Types of Communication in Lango
Different ways of communication in Lango
Lango culture, like many cultures, has a rich array of traditional communication methods. These methods are not just about conveying information; they are deeply intertwined with cultural practices, rituals, and community life. Here are some of the key means of communication in Lango culture:
Drumming
Drums are perhaps the most iconic instrument in Lango culture for communication. Different types of drums are used, and each has its own purpose. The rhythms and beats convey various messages, from calling community meetings, signaling danger or celebrating important events.
Below are some of the related words used for drumming;-
English | Lango |
Types of communication in Lango | Yore me kubere i Lango |
Druming | Goyo-bul |
Drum | Bul |
Drumsticks | Oloto |
Large Drum | Min bul |
Small drum | Atin bul |
Drum Skin | Del bul |
Drum Body | Kom bul |
Myelo rudi | Twin dancing |
Myelo kot | Rainmaking dance |
Daytime | Idye ceng |
Songs | Wer |
Dance | Myel |
Horn | Tung/atimo |
Flute | Otule |
Bow harp | Adungu |
Rain | Kot |
Twins | Rudi |
Horn Blowing.
Made from animal horns, these instruments are used for sending signals over long distances. Different sounds can be used to communicate different types of messages, such as calling for gatherings or warning of danger.
Horns were got from animals and they were six(6), namely;-
English | Lango |
Horn blowing | Kuto bilo |
Horn | Bilo |
Goat | Dyel |
Cow | Dyang |
Lamb | Romo |
Tenor flute from young kob | Adang/Adadang |
Bass or mother flute from kob | Min bilo |
Horn from half grown waterbuck | Opuko |
Horn from Bushbuck | Til |
Horn from half grown Hartebeest | Agam |
Treble flute from kob | Atin bilo/ Adum |
Horn from roan/kob | Oribi |
Horn from sitatunga | Aryem |
Oral Storytelling:
Oral traditions are a cornerstone of Lango culture. Stories, legends, myths, and historical accounts are passed down through generations orally and written. These stories serve not only as a means of entertainment, but also as a way to educating younger generations about their culture, morals, and customs.
Examples of words related to Oral Storytelling are;-
English | Lango |
Oral storytelling | Ceko-icina i dog |
Stories | Ododo/icina |
Poem | Carolok |
Proverbs | Carokop |
Riddles | Koc |
Myths | Icina |
Folktales | Icina |
Imaginary being with long unkept hair | Obibi |
Imaginary small ugly animal | Bicilibic |
Millet bread | Kwon-kal |
Simsim paste | Nino orego |
Plays | Tuki |
Play | Tuko |
Dove song | Wer amam |
Threshing stick | Apwod/lut |
Unserious play in marriage scenario | Tuko odede |
These methods of communication are deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the Lango people. They are not just tools for exchanging information but are vital for preserving and celebrating their rich cultural heritage.
Songs and Chants:
Music and singing are integral to the Lango way of life. Songs and chants are used in various ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings. They can convey history, traditions, emotions, and social messages.
All Lango songs and music are lyrical and for particular occasions.
Examples of songs and chants;-
English | Lango |
Songs | Wer |
Chants | Ceko |
Lyrical | Ryeko-anywali |
Occasions | Nine-mogo |
Music | Tum |
Lango-drum dance | Myel bul-lango |
Flute | Otule/ Bilo |
Myel | Dance |
Drum | Bul |
For-girl | Panyako |
Awino turned-into animal | Awino odoko lee |
God took my life | Obanga otero kwo na |
Awino also | Awino dang |
Teenage dance | Ekoce |
Adult dance | Okeme |
Round the stadium | Mano en lek |
Competition | Pyem |
Debt | Den |
Dance.
Dance in Lango culture is more than just a form of entertainment. It's a mode of storytelling and communication. Specific dances are performed for different occasions, each with its own meaning and significance.
Below are some of the related words used for dancing;-
English | Lango |
Dance | Myel |
Chief | Bwola |
Thump piano | Okeme |
Song for men and women | Orak |
Wer | Song |
Specific | Pir |
Flute | Otule/bilo |
Song for travellers | Apica |
Lap-dance | Ekoce |
Flag | Bendera |
Teenage dance | Abuda |
Dance organisers | Oyub/Oket myel |
Small axes | Okile |
Company | Kampuni |
Drummer | Ago-bul |
Lead dancer | Atel myel |
Lead dancers | Otel myel |
Singer | Awer |
Adjudicator | Angol myel |
Adjudicators | Ongol myel |
Rain | Kot |
Earth | Lobo |
Sun | Ceng |
Stadium | Lek |
Proverbs and Sayings:
Proverbs are an important aspect of communication, often used to impart wisdom, moral lessons, and societal norms. They are a concise and effective way of conveying complex ideas and values.
Examples of proverbs include;-
English | Lango |
Proverbs | Carolok |
Sayings | Kop/lok |
Impart wisdom | Miyo ryeko |
Moral lessons | Pwony ryeko |
Societal norms | Tekwaro a-lwak |
Complex ideas | Tam atek |
You will cause trouble if you continue doing what you are doing. | Inyono me Obot i piny. |
Once you accomplished the task go away to avoid risk. | Ka lwok mom ka two. |
A lazy person eats an empty honey comb. | Awac kom camo owara |
I am the master of my destiny. | Rwot loa i ngo. |
Comparing a child with a parent. | Mac nywalo buru |
To refrain from something for the good of one's welfare. | Iwor acel mom kwoko dek |
One cannot rely on borrowed resources to survive in life. | Kado akwaa mom tedo welo |
A situation that is bad/stinks/dirty/rotten beneath the surface. | Cil i look bala opoko cak alali |
A pot dies at the door way. | Gulu to i dog-gola |
Face to face dialogue is more effective than otherwise. | Lut i kan abor mom neko twol. |
If one is late comer, he/she is highly probable the he will miss the best part of the target source. | Dok odong i cen mato pii araco. |
A person who by nature is difficult to advise about potential dangers that may accrue. | Atin dyel akuca yat dero atwero |
A punishment given to a less guilty or totally innocent person. | Amor to i tyen apoli. |
Difficult tasks are best performed discreetely. | Engato akok mom mako lee. |
Your elephant tusk is not heavy for you. | Lak lyeci mom peki |
Physical Gestures and Non-Verbal Cues:
Non-verbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, and body language plays a significant role in Lango communication. These cues can convey respect, intention, and emotions, often complementing verbal communication.
English | Lango |
Physical gestures | Anyut anen |
Non-verbal cues | Lok-dingo |
Respect | Woro |
Intention | Akaa/tam |
Emotions | Akemo |
Head | Wic |
Head shake | Yengo wic |
Eyes | Wang |
Blinking eyes | Diyo wang |
Closing eyes | Miyo wang |
Nose | Wum |
Smelling something | Ngweyo ginoro |
Mouth | Dog |
Tasting something | Bilo ginoro |
Seeing something | Neno ginoro |
Ears | Yit |
Hearing something | Winyo ginoro |
Body language | Lok kom |
Tone of voice | Rwom me dwon |
Bodily | Kokom |
Actions | Tim |
Speech | Lok |
Hands | Cing |
Kindness | Bero |
Attention | Mayo/kelo tam |
Open palm | Yabo cing |
Waving | Tiro cing |
Facial expression | Neno me wang |
Movement | Wot |
Messages | Kwena |
Visible | Nen |
Gifts | Mot |
Appearance | Neno |
Pointing | Cimo |
Nodding yes or no | Yengo wi tye onyo pe |
Thumbs up | Tiro twon-cing malo |
Salute | Tiro cing me amot |
Shaking hands | Yengo cing |
Bouquet of flowers | Atura ame ocano |
Opening door for someone | Yabo dogola pi ngatoro |
Massage | Rwac |
Art and Craftsmanship:
Visual arts and crafts also play a role in communication. Patterns and designs can represent different cultural narratives or societal roles.
For example;-
English | Lango |
Art | Dec/deyo/Lingo |
Craftsmanship | Goc/tet |
Patterns and design | Lingo kede deyo |
Beadwork | Tigo |
Table | Meja |
Chair | Kom |
Pot | Gulu |
Bracelet/ornaments | Mola |
Ironstone | Cetlela |
Hoe | Kweri/adima/orok |
Spear | Tong/roko |
Axe | Lee |
Adze | Kou |
Knife | Pala |
Razor | Lyedi |
Beard tweezers | Aput |
Sieve | Gica |
Blacksmith/iron work/recycling/fabrication | Tet |
Weaving | Mino |
Carpentry | Pac/Tet/cwero |
Harvesting knife | Alwete |
Anklet | Agace |
Mortars | Apany |
Pestle | Alek |
Mingling stick | Lutukwon |
Source spoon | Ogwec |
Yao | Shea |
Stool | Eputo |
Palm | Otit |
Warming drum | Tolo bul |
Calabash | Gwata |
Basket | Dwongo |
Winnowing pan | Odero |
Broom | Owec |
Grinding stone | Kidi rego |
Shallow potsherd | Tako |
Dry | Ner/two |
Pubic apron | Cup/ariko |
Hairdress | Tok |
Plaiting | Kedo |
These methods of communication are deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the Lango people. They are not just tools for exchanging information but are vital for preserving and celebrating their rich cultural heritage.