Somali is spoken by about 22 million people in Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as in an active diaspora in London, Minneapolis, Stockholm and Toronto. The language of one of Africa's richest poetic traditions, it has been written in the Latin alphabet since 1972. With this kit, you have the essentials to greet, eat and handle an emergency.
Somali is spoken by about 22 million people, mainly in Somalia, Djibouti, the Somali region of Ethiopia and northeastern Kenya, plus a very active diaspora in London, Minneapolis, Stockholm, Toronto and the Gulf. It belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family, like Oromo, Afar and Saho, and is therefore not related to Bantu languages despite the geographical proximity.
Long essentially oral, Somali went through a historical written debate before the adoption in 1972 of an official Latin alphabet by President Siad Barre. The reform enabled massive literacy across the country and set a rigorous spelling where every long consonant is doubled. Before 1972, Somali was written in Arabic script or with alphabets devised in the 20th century, such as Osmanya invented by Osman Yusuf Kenadid.
The language is tonal and accentual: stress placement can change the meaning of a word. It distinguishes masculine and feminine gender on nouns and pronouns, which shows in greetings (Iska warran to a man, with different follow-up forms for a woman). Somali culture is deeply poetic: gabays are passed on by memory and heelo accompany celebrations. This oral tradition led Richard Burton in the 19th century to call the Somalis a nation of poets.
This kit gathers the bare essentials to get by in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Djibouti or in the diaspora: greeting correctly, asking for directions, eating, handling an emergency and politely saying goodbye. A few words of Somali instantly open the door to legendary hospitality.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You arrive at Djibouti or Hargeisa airport in the early morning. An officer greets you with the Islamic greeting. You answer according to the time of day (morning or afternoon) and warmly start the conversation.
You get into a taxi in Djibouti and indicate the house or guesthouse where you are staying. You mention the kitchen, the coloured door or a visual landmark to help the driver find the right address.
You sit down at a Somali cafe to try the specialties. You order water, milk for the shaah, rice to go with grilled goat and canjeero bread for breakfast.
You are unwell and need to explain the situation to a pharmacist or doctor. Pointing to the head, eyes, ear or mouth using the Somali words helps your interlocutor understand and direct you.
The night before departure, you want to wish your hosts a good evening, thank them warmly with a big Mahadsanid, and answer simply Haa or Maya to your host's last questions before leaving.
What you need to know before travelling to a somali-speaking country.
Somali belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family, like Oromo and Afar. It is therefore not related to the Bantu languages of southern Africa despite the shared geography.
The official Latin alphabet was adopted in 1972 by President Siad Barre after decades of debate. Before that, Somali was written in Arabic or with alphabets created by intellectuals such as Osmanya.
The Islamic greeting Salaan aleykum is heard everywhere. Reply Wa aleykum salaan and shake with the right hand. Between men and women who are not close, a nod is often preferred to physical contact.
Poetry holds a central place in Somali culture. Gabays are long poems recited from memory, and heelo are popular songs. Knowing a few verses by Hadraawi is a mark of respect.
Somalis are renowned for their hospitality. You will often be offered cardamom tea (shaah) and camel milk (caano geel). Flatly refusing can feel cold: accept at least a sip.
The pastoral and nomadic culture permeates the vocabulary: Somali has dozens of words for camel depending on age, colour or function. Asking for caano geel (camel milk) always delights hosts.
In a restaurant, try bariis iskukaris (spiced rice), hilib ari (grilled goat) and canjeero (breakfast pancake). Meals are gladly shared with the right hand from a common dish.
Avoid sensitive topics: Somali politics, clan conflicts, the situation in Somaliland. Stick to poetry, food and football to start a warm conversation.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Fadlan
please
Nabadgelyo
goodbye (peace be upon you)
Sidee tahay
how are you
yahay
to be
leeyahay
to have
tagaa
to go
yimid
to come
cunaa
to eat
cabbaa
to drink
seexdaa
to sleep
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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