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Informal
Just as English has many colloquial phrases and idioms, the Acholi language does as well. While not much is widely available or well-documented due to the language's predominantly oral nature and the lack of extensive linguistic study, here are a few phrases and their loose translations or meanings. However, please note that the accuracy of these translations may vary and the meanings could change based on the context:
Acholi | English |
Opoto i pik dek | He has fallen into a soup. It's an idiomatic expression which means "he is in a serious problem or trouble |
Dano opore ki nyinge | A person resembles his/her name. This is used to mean that a person's behaviour fits their reputation or what people expect of them based on past actions. |
Wa rwate too | Let's meet again. This phrase is used when parting and you want to express a desire to meet the person again. |
I tye nining? | How are you? This is a common greeting, similar to the English "How are you?”
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Please take these translations with a grain of salt, as tonal languages can be tricky to translate without context, and meanings can change based on inflection and surrounding conversation.
Written(diko)
As Acholi is predominantly a spoken language and less commonly written, finding specific examples of written informal expressions can be challenging. Furthermore, as a tonal language, many of the subtleties in spoken Acholi don't translate directly to the written form.
However, here are a few proverbs or expressions that can be used in written form, but please remember that the context and tone are essential for their correct interpretation:
Acholi | English |
Iro pe duny nono. | Trouble does not walk. This means that trouble doesn't just happen by itself, there is usually a cause or instigator. |
Gwok ma kok rede nono. | A biting dog does not bite. This means that someone who talks a lot typically doesn't act on their words. |
Bito ki twero yoo pe twero cwinyi | To aim is one thing, to hit is another. This means that saying you'll do something and actually doing it are two different things. |
Gin ma nongo pe bedo gin ma mito nongo. | What you see is not what you get. This means that appearances can be deceiving. |
Verbal
Acholi, like many other languages, is rich with verbal expressions, proverbs, and idioms that capture the culture and experiences of the Acholi people. Here are some examples:
Acholi | English |
Twero cwiny pe bedo twero wang. | This is the verbal equivalent of the written expression "Bito ki twero wang pe twero cwiny." The literal translation is "The aim of the heart is not the aim of the eye". This means that what you intend to do and what you actually do can be two different things. |
Kom mapol pe romo cwer cwiny. | Literally translated, this phrase means "The child of a snake can swallow a person." This expression is used to signify that children often take after their parents, particularly in terms of behaviour or traits that might not be beneficial or good. |
Omiyo pi kwero pe kijwiyo. | Literally, "One finger cannot pick up a stone." This proverb is used to stress the importance of cooperation and collective effort. It's similar to the English expression "Many hands make light work." |
Cing cam keken pe bedo cing cam dano. | Literally, "A bad bush is not a bad person." This expression indicates that someone's environment or circumstances don't define their character |
Anger
Expressing anger in any language can vary greatly, depending on the person, the situation, and cultural norms. Here are some Acholi phrases that might be used to express anger or frustration, though please note that these translations are general and might vary depending on context and dialect:
Acholi | English |
A pe cwinya. | I do not have a heart. This is an idiomatic expression equivalent to saying "I'm upset" or "I'm angry." |
Cwinya cwer. | My heart hurts. This is used to express frustration or annoyance.
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Pe twero bedo maber kweda. | It does not sit with food. This is an idiomatic expression used to indicate dissatisfaction or disagreement, similar to the English phrase "It doesn't sit well with me."
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Cwinya opoto. | My heart has gone out. This phrase is used to indicate extreme anger or frustration.
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Remember, it's important to use these expressions with care. Expressions of anger can be received differently depending on cultural context, tone, and the relationship between the people communicating.
Quarrel
Expressing quarrel or disagreement in Acholi might involve phrases like these:
Acholi | English |
Cwinya pe atye kwede. | My heart is not at peace. It suggests discontent or disagreement. |
Pe ango cwiny. | I do not have a heart. This phrase could be used to show upset or anger, a common emotion during quarrels. |
Pe ater bedo kwo. | It does not sit with food. It's an idiomatic expression indicating disagreement or dissatisfaction, something that could lead to or escalate a quarrel. |
Cwinya remo | My heart hurts. Expresses the feeling of frustration or annoyance, often experienced during quarrels. |
Please remember, these translations are approximations. The precise wording or structure might vary depending on the specific context or regional dialect. Moreover, since Acholi is a tonal language, the tone in which these phrases are spoken can change their meaning.
Also, cultural context is crucial when using these phrases. Just like in any other language, directly translating expressions related to anger or quarrelling might not fully convey the same emotional tone or severity. Please use them thoughtfully and considerately.
Happiness
In the Acholi language, there are various ways to express happiness. Here are some examples:
Acholi | English |
Cwinya yom | I am happy. |
Cwinya maber | My heart is good. This can be a way to express contentment or happiness. |
Cwinya otime | My heart is dancing. This phrase is often used to convey extreme joy or excitement. |
Cwinya yom makwac | I am very happy. |
As with any translation, these phrases are approximations and may vary depending on context, regional dialect, and tone. Acholi is a tonal language, meaning the pitch contour of a word can change the meaning.
Business
Here are some Acholi expressions related to business or trade:
Acholi | English |
Ngo ma i Laro wel ne? | What can we bargain for? |
Pe amito cati gin ma rac. | I don't want to trade in something that's not good. |
Gin ma ber pe Loreto cwiny iye. | A good thing doesn't need a heart. This is an idiomatic expression used to suggest that a good deal or a good product will sell itself. |
Ka iromo cato bota beg ni, itye ber. | If you want to trade with a bag, I would be happy. |
These translations are only approximations. The exact phrasing or structure might change depending on the context or specific regional dialects. Also, Acholi is a tonal language, so the tone in which these phrases are spoken can change their meaning. It's always a good idea to consult with a native speaker for the most accurate translations.
Scientific
Here is a broad example related to the concept of “health”:
Acholi | English |
Yot kom. | good health. This phrase could be used in discussions related to health science or medicine. |
En okwuot tin | He is overindulged today |
Tyende owil | He is dislocated |
Nyugi tye iwie | He has lies in is head |
Keep in mind, these are very general and may not be directly applicable to all scientific contexts.
Religious
In the Acholi language, religious expressions often revolve around references to God (Lubanga), blessings, and faith. Here are a few general examples:
Acholi | English |
Lubanga tye ka weng | God is everywhere. |
Tic pa Lubanga pe yot. | God's work is not easy. This phrase is often used to convey that following God's will or doing God's work can be challenging. |
An cwinya ki Lubanga. | I am happy with God. This expression can be used to communicate satisfaction or contentment in one's faith. |
Lubanga ngeyo. | God knows. This phrase can be used in situations where outcomes are uncertain. |
As always, remember that these translations are approximations and may vary depending on context, regional dialect, and tone. Acholi is a tonal language, meaning the pitch contour of a word can change the meaning.
Love
In the Acholi language, expressions of love can be conveyed in various ways. Here are some examples:
Acholi | English |
An amari | I love you. |
Cwinya ngeyo. | My heart knows. This can be a way of expressing affection or love. |
Cwinya tye kwedi | My heart is happy with you. |
Amaro in matek | I love you very much. |
As always, it's important to note that these translations are approximations and can vary depending on the context, regional dialect, and tone. Acholi is a tonal language, meaning the pitch contour of a word can change its meaning.
Technology
Languages often borrow words from other languages or create new terms based on existing words. For example, "computer" might be translated using a descriptive phrase about its function, like "machine that thinks" or something similar.
For instance, here is a very broad example related to the concept of “communication”.
Acholi | English |
tii ki kompiuta | Communicating with a computer. |
Go cim | Call him/her |
Dwayo mutuka/Arabia | Drive car |
Ndeke tye ka kato | Aeroplane is passing |
Engineering
Acholi, like many other languages, may borrow words from other languages or create new ones based on existing words to represent new concepts. For example, words for concepts like "infrastructure", "mechanics", or "electronics" might not exist in Acholi, but could potentially be translated using descriptive phrases.
Here is a broad example related to the concept of “building”.
Acholi | English |
Yibo ot | Building a house. |
Yibo ndeke | Making plain |
Kubo okube | Connecting to internet |
Pako pala | Sharpening knives |
Agriculture
In the Acholi language, there might be several expressions related to agriculture, given that farming is a significant aspect of the local culture and economy. Here are a few potential examples.
Acholi | English |
Pito cam | Planting crops. |
Kayo cam | Harvesting crops. |
Puro poto | Digging a field. |
Doyo poto | Weeding the farm. |
As with all translations, these phrases are approximations and could vary based on the specific context, regional dialect, or tone.
Hunting
In the Acholi language, expressions related to hunting might include phrases such as these:
Acholi | English |
Dwaro lee | Hunting animals. |
Mako lee | Catching an animal |
Lee ma obwot | The animal that escaped |
Aciko lee | A trape an animal |
Animal
Here are some Acholi expressions related to animals:
Acholi | English |
Neyo lee | Knowing animals. |
Lee ma ringo pe ngeyo ka remo | The animal that is running does not see its heart. This is an idiomatic expression often used to describe someone who acts without thinking. |
Ngat ma tiyo ki lee | A person who can work with animals. This phrase can be used to describe someone who is good at animal husbandry or farming. |
Woto ki lee | Walking with animals. |
Shame
In the Acholi language, expressions related to shame or embarrassment might be expressed with phrases like these:
Acholi | English |
Wiya owil | I have forgotten |
Tima kica | Do me a favour |
Nyuti bota | Show me |
Agamo kwe | I can answer |
Remember, these translations are approximations. The exact wording or structure might change depending on the specific context or regional dialects. Moreover, since Acholi is a tonal language, the tone in which these phrases are spoken can change their meaning. Also, cultural context is crucial when using these phrases, and directly translating expressions related to shame or embarrassment might not fully convey the same emotional tone or severity as in the original language.
Health
Acholi | English |
Koma remo | My body is painful |
Ot yat | Hospital |
Daktar | Doctor |
Wiya bare | I have headache translated as my head is painful |
Remember 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 health where practices may change due to advances in medical technology and changes in society.