Kabiye (also spelled Kabiyé) is the second national language of Togo, after French. Spoken by approximately 1.2 million people mainly in the Kara region (northern part of the country), Kabiye carries a particular prestige as the native language of the former Togolese presidential family.

Belonging to the Niger-Congo family (Gur or Voltaic group), Kabiye is a tonal language with rich grammar. A few well-pronounced greetings will make all the difference during a visit to Togo or when meeting the Kabiye diaspora.

Core Greetings in Kabiye

Hello: Alafia

The main greeting in Kabiye is Alafia (pronounced a-la-fia). This word, common to several West African languages (also found in Yoruba, Fon, etc.), means "peace," "well-being," "health."

Response: Alafia , simply return the same greeting, or say Alafia, yɔɔ (alafia, yo) for "peace, yes / of course."

Morning Greeting

Ɛyaɣa ŋkɛ ŋkɛ (è-ya-gha nkè nkè) , "Good morning" (literally "the freshness of morning")

Response: Yɔɔ, alafia (yo, alafia) , "Yes, peace"

How Are You?

Ɛyɔɔ nɩ ? (è-yo ni) , "How are you?" / "Are you well?"

Response: Maayɔɔ (ma-yo) , "I'm fine"

For more enthusiasm: Maayɔɔ sɔsɔ (ma-yo so-so) , "Very well"

Pronunciation Guide

Kabiye is a two-tone language (high and low). Key points:

  • é or high tone: rising voice
  • è or low tone: falling voice
  • ŋ sounds like "ng" (as in "parking")
  • ɣ is a guttural fricative, close to a rolled "r"
  • ɩ is a slightly open "i"

    • Pronunciation -------------- a-la-FIA è-YO ni ma-YO yo ngmi-ngmi

    Respect Formulas

    Greeting Elders

    In Kabiye society, traditionally organized around age classes, respect for elders is a cardinal value. To greet an elder:

  • Bow slightly
  • Hold their hand with both hands
  • Use Alafia, tɔsɔ (alafia, to-so) , "Hello, elder" as a mark of respect

    • Titles

  • Tɔsɔ: grandfather / elder (respectful title for an older man)
  • Naɣa: grandmother / elder (respectful title for an older woman)
  • Kɔlɔŋ: friend, companion (for a peer)

    • Welcome: Ɛwʋ yɔɔ

    To welcome a visitor: Ɛwʋ yɔɔ (è-vu yo) , "Welcome" (literally "you arrived in peace").

    Quick Reference

    Pronunciation Context | -----------------------| a-la-fia Universal | è-yo ni General | ma-yo Response | è-ya-gha nkè nkè Morning | è-vu yo Receiving guests | ngmi-ngmi
    Word
    Meaning
    ------
    ---------
    Alafia
    Peace / Hello
    Ɛyɔɔ nɩ ?
    How are you?
    Maayɔɔ
    I'm fine
    Yɔɔ
    Yes / OK
    Ŋmɩŋmɩ
    Thank you
    Expression
    Translation
    -----------
    ------------
    Alafia
    Peace / Hello
    Ɛyɔɔ nɩ ?
    How are you?
    Maayɔɔ
    I'm fine
    Ɛyaɣa ŋkɛ ŋkɛ
    Good morning
    Ɛwʋ yɔɔ
    Welcome
    Ŋmɩŋmɩ
    Thank you
    Gratitude | Discover West African languages on Targumi