Lwuor 

Colloquial

Expressions, in the context of language, refer to specific phrases or combinations of words that are commonly used to convey a particular meaning or sentiment. Expressions are often idiomatic, meaning their meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words used.

Expressions are an integral part of communication as they allow us to convey emotions, cultural nuances, and specific ideas more effectively. They can vary across languages and cultures, and learning expressions can greatly enhance one's ability to understand and communicate in a particular language.

 

Expressions can take various forms, such as greetings, farewell phrases, polite requests, expressions of gratitude, or idiomatic phrases etc unique to a language or region. They add colour and depth to conversations and reflect the cultural values and customs of a community.

 

In the context of Dholuo language, expressions can include common colloquial, greetings, saying or interrogative specific to Acholi culture. 

 

COLLOQUIAL
Colloquial language refers to the informal, everyday language used in casual conversations and interactions. It often deviates from formal or standard language in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Colloquial language reflects the natural variations, regional dialects, and cultural nuances of a specific community or group of people.

 

Greeting
Colloquial greetings in Dholuo can be more casual and less formal than the standard greetings. Here are some examples

"Adier!" - This is a very casual way of wondering that can be used at any time. It's often used among friends or people of the same age group.

DholuoEnglish 
Adier!Really!, yes!
NadiHi
Idhi nadi?How are you doing?
An maber wuod maI am ok, son to my mom ?
Ruoth omed umi gi bwombeni  jakababaMay the Lord covered you unto his wings father's man

Please note that "Adier" is more casual and might not be appropriate for all situations, especially when speaking to elders or in a formal context. Always be aware of your surroundings and use language that is appropriate for the situation.

 

 

Requests

DholuoEnglish 
Ojana , adwaro ori chiroYoung man , I want to send you to the market
An thuolo jaduong , ora aoraI am free old man, just send me
Wacha, tita, kopa, boka Tell me

 

 

Farm

Here are some general farming-related terms and their approximate translations:

 

DholuoEnglish 
kodiSeeds
Apidho kodhiI am sowing seeds.
AkeyoI am harvesting.
Apuro pwodhoI am cultivating the field.

Kodhi is pronounce ko - dhi in Dholuo


These translations are approximate, and the actual phrases used can vary among different Acholi-speaking communities. As a tonal language, the tone of voice can change the meaning of a word in Acholi. Therefore, these phrases should be used with caution.

 

Please note that colloquial or informal expressions in a language can vary significantly based on the region and the individual speaker, and they can also evolve over time, especially in areas like farming where practices may change due to advances in technology and changes in society.

 

 

Technology
Colloquial in technology are as follow

DholuoEnglish
tolwire
mbuiinternet, website
Rieko molosiartificial intelligence
Masinmachine

 

 

Business

colloquial in business are as follows:

DholuoEnglish
Ohalabusiness
Dukashop
michgive
Adihow much

 

Health
colloquial in health are as below:

DholuoEnglish
aonda guogi/kaheraTB(tuber closes)
Chunya litMy heart painful
Chonga owilknee is dislocated 
Kok lwetiFinger nail 

 

Science
colloquial in science are as follows:

 

DholuoEnglish 
Thowi mar loso kongoyeast for making beer
Olemo matindo otwi ewi lowoTiny fruits grow above ground.
Pipabarrel 
OgwalFrog

 

 

Engineering

colloquial in engineering are as follows:

DholuoEnglish 
Loso situlmaking stool 
Loso olalomaking bridge
Loso otanda/ng'ango making bed
Loso dhoot/thigomaking door

 

 

Energy

Colloquial in energy are as follows:

DholuoEnglish
Sitima/machElectricity, fire
mac piihydrogen
yiend sitimaelectricity pole
 heater or cooler
Mach mar chiengsolar

 

Love

Colloquial in love are as follows:

DholuoEnglish 
Toyo ngonoSex
Keth nyingaSpoil my name
Osiepa / Jadiyagirl friend, boy friend
machuokshortie 

Bange is pronounce Bang'-ng'e.

 

Religious

colloquial in religious are as follows:

DholuoEnglish 
Jower mag kanisa.church choirs
Jateloleader
Mumabible
Jolupdisciples 
JayaloPreacher