To get to the meaning of the figure of speech nyanga ya mabasa in Bukusu, we will break down the phrase and learn new Bukusu words along the way.
Meaning of nyanga
In Bukusu language, nyanga means:
- The sun, also called enyanga;
- Day
Meaning of khubasa
The word mabasa comes from the Bukusu action word khubasa which means:
- Blacksmithing
Meaning of the figure of speech nyanga ya mabasa in Bukusu
A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect. Thus, a literal translation of nyanga ya mabasa would be the nonsensical statements ‘one day blacksmithing’ or ‘the sun blacksmithing’. However, Lubukusu being the rich language it is has this figure of speech meaning:
- One day, or
- A day will come
This figure of speech symbolizes hope, new beginnings or optimism.
Why learn Bukusu with us
Bukusu language or Lubukusu is the tongue of Babukusu, the largest of the 18 houses of mulembe. Learn how to speak Bukusu language through our free lessons in Bukusu language; our stories on Bukusu culture that harness the richness of Lubukusu in their narrative; our continuous search for the meaning of different Bukusu proverbs and sayings; and if your Lubukusu is already good enough, sharpen and challenge yourself with our new blog sibukusu that covers everything Bukusu in the purest Lubukusu.
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More resources to help you learn Bukusu langauge
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