Runyoro Language

There are 56 tribes in the District of Masindi. One of the local languages is Runyoro. Although most people speak English and it is taught in schools it is great to be able to greet people in a local language so here are a few words that we learned today:

 

Banyoro – tribe

Runyoro - language

Munyoro - person of the Banyoro tribe

Muzungu - person of the white European tribe

 

Oli ota? how are you? (singular)

Muli mota? how are you? (plural)

 

webale - thank you

webale kale - thank you very much

 

Departures:

If you are the one who is leaving:

Oikale kurungi – you stay well (singular)

Mwikale kurungi – you stay well (plural)

 

If they are leaving:

Ogenda kurungi – you go well (singular)

Mugenda kurungi – you go well (plural)

 

Questions:

Oha           – Who

Ki ki          – What

Nkaha      – Where

Dihi          – When

Habwaki – Why

Ota           – How

Now I just need a little practice!