Swahili Salaam

Swahili Salam
Lesson 1
Na Mwl. Lightness D. Isojick

The goal of this lesson is to teach you Swahili
greetings.

You will learn how to read and write, as well as
speak simple Swahili words and phrases used in
greeting.

Additionally, you will gain knowledge of the
culture and customs of those who speak
Swahili.

This lesson is designed for a learner who is not
familiar to Swahili language.

So…Karibu Sana!

Cultural Significance of Salamu.

Swahili culture places importance
on greetings and polite
exchanges.
Using the appropriate greeting for
the situation and relationship is a
way of showing cultural
awareness and respect.

Always start a conversation greetings!!

Habari Greeting

“Habari” is often used in a formal
setting, to greet someone you
respect or you are meeting for
the first time, or in a professional
setting.
Literally it means give me the
news equivalent to
Hello, how are you?

Let’s Practice Habari Greeting

A: Habari

B: Nzuri / Salama

Good /Safe

Nzuri sana ( Very good) very positive

Nzuri tu (Just good) something is not ok

Habari Greeting can be very specific based on
the time of the day or certain specific thing
that you really want to know about.

Habari za asubuhi (How is Morning )

Habari za mchana (How is afternoon)

Habari za Jioni ( How is evening)

Habari za familia (How is family)

Habari za kazi ( How is work)

Habari za safari ( How is your journey/trip)

Native speakers can contract it into

za asubuhi?

Mambo Greeting

This greeting is well-suited for
casual conversations and
situations where a relaxed and
friendly tone is appropriate.

Mambo / Mambo vipi?

Powa / powa Sana

Shikamoo Greeting

Shikamoo (I respect you)

Marhaba ( I accept it)

This greeting is used by younger people when
they are greeting people who are older to
them.

Child to a parent.

Student to a teacher.

Hujambo Greeting

"Hujambo" is often chosen in
situations where a higher level of
formality or respect is desired.

In this case older people say
hujambo to younger one.

A: Hujambo

B: Sijambo

Older people can set the tone of
the conversation…
They can use any other form
greetings after you greeted them
with shikamoo greeting.
Habari ya nyumbani (how is home)
Safi
Mambo vipi
Powa
Wazazi hawajambo
Hawajambo

Hujambo usually goes with other greeting

A:Hujambo

B: Sijambo, shikamoo

Marahaba.

A: Hujambo

B: Sijambo,

A: Mambo?

A: Hujambo

B:Sijambo,

A: Habari yako

Nzuri, habari ya nyumbani