WORDS RELATING TO ANIMALS
Esuchi
Fish.
Ing’ombe
Cow.
Chinjika
Horns.
Yanje
My
