We are always asked why we are here in Gulu and we respond with 'helping translation work.' Some people then ask us if we know the language. Of course we have to say that we do not. We are just facilitating and helping with computer work. Others have translated the literature from English to Lwo. We are only helping type it up so as to have an easier access for editing and emailing.
Of course, in the process of all the typing, we have learned a few phrases. It definitely helps that 'our guys' (as we refer to them as they have become good friends) have also wanted us to learn the language. So here and there while typing they have told us some things. In conversation, mostly greetings and farewells, we have learned a few things. It's nice to know and people enjoy it, or at least laugh about it.
I have a list started of different words or phrases that we want to remember. It's not an easy task because letters aren't said the way we would pronounce them. I not only have to figure out the spelling of the word or phrase, get the translation, but also write HOW it is said. hahaha.... it's an interesting list. And it made the guys laugh whenever they saw my 'how to say it' part of the words/phrases. If I'm going to learn/remember, I need to have it written down.
Here's some examples - and no I won't give the pronunciation because that's more for my benefit and probably won't make sense to you....hehe
aphoyo - hello, thank you
aphoyo matek - thank you very much
odwogo cen - came back
bwute mabe - good night
la bola - banana
kopango - how are you?
kope - Good (in response to how are you)
icoo mabe - good morning
gen tye - there is hope
mapatpat - different
madit - big, great
And there are others.... Hopefully we can expand our Lwo vocabulary some more - and keep practicing so we do not forget it.
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