Discussion in lango
Discussions in Lango is Leyo/laro tam/lok or i Lango. Discussing matters with elders in Lango culture is a significant aspect of their social interactions, reflecting deep-rooted respect for age, wisdom, and traditional authority. The Lango, a Luo-speaking people from northern Uganda, uphold specific customs and etiquettes when engaging in conversations with their elders. These customs are not only a sign of respect but also an acknowledgement of the elders' role in guiding, advising, and preserving cultural heritage. Here are some key considerations and practices:
Respectful Language
- Polite Forms of Address: When speaking to elders, it is customary to use respectful titles and forms of address. This may include specific terms that acknowledge the elder's status within the community.
Below are some of the polite titles and forms of address;-
English | Lango |
Mr. | Atic icoo |
Mister | Atic icoo |
Master | Atic abulu |
Ms. | Atic adako |
Mrs. | Cika dano |
Miss | Atic adako |
Mistress | Atic adako |
Sir | Atic icoo |
Madam | Atic adako |
Teacher | Apwony |
Headteacher | Apwony adwong |
Doctor | Dakatal |
Nurse | Dakatal |
Chief | Jago |
President | Adwong lobo |
Clan head | Awitong |
Grandmother | Atat |
Grandfather | Aba-adwong/apap |
Aunt | Waa |
Uncle | Nero |
Husband | Cwar |
Wife | Dako |
Lady | Dako awore |
Honourable | Awibye |
Politician | Awibye |
Neighbour | Jirani/awot |
In Law | Maro/wayi/amu |
Nephew | Okeo |
Niece | Akeo |
Granddaughter | Akwar |
Grandson | Akwar |
Grandchildren | Ikwae |
Priest | Padi/adwong lego |
- Indirect Speech: Direct confrontation or blunt language is avoided. The Lango often employ indirect speech or use proverbs and wise sayings to convey sensitive messages or criticisms gently.
Examples of indirect speech and proverbs;-
English | Lango |
They say you are helpful. | Joo kobo ni yin i konyo. |
She asked if it was raining. | En openyo ka onwongo tye cwe. |
He asked me if you drink alcohol. | En openyo ka yin imato kongo. |
He said that he saw you going. | En okobo ni en eneni itye iwot. |
She said that she might come. | En okobo ni en emaro bino. |
Walking carelessly has made me tread on the bustards egg. | Wot atata omia anyono tong apodo. |
You have disclosed your presence like a crested crane. | Itucere keni bala ewalo. |
A guinea fowl doesn't leave its head. | Aweno mom weko wie. |
One frog spoils the eye of water. | Ogwalogwal acel balo wang pii |
A spear is not received from the spearhead. | Tong mom ogamo i tu lebe. |
Listening Before Speaking
- Valuing Elders' Opinions: Younger people are expected to listen attentively to what the elders have to say, often speaking only when asked to or after the elder has finished speaking. This practice underscores the value placed on the wisdom and experience of the elders.
For example of elder's opinions;-
English | Lango |
Respect your elders. | Wor odonge ni. |
Follow your dream. | Lub cuny yin. |
Value your time. | Gen cawa ni. |
Don't judge people. | Pe ingoli jo kop. |
Appreciate what you have. | Pwo gin-ame itye kede. |
Take responsibility of your actions. | Yee garama ame i timo. |
Go outside. | Wot oko |
Don't sweat the small stuff. | Pe imi kwok cwer pi gin atitidi. |
Don't be afraid of an honest day's work. | Pe i par pi timo tic ateni |
Take care of your health. | Par pi yot-komi. |
Be a friend. | Bed awot. |
Life is short. | Kwo tye acek. |
Water can assuage many things. | Pi twero lwoko jami apol. |
- Patience in Communication: Rushing a conversation or interrupting an elder is considered disrespectful. Patience is a virtue, especially in discussions with elders, reflecting a deep respect for their contributions.
For example of conversations with elders;-
English | Lango |
Their past. | Kwo gi acon. |
Childhood memory. | Poyo tino. |
Best lesson learned. | Pwonyere aber aloo. |
Things most proud of. | Jami ayomo-yic atek |
History of family name. | Cakere a nying tur/jo paco. |
About present situation. | Akwako kwo kareni. |
Their recommendations. | Tam gi. |
Family history. | Agege/acaki paco. |
Life events. | Kwera me kwo. |
Food liked most. | Cem omaro atek. |
Non-verbal Cues
- Body Language: Respectful body language is crucial. This might include avoiding direct eye contact, as it may be considered confrontational or disrespectful, and adopting a posture that shows attentiveness and respect.
Examples of respectful body language include;-
English | Lango |
Body language | Leb kom |
Right instructor | Apwony aber |
Touch | Mul/gud |
Movement | Wot |
Posture | Kit bedo |
Voice | Dwan |
Facial expressions | Neno wang |
Skill levels | Rwom me diro |
Hand | Cing |
Ability to understand | Twero niango |
Interpret other people | Ning jo okene |
Unspoken issues | Jami ape lokere |
Inconsistences | Pe tye arwate |
Feeling | Winyo |
Intentions | Miti |
Eye contact | Wang i wang |
Signals | Anyut |
Space | Kan oromo |
Languages | Leb apol |
Nervousness | Pukoro cuny |
- Gestures of Respect: Certain gestures, such as bowing slightly when greeting an elder or handing over something with both hands, are signs of ancestral respect.
For example of gestures of respect include;-
English | Lango |
Respect | Woro |
Speech | Lok/kop |
Nodding | Yengo |
Presentation | Pwonyo |
Performance | Tiyo |
Body point | Kanoro akom |
Openness | Bedo agonya |
Smile | Bwonyo |
Saying hello | Kobo amot |
Convey confidence | Nyuto tekcuny |
Being nice | Bedo aber |
Refreshments | Mat |
Holding door for someone | Mako dogola pi dano |
Offering compliments | Pwoyo bero/cilo |
Movements of the hands | Leyo cing |
Expression of love and affection | Nyuto mara kede miti |
Supporting a say | Cwako lok |
Announce an idea | Miyo ngec |
Buying coffee for a stranger | Wile apat-ata cai |
Giving feedback | Mio agam |
- Consultation in Rituals: Elders are often consulted in matters involving spiritual rituals or ancestral traditions, acknowledging their closer connection to the spiritual world and ancestral knowledge.
Examples of consultation in rituals include;-
English | Lango |
Gestures | Anyut |
Consultations | Kwayo tam |
Rituals | Kwera |
Words | Lok/kop |
Norms | Tekwaro |
Religious acts | Tic kanica |
Actions | Ticere |
Specific order | Yuba omio |
Birth | Nywal |
Marriage | Nyom |
Funerals | Yik |
Formal events | Cik kwera |
Rites of passage | Bero me kato |
Purification acts | Jwayo tim |
Empowerment | Miyo-teko/tegoro |
Collectively | Karacel |
Individually | Kenken |
Difficult problems | Peki adongo |
Create habits | Yubo kit |
Help us to learn | Konyo wa me pwonyere |
To grow | Me dongo |
To connect | Me Kubere |
Fasting | Iri-kec/nirii kec |
Festivals | Kwera |
Use of Proverbs and Stories
- Proverbs: Lango culture is rich in proverbs, which are often used by elders to impart wisdom and by younger people to show their understanding of cultural norms and values.
Examples of proverbs include;-
English | Lango |
Termite came after chicken. | Okupa oleo nge gwen. |
You don't surrender a wound to a fly. | Lwangi mom okune wang bur. |
Slowness made the earthworm reach the stream. | Momot omio dedek otuno i kulo. |
Imitation caused the wasp to construct an empty honeycomb. | Apoti omio pipino ocweo owara. |
You pulled safari ants with a grass rope. | Iwao mori akedi. |
Men die in burnt grass. | Co too i rao. |
While migrating don't uproot the leg of a pumpkin. | Ka idak mom iputo tyen okono. |
A tree that is curved cannot be straightened. | Yat ka ogom mom twenyere. |
Phrases and tips used in proverbs include;-
English | Lango |
Purposes | Ticere |
Figurative language | Leb carokop. |
Politeness behaviour | Bedo amwol. |
Topic control | Juko wi-kop. |
Relieve interpersonal tensions. | Gonyo peki a dano. |
Aid in understanding. | Konyo i niang. |
To console. | Me cukoro. |
Inspire others. | Tegoro jo okene. |
To live accordingly. | Me bedo alubere. |
Practice makes perfect. | Tiyo mio yubere. |
God's reproof. | Moko Obanga. |
Gain wisdom. | Nwongo ryeko. |
Make an argument. | Mio laro lok. |
Reinforce morals. | Pwonyo woro. |
Teach morals. | Pwonyo woro. |
Offer advice. | Mio tam. |
Impart knowledge. | Keto ngec/ryeko. |
Applied linguists. | Keto leb. |
Source of data. | Yaa a ngec. |
Proverbs. | Carokop. |
Focus | Tute. |
A number of disciplines. | Yoo apapat. |
- Storytelling: Elders use stories from the past to teach lessons, making storytelling a critical tool in discussions. Younger individuals might also use anecdotes to illustrate their points in a way that honors the elders' preference for narrative communication.
Uses of storytelling;-
English | Lango |
Storytelling | Kobo icina. |
Group discussions | Tam a lwak. |
Evaluating ideas | Poro tam. |
Selecting the best ones. | Yero en abeco aloo. |
Professional settings. | Yuba atira. |
Support. | Cwako. |
Personal relationships. | Wat kenken. |
Criteria. | Kit/Yoo. |
Convey important messages. | Cwalo ngec apiretek |
Rational for evaluation. | Pora me kop. |
Benefits of ideas. | Pire-tek me tam. |
Demonstrate. | Nyuto. |
Memorable way. | Yoo poyo. |
Drawbacks of ideas. | Tam orwate. |
Evoke emotions. | Kwanyo keckom. |
Captive audience. | Kelo lwak. |
Develop an understanding. | Dongo a niangere. |
About life | Akwako kwo. |
About others. | Akwako jo-okene. |
About ourselves. | Akwako wan-kenwa. |
Appreciate cultures. | Pwoyo tekwaro. |
Promotes positive attitudes. | Cwako/tingo kit i yore-opore. |
Community and Family Settings
- Formal Gatherings: In formal settings, such as community meetings or ceremonies, there is a structured order to speaking that gives precedence to elders. Their words carry weight and are often decisive.
Examples of uses of formal gatherings include;-
English | Lango |
Formal | Cik-oye |
Assumptions | Geco |
Precedences | Woro |
Characterised | Kite |
Gathering | Bino-karacel |
Meeting | Chokere |
Discussions | Leyo-tam |
Predetermined | Acaki-tute |
Preplanned | Acaki-yubere |
Notices | Ngec |
Finance committee | Oyub myeka |
Board of directors | Otela me tic |
Annual shareholders | Joo onote i lim/biacara |
Focus group discussions | Joo otute i leyo-tam |
Generate ideas | Kato kede tam |
Group sessions | Caa me joo-onote. |
Objectives | Tyen-kop |
Verbal interactions | Leyo-tam i dog |
Questions | Peny |
Minutes | Dakika |
Agenda | Kop me aleya |
Common goal | Tam orwate |
Assembled | Yubo/teto |
- Family Discussions: Within families, discussing matters with elders may involve seeking advice, blessings, or consent for important decisions, highlighting the elders' central role in family affairs.
Examples of uses of family discussions include;-
English | Lango |
Structured discussion | Yuko tam |
Highlighting | Wie-wie |
Central role | Tic ikokome |
Seeking advice | Yenyo tam |
Blessings | Go-gum |
Consent | Rukca |
Family meetings | Cokere me ot/dogola/pacu |
Resolve conflicts | Tyeko peki |
Happy family | Pacu me yomyic |
Interesting | Mit/mwonya |
Combined ideas | Tam oribere |
Learned | Opwonyere |
Emotions aside | Akemo tenge |
What they mean | Gin a gin gonyo |
Story | Icina |
Needs | Mitere |
Wants | Mite |
Concerns | Paro-pir |
Opinions | Tame |
Network events | Kwera karacel |
Ask questions | Peny apeny/peny |
Don't interrupt a speaker | Pe i ruc wi alok |
Stay calm | Bedo mot |
Share ideas | Leyo tam |
Family members | Joo ot |
Gladness | Yomcuny |
Argued | Pyemo |
Anger decreases | Akemo dok-piny |
Spiritual respect discussion:
Lango conducted rituals for health, reproduction and food production.
Below are things given respect to in Lango culture;-
English | Lango |
Respect for parents. | Woro pi onywal |
Elders | Odonge |
Teachers | Opwonye |
Family traditions | Tekwaro a dogola/pacu |
Children | Otino |
Spirits | Tipu/jogi |
Beliefs | Yee/Niiye |
Cultural practices | Tic tekwaro |
Decisions | Moko tam |
Religious beliefs | Yee kanica |
Faiths | Cuny |
Diverse perspectives | Tam apapat |
Worship | Pako |
Monopoly on truth | Ateni acel |
Promoting tolerance | Cwako kanyo |
Wellbeing | Ber-bedo |
Safety | Kuc |
Feelings of trust | Winyo gen |
Relationship | Wat |
Country's flag | Bendera me lobo |
Language Preservation
- Preserving Lango Language: Discussions with elders also serve as an opportunity for younger generations to learn and preserve the Lango language, idioms, and cultural expressions which are critical for maintaining cultural identity.
Below are what is done to preserve Lango language;-
English | Lango |
Preserving | Gwoko |
Cultural identity | Anyut tekwaro |
Cultural expressions | Ngeyo tekwaro |
Young generations | Buli |
Transmission of culture | Kobo tekwaro |
Language immerse programs | Keto leb i myeka |
Values | Pire-tek |
History | Agege/acaki |
Beliefs | Gen |
Community classes | Ot-kwan a lwak |
Integrating language into schools and media. | Keto leb i ot-kwan kede kwena. |
Development of culture | Dongo me tekwaro |
Documentation | Gwoko coc/ngec |
Heritage | Lako/kobo |
Recording | Gwoko ngec |
Traditions | Tekwaro |
One's history | Agege a dano |
Native speakers | Olok tekwaro |
Literature | Kwano-coc |
Sense of community | Ngec a lwak |
Engaging with the elders in the Lango community is a deeply respectful and structured process, emphasizing listening, patience, and the use of culturally appropriate language and non-verbal cues. These practices ensure that the wisdom of the elders is honoured and that cultural traditions are preserved and passed down through generations.
Discussions with the elders involves;-
English | Lango |
Promoting peace | Cwako kuc |
Unity | Note |
Young people | Joo atino |
Supporting youths | Cwako buli |
Poverty eradication | Kwanyo can |
Issues | Peki |
Appreciation | Pwoc |
Village elder | Odonge me calo |
Leaders | Otela |
Initiation | Nyutu dano/ginoro |
Teenagers | Jarawee |
Conversations | Lok/tam |
Open | Kan aler |
Disarmament | Gamo oduku |
Interpretation | Gonyo lok |
Women's right | Twero a mon |
Men's right | Twero a coo |
Children's right | Twero o tino |
Topics | Wi lok |
Debate | Laro lok |
Dialogue | Kelo kuc |
Members | Omema |
Community | Lwak |
Engaged | Tute |
Purposefully | Pi ginoro |