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,NDBOOK
A SHORT INTRODUCTION
TO THE WiSA DIALECT OF
NORTH-EAST RHODESIA
A. C. MAD AN
496.391
M1784
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WISA HANDBOOK
A SHORT INTRODUCTION
TO
T H E WISA DIALECT
OF
NORTH-EAST RHODESIA
A. C. MADAN, M.A.
STUDENT OF CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD
OXFORD
AT THE CLARENDON PRESS
1906
TA TROBE UNIVERSITY LfBRARY
HENRY FROWDE, M.A.
PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
LONDON, EDINBURGH
N E W YORK AND TORONTO
PREFACE
T H E Wisa (Bisa, or Visa) dialect is spoken by a somewhat
scattered and broken tribe in the central region of North-East
Rhodesia. Though not wanting in individual energy and
intelligence, the tribe collectively has not been able latterly
to maintain its ground against its more warlike neighbours,
W e m b a and Ngoni, backed as they were till recently by
Swahili slave-raiders from the East Coast. N o w that peace
is established in the country, the Wisa villages spread from
Lake Bangweolo and the river Luapula on the west, across
the watershed of the Congo and Zambezi basins and the
Luangwa river valley, to the borders of British Central Africa
on the east. They are m u c h mixed up with Senga and
N k u n d a villages in some of the lowland districts, and with
Lala and W e m b a on the western plateau. Hence there is
a certain amount of local variation in Wisa vocabulary and
pronunciation; and even the particular selection of words
and forms from the c o m m o n Bantu stock, which is most
characteristic of Wisa, has m u c h in c o m m o n with its neighbours, especially Senga. But the Wisa tense-system tends
clearly to connect the dialect with those of the Congo river
region, rather than with the tribes eastward of the watershed.
Nothing, it seems, has been at the present date published
as to the Wisa dialect, except a few lists of words. This short
Introduction, without claiming anything but a relative completeness, m a y serve to show its strong family likeness to other
Bantu dialects as well as its chief peculiarities, and also smooth
the way for further study. T h e evidence relied on has been
4
PREFACE
mainly that of three or four Wisas of different districts, ages,
and circumstances, checked by incidental verification. For
the grammar the most important source has been a series of
nearly thirty native stories, m a n y of them carefully written out
in full by an intelligent Wisa lad, w h o had managed to learn
the shape and sound of English letters from a native teacher.
A n y one possessing a previous knowledge of another Bantu
dialect will at once recognize m u c h that is easy and familiar.
In fact, Wisa grammar is of the normal Bantu type in all its
chief characteristics, such as
(i) the division of all nouns into a limited number of
classes distinguished by prefixes,
(2) the system of Concord, the class of the noun determ mining the form of every adjective and verb grammatically related to it, by requiring a corresponding
prefix,
(3) the forms of the principal pronouns and pronominal
adjectives (demonstrative and possessive), and the
paucity of adjectives in general,
(4) the actual or potential development of the verb-root, by
the use of prefixes and suffixes in a regular order,
into a rich variety of verb-forms, which for the most
part can be readily classed under terms familiar in
the grammars of other languages, ancient and
modern,
(5) the paucity of words defining the relations of separate
words and clauses (conjunctions and prepositions),
characteristic of unwritten speech,—depending as it
does on the sympathetic interpretation of a hearer
alive to every tone, look, and gesture accompanying it,
(6) the tense-system as the chief feature of grammatical
difference between dialects,—in Wisa a remarkable
and interesting one.
PREFACE
5
Indeed the tense-system, and a c o m m o n sound difficult for.
a foreigner to catch and reproduce, form the two principal
difficulties of a beginner in the study of Wisa.
Wisas call themselves Wawisa, their country Uze/isa, and
their language Chize/isa.
A. C. MADAN.
FORT JAMESON, NORTH-EAST RHODESIA,
March 8, 1906.
The separate alphabetical lists of nouns, verbs, &c, in Part I
will supply in some degree the place of a Wisa-English supplement to the English-Wisa vocabulary in Part II.
A s a help to beginners, two Wisa stories in Chapter VIII have
a word-for-word translation and explanatory references.
PS. In a letter dated Aug. 25, 1906, Mr. A. C. Madan
reports from Mkushi that the Lalas (who live between the
Loangwa and the Kafue rivers in about 2Q°-3o° East Longitude,
14 0 South Latitude, and through whose country the great
railway is now passing) speak a language hardly distinguishable
from Wisa, so that this handbook will have a wider range than
was contemplated at the time it was written.
F. M.
Oct. 1, 1906.
CONTENTS
P A R T I.
CHAPTER
I. WISA, AS SPOKEN AND WRITTEN
.
II. N O U N S , W I T H LISTS O F E A C H C L A S S
.
.
.
.
III. A D J E C T I V E S A N D N U M E R A L S , W I T H LIST
PAGE
J
.
.
.
9
.
IV. P R O N O U N S
25
28
V. V E R B S
33
(1) Verbs in general (Conspectus)
.
.
(2) Person-Prefixes
. . . .
(3) Tenses (in general)
(4) Indicative Tenses (Tables) . . .
(5) Notes on the Tenses
. . . .
(6) Imperative Mood
(7) Subjunctive Mood
(8) Infinitive Mood
(9) Voices
(10) Verb Stems
(11) Auxiliary Verbs
(12) List of Verbs . . . . . .
VI. A D V E R B S , PREPOSITIONS, C O N J U N C T I O N S ,
JECTIONS, W I T H LIST .
.
.
.
34
35
36
37
41
46
47
48
48
49
51
55
INTER.
.
VII. N O T E S O N S Y N T A X
VIII. A P P E N D I C E S
(1) Miscellaneous Sentences and Phrases, English-Wisa
(2) Stories in Wisa, with translation . . .
(3) The Lord's Prayer and Ten Commandments
in Wisa (tentative translation) . . .
66
68
72
72
75
83
PART II.
ENGLISH-WISA VOCABULARY
85
PART I
CHAPTER I
WISA AS SPOKEN AND WRITTEN
1. THE system here followed for indicating Wisa sounds by
English letters is substantially-that recommended by the Royal
Geographical Society for the transliteration of foreign names, and
used by Bishop Steere and m a n y others w h o have attempted to
transcribe Bantu speech for English readers.
2. A s applied to Wisa, the system is briefly this :
I. Vowels, as in Italian, viz.
a with the sound ar in farther.
e
„
a in fate.
i
„
ee in feet.
o
„
orm sort.
u
„
oo in root.
In unaccented syllables, each vowel m a y also represent a corre- '
sponding lighter sound, as in pat, pet, pit, pot, put. This is sometimes indicated by doubling the consonant which follows.
W h e n vowels occur together, each is to be pronounced separately.
3. 2. Consonants, as in English, except that
c and h are only used in the combination ch, for the sound of
ch in chin.
g is only used as in go, never as/.
J is only used as in so, never as z.
y is only used as a consonant or semi-vowel, never as in
any.
ng' is used to represent a peculiar nasal sound, c o m m o n
with slight variations to m a n y Bantu dialects and resembling thefirstng in singing, the ng sound not passing on
to the vowel following, though forming one syllable with it.
8
WISA GRAMMAR
4.. w alone requires special attention. A chief difficulty in
dealing with Wisa speech is the frequent occurrence of a sound not
used in English, and requiring a position of the vocal organs not
natural, and so at first not at command. Apart from technicalities,
it m a y be described as a w sound, modified either by the teeth in
the direction of a n / o r t ' sound, i.e. fw, vw, or else by the lips in
the direction of a b sound, i. e. bw, according to the district or (it
would seem) the taste or instinct of individuals. It seems clear,
however, that while the tendency is to a bw sound in the north,
and to fw in the south, w on the whole represents it in the way
least liable to be mistaken. But in some words where a difference
of meaning is involved, a difference in writing is required. Hence
in this book the modified w is usually represented by a difference
of type, viz. w (italic) in a roman word, w (roman) in an italic word.
This sound occurs in other dialects, and is the initial sound of
the word ' Wisa', the result being that the dialect is known variously
as Wisa, Bisa, and Visa.
5. A s in other dialects, so in Wisa, it is often difficult and often
not important to distinguish the vowels of/and v, s and z, /and r.
Consequently a uniform and consistent practice in spelling is not to
be expected.
6. In ordinary speech, words and syllables pronounced rapidly
together are subject to contractions and combinations, for which
full rules cannot be given here. W h e n (as often happens) the final
vowel of a word is changed by the initial sound of the word following, the two words are in this book printed as one word, but the
changed vowel is placed between hyphens, as belonging partly to
both, e. g. wul-o-muti for wula umuti, fetch medicine.
7. T h e following phonetic changes are c o m m o n and important:—
o is used for a combined with u or o.
e
„
a
„
i or e.
8. n is variously represented by
ng before a and u.
nj before e, i, and o, and for ny.
nd for nl.
m before m,fi,b, v; m in this case inclining to the
sound of im, rather than um.
WISA AS S P O K E N A N D W R I T T E N
9
mb for nw, but only when n is a prefix.
These changes of n are of special importance in the demonstrative adjectives, and in the person-prefixes of verbs.
n as an initial sound is sometimes heard as in or i, and
sometimes dropped.
9. /, y, and w, are prefixed to some verb-roots apparently as
protective sounds only, e. g. ikala for kala, yenda for enda, wula
for ula.
10. T h e Wisa accent must be learnt by ear, and cannot as yet
be reduced to rule. In Bantu dialects the accent commonly falls
on the last syllable but one. In Wisa, a stress is very often heard
on the last syllable but two, even when an unimportant one. T h e
effect of this, however, appears to be to lighten rather than to
remove the usual accent on the syllable following, and, by acting as
a pause or check, tends at the same time to protect and define it.
This tendency to protect important syllables, whether prefix or
root, by accentuation or by lengthening, is traceable elsewhere in
Wisa.
11. Wisas themselves recognize differences in the speech of the
younger and the older generation, e. g. the ' old ' word chilowa for
' seven', and isulu, milk, for umukaka, n o w commonly used, and
' modern' preference of e for a in some verbs, such as kwete for
kwata, 'possess.'
CHAPTER II
NOUNS
12. A L L nouns m a y be arranged in ten classes, distinguished by
the pairs of prefixes which mark the singular and plural of each
noun,
13. These prefixes, thirteen in number, are identical with those
c o m m o n to most Bantu dialects, but in Wisa they incline to the
fuller dissyllabic form,—not (it would seem) as carrying the force of
a weak demonstrative or article, but in obedience to the instinct
already referred to of protecting and defining an important part of
the word. T h e fuller forms are for the most part used in this book.
WISA GRAMMAR
10
But it m u s t b e r e m e m b e r e d that the initial vowel of each is often
lightly pronounced, often combined with thefinalvowel of the word
preceding, a n d sometimes superseded b y it.
14. T h e prefixes are as follows :—
For the singular, Umu, Ichi, Ulu, Uwu, Aka, I.
For the plural, Awa, Imi, Ivi, Ama, Utu.
For both singular and plural, In, Uku.
15. With a few exceptions, the following pairs of these thirteen
prefixes distinguish the ten classes of Wisa nouns. They are
here called class-prefixes, and the corresponding forms used to
effect concord in each class are called concord-prefixes, or, in the
case of verbs, person-prefixes.
C L A S S I. Sing. Umu
Plur. hwa..
2,
Imi.
7,
>) Umu
77
Ivi.
JJ
„ 3- ,, Ichi
Utu.
t,
4- >3 Aka
JJ
7,
JJ
JJ
,3
,t
JJ
56.
78.
9IO.
,3
In
Ulu
Ulu
7,
Uo/u
,3
,3
I
JJ
37
Uku
JJ
13
,3
1)
JJ
In.
In.
») Ama.
Ama.
Ama.
Uku (Ama).
Class 1.
16. Class-prefix, singular Umu, plural A wa.
The singular-prefix Umu is sometimes pronounced mmu, um, mu,
mw, and even m, according to the sounds preceding and following
it, e. g. umuntu n-o-mkazi, i. e. na umukazi, a man and his wife
The plural-prefix involves the modified w, and may be heard as
bwa, ba, vwa, wa, or merely a.
17. T h e concord-prefixes are mostly based on the class-prefixes.
In adjectives proper (§ 54) they are the s a m e , u m u - a n d awa-, in
possessive adjectives u- (w-) a n d wa- (w-), in demonstrative adjectives combined with a nasal sound forming ngu- a n d mba-, pronounced as single syllables. In verbs the person-prefixes are in
the sing. (3rd pers.) u- or a-, and of the object -mu-, -mw-, -m-, in
the plural wa- (w-) (§ 102).
18. This class, as in all dialects, represents the highest category
of objects, a n d it is pre-eminently the class of words denoting
NOUNS
n
rational beings or persons. But it also includes a sub-class of other
objects,animate a n d inanimate, which for whatever reason are ranked
in the native m i n d with persons. T h e words in the sub-class, whatever their class-prefix in the singular, are used with the shortened
plural-prefix wa, a n d the concord-prefixes of this class, as above.
19. T h e personal pronouns are treated as nouns of this class for
purposes of concord.
20. L I S T O F
NOUNS.
Umu-lume, husband, man,
Umw-aiche, child, boy, girl.
Umu-lw-endo, traveller, stranger.
Umw-aluzi, interpreter, translator.
Unvw-ana, child, descendant, person. Umu-mbili, sub-chief, councillor.
Umu-ne, friend, acquaintance, fellow,
Umw-anakazi, woman.
one similar in character, condition,
Umw-analume, man, male.
occupation, &c.
Umu-chende, adulterer, fornicator,
Umu-pulumuzi, preserver, saviour.
prostitute.
Umu-fulo, head of a family, clan, or Umu-pusu, fool, simpleton, knave.
Umu-sano, wife of a chiefgroup of connexions.
Umu-fuzi, a worker in metals, smith. Umu-sila wantu, slayer of men,
murderer.
Umw-ina, personal attendants of a
Umu-simbi, young woman, not yet a
chief, servants.
Umtu-ine, owner, possessor, master. mother.
Umu-singanga, native doctor, mediUmw-izi umkulu, grandchild.
cine man.
Umu-kazi, wife, woman.
Vmu-siwa, orphan.
Umu-kolwa, drunkard.
Umu-sungwana, grown-up girl.
Umu-kote, old person.
Umu-kowa, kinsman, tribesman, re- Umu-tanjilizi, leader.
Umu-vyazi, parent.
lation.
Umu-wumvi, a potter.
Umu-kusita, trader.
Umu-zia, a slave.
Umu-landa, subject of a chief.
Umu-ziche, a slave-woman, concuUmu-longa, slave of a chief.
bine.
Umu-lozi, wizard, witch.
Umu-lumbwana, grown lad, young Umu-zunga, a white man, European.
N o u n s of other classes taking the concord-prefixes of Class I,
and forming the plural b y prefixing wa-, or w-.
Akapavu, calf of leg.
Chamata, neighbour.
Chimbwete, zebra.
Chinzi, fly.
Chipembele, rhinoceros.
Chivrulu, a deaf person.
Choeho, spike (butt) of spear.
Fundi, craftsman, skilled workman.
Fwaka, tobacco.
Kailo, chiefs overseer.
Katlole, glass, glass object.
Kalimulilo, hot-spring.
Kalulu, rabbit (Plur. also utulu).
Kalume, male slave.
Kaponta, mud-fish, ' barbel.'
Kolwe, baboon.
Koswe, house rat.
Leza, sky, thunder, God, Providence,
chance.
Mbttza, baby, infant.
Mumbwe, jackal, wild dog.
Mwizyo, maternal uncle.
12
WISA G R A M M A R
Nduwulwa, redeemer, ransomer, bail. Tambala, cock.
Tute, cassava (plant and root).
Nyina, mother.
Ulunzi,fly(pi. walunzi).
Pompwe, thief, rogue, rascal.
Uwesu, brother, sister, kinsman.
Pupu, pupwe, lung.
Wantembwa, twins (no sing.)
Sikulu, chief, master, protector.
Singanga, native doctor, medicine Wawo, paternal uncle or aunt.
man.
Exceptions.
Wata, father, pi. watata.
Wama,
mother, pi. wayangu.
Class 2.
21. Class-prefix, singular Umu, plural Imi.
T h e singular-prefix is pronounced variously, as in Class 1 ; the
plural as Imi- or Mi-.
2 2 . In the concord-prefixes, um- and im- are dropped, their
forms being throughout in the singular u- (w-), and in the plural
i~ (/")• T h e nasalized forms in the demonstrative adjectives are
ngu- and nji-.
23. This class is characteristically inclusive ot n a m e s of trees
and objects possessing vegetable life, though not (in this dialect)
of the word for tree itself. It also includes objects which do not
appear to have any c o m m o n character.
24. LIST OF NOUNS.
Umw-aka, year.
Umw-ele, knife.
Umw-ambo, beginning, commence- Umw-enji, torch of grass &c, firement.
brand.
Unvw-ando, (i) string, cord of twistedUmw-enzo, fear, cowardice, apprefibre, (2) native needle for mat- hension, timidity, awe, reverence.
making.
Umw-evu, hair of face (beard).
Umw-angalo, mirth, sport, joy, happi-Umw-ezi, moon, month.
ness,
Umw-ezyo, measure, gauge, rule.
Umw-ao, yawn.
{Imiyfito, grime, soot (no sing.).
Umw-avi, poison used in ordeal, Umu-fundo, joint (of the body).
ordeal.
Umw-iko, something mysterious, unUmu-chele, salt.
canny, not to be interfered with.
Umu-chen/'ezi,(i) cleverness, cunning,
Umw-ili, body, substance, fabric
deception, (2) caution, correction, Umw-injili, long body dress, coat,
punishment.
shirt.
Umu-chia, tail.
Umw-ipika, cooking-pot.
Umu-chinzi, (1) honour, . respect, Umw-isisi, human hair (of the head).
civility, courtesy, good manners, Umw-i[ti)zi, doorway, entrance to
(2) compliment, present.
house.
Umu-chombo, cap.
Umu-kaka, milk.
NOUNS
13
Umu-keka, mat (of plaited strips Um-ongololo, upper part of the back.
sewn together).
Um-ono, castor oil (plant and berry).
Umu-kondo, light war spear.
Vmu-paka, boundary, limit, edge.
Umu-konkola, trench, ditch, water- Umu-pano, (split) toasting-stick.
channel.
Umu-papaya, papaw tree.
Umu-kono, half-yard of calico, cubit. Umu-passa, mat (of split-reeds
Umu-konzo, lower leg (front), shin.
threaded).
Umu-kosi, neck, throat (external).
Umu-passi, (disembodied) soul, spirit.
Umu-kuku, current, draught, rush, Umu-passu, a sneeze.
impetus, momentum.
Umu-pembe, pipe-stem.
Umu-kula, track, trail (of thing Umu-pembwe, embankment, earthdragged). U. usiku, the Milky
work, bank, mound.
Way.
Umu-pepe, fin.
Umu-kuwa, copper.
Umu-pezi, window, hole for light.
Umu-kuwe, cry of alarm.
Umu-pila, (1) india-rubber, (2) ball.
Umu-kwamba, two yards of calico, Umu-pingo, knot (in a reed, &c.)
fathom, stretch of the arms.
Umu-pinguzi, judge, arbitrator.
Umu-lando, door bar (vertical prop). Umu-pini, handle (of hoe, and suchUmu-landu, case, matter, affair, trial, like).
debate, quarrel, charge, accusation,Umu-pumpu, pole supporting roof.
reason, argument.
Umu-pundu, cry of welcome, loud
Umu-langwe, joke, jest.
trill.
Umu-lembe, trunk of elephant.
Umu-sakula, skewer, spit.
Umu-lilo,fire,heat, warmth, flame. Vmu-sambo, branch of a tree, bough.
Umu-limo, hoeing, cultivation, work Umu-sana, lower part of the back.
(in general).
(fmi)-sango, coloured stripes in
Umu-lingo, measure (to measure
calico.
with), pattern, copy, model.
Umu-sanzo, breaking and laying
Umu-lomo, (1) lip, teak, point, edge, down ripe grain-stalks.
(2) much talk, quarrel, abuse.
Umu-sao, head-rest (of split sorghum
Umu-longo, (1) crowd, group, herd,
stalks), native pillow.
flock, (2) line (row) in file.
Umu-sasa, hut of sticks and boughs,
Umu-lopa, blood.
night-shelter, booth.
Umu-lozi, whistle, whistling.
Umu-sele, basket.
Umu-lu, upper regions, sky, heavens. Umu-senga, sand.
Umu-lundo, joining, joint.
Umu-sengu, bamboo.
Umu-lundu, dry land, mainland.
Umu-seu, road.
Umu-mana, river.
Umu-si, wooden pestle, pounding
Umu-milo, throat (internal).
pole.
Umu-moyo, life (physical, organic). Umu-sila, root (underground).
Umu-nane, (any) relish (eaten with Umu-sili, earth, ground, land.
food).
Umu-silo, end, conclusion, compleUmu-nayu, a (kind of) biting ant.
tion.
Umu-nda, field (of sorghum), native Umu-sinku, amount, quantity, size.
garden.
Umu-sintiliko, prop, buttress.
Umu-nga, thorn, prickle.
Umu-sisi, sucker (plant).
Umu^nkonono, a snore, snoring.
Umu-situ, (1) jungle, undergrowth,
Umu-nofu, muscle, lean part of meat. thick scrub, (2) grave.
Umu-ngwe, hubbub, uproar, confused Umu-sonko, hut tax.
cries.
Umu-sonte, ear (oi grain).
Umu-nwe, finger, toe.
Umu-sozi, tear (of the eye).
14
WISA G R A M M A R
Umu-tondo,
water-jar,
cookingUmu-sukupala, large bottle.
vessel.
Umu-suma,
wholeness, soundness,
Umu-tumba, bale (of calico), bundle.
health.
Umu-sumbu, (i)fish-spear,(2) boring Umu-tutu, gun-barrel.
Umu-twe, head, peak, top.
tool.
Umu-sunguzi, contents of egg-shell, Um-unga, thorn.
Um-uwa, bellows.
yolk and white.
Umu-tande, row (side by side), line. Umu-fwi, arrow.
Umu-tazi, side or end piece of bed- Umu-wali, raphia palm.
Umu-wambo, beginning.
frame.
Umu-tembo, stick for carrying loads Umu-wango, jaw.
Umu-wela, cold season, time of S E .
before and behind.
winds.
Umu-tendeko, beginning.
Umu-wiko,
cupping - instrument
Umu-tenje, roof.
(horn).
Umu-ti, medicine,
Umu-tima, heart, conscience, tem- Umu-winda, cloth worn tight on
loins.
per, feelings, character, appetite,
Umu-winga, fog, mist, haze.
desire.
Umu-tindi, sort, kind, quality, look, {Imi)-wundo, beginning of the rains.
Umu-ivungwe, core of maize cob.
appearance,figure,shape.
Umu-zi, village, town.
Umu-to, (1) gravy, soup, (2) ash,
Umu-zimu, soul, spirit.
Umu-tolo, bundle, package, load.
Class 3.
25, Class-prefix, singular Ichi, plural Ivi.
The singular-prefix is also heard as chi- and ch-, the plural as
vi- and vy-. T h e concord-prefixes are the same as these shorter
forms, in demonstrative adjectives nchi- and mvi-.
26. This m a y be described generally as the class of the concrete
and particular. T h e prefixes have also, as in some other dialects,
an augmentative force,—i. e. denote size, and (in the plural often)
quantity. Thus a noun belonging to another class becomes augmentative by adding the prefixes of this class or by substituting
them for its own. Thus some nouns have a double set of prefixes
in singular and plural, e. g. ichimuntu, i. e. ichi-(u)mu-ntu, a big
man, iviwantu, big men, or m a n y men. Sometimes the prefix
itself is doubled, e. g. ichi-chita, a very large bow,—from uwuta,
a bow.
27. LIST O F
NOUNS.
Ich-aka, year.
Ich-amba, Indian hemp, bhang.
Ich-ala, claw, nail (offinger,toe). Ich-amunda, colic
Ich-alo, country, region, land, district,
Ich-ande, ladle.
the earth.
Ich-asyala, remainder, rest, remnant.
Ich-alunga, seasoning (of food), con- Ich-avtipa, fault, error, crime, disdiment.
aster.
NOUNS
IS
fch-awu, crossing-place (on a river), Ichi-limi, spear-head.
landing-place (for canoes).
Ichi-lindi, hole, pit, ditch, gully,
Ichi-bwibwi, stuttering, stammering.
ravine, grave.
Ichi-chele, grass from which salt isIchi-lindila, guard, sentry, watchmade, a patch of this grass.
man.
Ich-ela, iron, metal (in general).
Ichi-londa, sore, ulcer, abscess.
Ich-elele, stillness, silence, chill, cold;
Ichi-loto, nightmare.
Usiku chelele, dead of night.
Ichi-lowa, seven (old Wisa).
Ich-ene, ? one's o w n place, dwelling- Ichi-mai, knife.
place.
Ichi-mbala, food reserved for another
/ch-ewo, w a y of speaking, utterance,
meal.
expression, saying, word.
Ichi-me, dew.
Ich-ezwa, broom, brush.
{Ivi)-menzi, (1) flood-water, floods,
Ichi-fini, mucus from nostrils.
(2) dish of food cooked in water.
Ichi-fiso, case, cover, sheath.
{Ivi)-mina, mucus in the nostrils.
Ichifiu, trap (falling).
Ichi-mpuza, bush, shrub.
Ichi-fua, chest, breast, bosom.
Ichi-mwala, a large stone, rock (pi.
Ichi-fukwa, cause, reason, argument.
ivimiald).
Ichi-fulo, family, connexions, clan, Ichi-nga, sherd, broken earthenware.
h o m e circle.
Iche-ngwe, cord, string.
Ichi-funda, fold of waistcloth used Ichi-nika, open grassy plain, flat
as pocket.
valley, glade in forest.
Ichi-fundo, (i) knot, (2) grudge, re- Ichi-nkombe, a (kind of) cooking
sentment, grievance, malice, angry
vessel.
feelings.
Ichi-nolo, whet-stone.
Ichi-fungo, (artificial) fastening, but- Ichi-ntelelwe, shade, shadow.
ton, buckle, lock.
Ichi-ntu, thing, article, object.
Ichi-funtu, corner (inside), angle, Ichi-nwa, insult, jibe, sneer, sarcasm.
bend.
Ichi-nzingwa, (1) ghost, apparition,
Ichi-kalo, state, condition, w a y of
shade, shadow, (2) likeness, picture,
living.
statue, (3) giddiness.
Ichi-ko, dirt, anything that soils.
Ich-okolo, (1) widow, widower, (2)
Ichi-koka, valley between hills.
inheritance.
Ichi-kola, phlegm from throat, Ich-oma, large drum.
coughed up.
Ich-ona, tame cat.
Ichi-koli, club, thick stick.
[Ivi)-ona, leprosy.
Ichi-kololo, tobacco pipe.
Ich-onde, forest, wilderness.
Ichi-koloza, load carried on stick Ichi-pala, stall, shop, bazaar.
before and behind.
Ichi-panda, drinking-vessel, calaIchi-kope, eyebrow.
bash.
Ichi-kuka, whirlwind, hurricane.
Ichi-pande, (1) piece, part, (2) obIchi-kumo, thumb, big toe.
long slab of bark.
Ichi-kunda, pigeon-house.
Ichi-pango, (1) fence, (2) a musical
Ichi-kungo, twisted bark thong, bark
instrument.
cord.
Ichi-papa, outer integument, shell,
Ichi-kungu, brass, article of brass.
rind, husk, skin.
Ichi-la, dance.
Ichi-patano, hatred, feud.
Ichi-ldmbu, wage, salary, recom- Ichi-pe, large basket, a load.
pense.
Ichi-pela, charm to keep off animals,
Ichl-landa, a dish of cooked beans.
&c.
Ichi-lela, cluster of bees.
Ichi-pemba, thirst, drought,
i6
WISA GRAMMAR
Ichi-telwe, shade, shadow.
Ichi-pene, eyelid.
Ichi-tembo, a trap (spring and noose),
Ichi-pete, stalk, stem.
Ichi-tende, heel.
Ichi-pi, back of hand.
Ichi-tewa, raised platform with hut,
Ichi-piku, screen in native hut.
Ichi-pili, (i) high hill, mountain, watchman's stage.
Ichi-ti, tree, bough, pole, stick.
(2) piece of bark cloth.
Ichi-pilwila, stick used for steadying Ichi-tonga, maize, Indian corn (plant,
cob, and grain).
a load.
Ichi-pimpe pimpe, waistcloth worn Ichi-tundu, large basket.
Ichi-tuntulu, female slave.
high, exposing the buttocks.
Ichi-tuvi, excrement, dung.
Ichi-pipya, butterfly.
Ichi-tuwi, handle (of knife and suchIchi-polo, bullet.
like).
Ichi-pongwe, insult, jibe.
Ichi-twe, comer (outward), angle,
Ichi-ponje, loop, noose.
projection.
Ichi-pua, fool, folly.
Ich-ula, frog.
Ichi-pula, knife.
Ich-ulu, ant-hill.
Ichi-puna, native stool, seat.
Ich-uma,
property, possessions,
Ichi-punda, hole.
wealth.
Ichi-pupo, (ritual) offering.
Ichi-pupu, cluster (bunch) of flowers. Ich-ungulo, evening.
Ich-uo, sheath, case.
Ichi-pupulilo, fan.
Ichl-puie, inflammatory swelling, Ich-usi, smoke, steam.
Ichi-vuniko, cover, covering.
boil, &c.
Ichi-puzi, pumpkin (plant and fruit). Ichi-wa, (kind of) wild pigeon.
Ichi-pwata, insolence, outrage, vio- Ichi-waka, trifle, mere nothing, free
gift.
lence, oppressive or tyrannical conIchi-walala, bed (patch, plot) of
duct.
ground nuts.
Ichi-sa, (1) bird's nest, (2) pity,
fchi-wali, leaf-rib of raphia palm.
mercy, sympathy.
Ichi-samba, foot (lower end of trunk) Ichi-walla, scar.
Ichi-wanda, disembodied soul, spirit,
of tree.
ghost, goblin.
Ichi-samo, ornament, decoration, furIchi-wawa, noise, uproar, shouting,
niture.
brawl.
Ichi-sankonde, sugar-cane.
Ichi-sasa, native door (of reeds, & c ) .Ichi-waza, cattle-pen, kraal.
Ichi-we, sweat.
Ichi-sele, large basket.
Ichi-wela, rice plot, patch, garden.
Ichi-si, (1) island, (2) fever.
Ichi-siko, stick for making fire by Ichi-wele, loud shout, outcry.
Ichi-welo, thigh.
friction.
fchi-wenga,wowid,open sore, abscess.
Ichi-sima, well, water-hole.
Ichi-wengele, (kind of) ant.
Ichi-simikizzo, story, anecdote, narraIchi-weo, razor.
tive, account, report.
Ichi-simpwilo, a (kind of) cooking- Ichi-winda, hunter.
Ichi-wu, liver.
pot.
Ichi-wulu, a deaf person.
Ichi-singa, a lighted stick, firebrand.
Ichi-wumba, a thicket.
Ichi-soti, cap.
Ichi-wuza, friend.
Ichi-sunga, thin porridge, gruel.
Ichi-zaza, pride, conceit, boasting,
Ichi-sunqu, grown-up girl.
display of strength (power, & c ) .
Ichi-tanda, a dead body (of any
Ichi-zingiti, stump of tree.
kind), dead thing.
Ichi-ziwa, isolated pool, pond, lake.
Ichi-tando, spider's web.
NOUNS
17
Ichi-ziwihi indication, mark, sign,
physical strength, force, power,
hint, symptom, information.
—usually in pi., i.e. ivizo.
Ichi-zo, (i) a limb, member, leg, (2)
Ichi-zyala, rubbish-heap.
Class 4.
28. Class-prefix, singular Aka; plural Utu.
T h e singular-prefix, aka-, ka-, becomes ako-, ko-, in combination
with u or o following, ake-, ke-, with i or e. T h e shorter plural
form is tu (Iw).
29. T h e concord-prefixes are ka- and lu-, or, in demonstrative
adjectives, nka-, ntu-.
30. This is the class of diminutives, though including objects of
any kind, and the prefixes are used as those of Class 3 (§ 26).
31. LIST OF NOUNS.
Ak-ana, young child, young of ani- Aka-nchenzi, (kind of) poison.
mals.
Aka-nensi, chin.
Aka-chande, small ladle, spoon (pi. Aka-nkungwi,
whirling cloud of
utuviande).
dust, dust-devil, whirlwind.
Aka-chiti, small tree, switch, stick Aka-ntengezya, little finger.
(pi. utiti).
Aka-nwa, mouth.
Ak-ela, sewing-needle.
Aka-nzembe, tzetse fly.
Ak-ewo, phrase, expression, word.
Aka-oma, small drum.
Aka-konko, ankle, wrist, knee, elbow.Ak-o-ni, small bird (pi. utuni).
Aka-konkonyo, tip of elbow.
Aka-piH, small hill, hillock, mound.
Aka-kungo, small thong of twisted Aka-sele, small basket.
bark.
Aka-sewasewa, clearing in forest.
Aka-limba, (kind of) musical in- Aka-so, greed, niggardliness, selfishstrument.
ness, avarice (no pi.).
Aka-linda minwe, finger-ring.
Aka-suku, (kind of) cooking-pot.
{Utu)-lo, sleep.
Aka-ta, small b o w (weapon).
Aka-lomo, tip, point, edge.
Aka-vl, dung.
Aka-lumbu, (kind of) musical instru- Aka-vu, particle of earth, atom.
ment.
Aka-wele, shout, cry.
Aka-lupe, small basket (pi. utupe). Aka-wengele, wettest part of rainy
Aka-mana, stream, brook.
season.
Aka-mini, scorpion.
Aka-wenkesi, gravel stone, small
Aka-mpezi, lightning.
pebble.
Aka-muntu, small m a n , dwarf (pi. Aka-zua, sun, daytime, day.
iviwantu).
Class 5.
32. Class-prefix, singular and plural, In.
In, or N, is a sound very liable to phonetic variations, and not
pronounced before some consonants (§ 8). Hence this m a y be
18.
WISA G R A M M A R
considered the class of all nouns which do not change in the
plural, whatever their initial sound, and of those which have no
prefix. A few words retain the prefix izin-, izi-, zi-, which is
found in other dialects.
33. T h e concord-prefixes are in the singular i- (y-), in the plural
zi- (zy-), and in demonstrative adjectives nji-, nzi-.
34. LIST OF NOUNS.
Im-fulo, member of a clan (family,
Chapewa (European), hat.
group of connexions).
Fufuta, mist, fog, haze.
Im-fulwe, tortoise.
Fuwe, drizzle.
Im-paka, wild cat.
I-chuzwe, waterbuck.
Jm-papa, skin of animal, hide.
Tfungulo, key.
7-w?a,naughtiness,obstinacy, sulks(?). Im-passa, mat (of split reeds
threaded).
I-misu, urine.
I-nama, animal, beast, game, flesh, Im-passu, a sneeze.
Im-pata, (1) opening, gate, passage,
meat.
(2) pass, gorge.
I-ngo, leopard.
I-nongo, earthen pot (for water, Im-pele, eruptive disease, pimples,
sores.
cooking, & c ) .
Im-pemba, colouring matter, paint,
I-numa, back part, rear.
colour.
I-nyiswa, (kind of) ant.
Im-pepo, wind, air, cold, draught.
I-nyumbu, wildebeeste.
Im-piani, heir, legatee, successor.
I-nyunji, porcupine.
Im-pinguzi, judge, arbitrator.
I-sulu, milk (Old-Wisa).
I-tonji, cotton (plant and fibre). Im-pundu, cry of welcome.
I-wumba, (i) clay, earth, (2) group, Im-pmnga, rice (plant and grain).
crowd, herd, mass (many things Im-puni, forehead.
Tm-puno, nose.
together).
I-zambala, watchman's stage with hut. Im-puwe, breath.
I-zandukila, virulent (kind of) dis-Im-vula, rain.
Im-vuwu, hippopotamus.
ease.
fm-vwi, grey hairs.
Im-baliwali, flea.
In-chilizi, charm, amulet.
Im-batata, native (sweet) potato.
In-chito, act, action.
Im-bazo, adze.
In-chozi, dream.
Im-belele, sheep.
Tn-daka, wallet of skin, leather bag.
Im-beza, fish-hook.
Im-boni, (1) evidence, (2) eye-wit- In-dalama, coin, money, cash, silver.
In-dalawa, rust.
ness, (3) eyeball.
In-dandaulo, grief, sorrow, mourning.
Im-bua, stalks of millet.
Im-bukuli, travelling-wallet, bag with In-dozi, witch, wizard (pi. izindozi).
In-fumu, chief, free person.
straps.
In-futi, gun, rifle.
Im-bulu, lizard.
In-fwa, corpse.
Im-buzi, goat.
In-gana, grass pad.
Im-bwa, dog.
Ing'anda, house, hut (also inandd).
Im-bwewa,fieldrat.
Im-finzi, darkness, gloom, night- Ing'anga, native doctor, medicine
man.
time.
NOUNS
19
/ng'olwa, horn (for blowing).
In-samu, rags, tatters.
/ng'oma, drum.
In-sangala, wicker cage.
Ing'ombe, ox, bull, cow, cattle.
In-sanji, small (kind of) monkey.
Ingomela, ferule of spear-blade.
In-sefu, eland.
Ing'omi, long hut (for several occu- In-seko, mirth, joke, laughter, smile,
pants).
fun, jest.
Ing'ulu, shield.
In-sele, abuse. .
Ing'uluwe, domestic pig.
In-sembe, husk (of grain).
Inguni, bird.
In-seku, day, period of twenty-four
Ing'wee, sudden burst of light.
hours, time.
In-jinga, wheel.
In-sima, porridge.
In-kafi, paddle.
In-sinde, trunk of tree.
In-kalamu, lion.
In-sipa, blood-vessel, vein, artery.
In-kanda, dried skin, leather.
In-sita, leisure, time for (a thing).
In-kanga, small-pox.
In-soni, shyness, modesty, shame,
In-kanza, anger, hot temper, harshdisgrace, pity.
ness, severity.
In-sonta, teat, nipple.
In-kazi, daughter, sister.
In-swi, fish.
In-kofila, cap.
In-syawa, ground nuts.
In-koko, fowl, hen.
In-tekwe, snuffbox.
In-kole, captive, prisoner of war.
In-tenda, disease.
In-koli, club, cudgel.
In-toche, banana (plant and fruit).
In-k6molo, knobbed stick, knobkerry. In-tulo, source, origin, rise, beginning.
In-konde, cry (of man, bird, animal, In-ume, son, brother.
In-zala, hunger, famine.
&c).
In-zela, tuft, topknot.
In-kondo, war,fighting,battle.
In-zila, path, road, way.
In-kongo,fist,knuckles.
In-zirau, koodoo.
In-kope, eyelash.
In-zoka, snake.
In-kumba, wild pig.
In-zombe, locust.
In-kunda, domestic pigeon.
In-zovu, elephant, tusk, ivory.
In-kunde, (kind of) bean.
In-zye, iocust.
In-kunku, path (track) of animals.
Nembo, ndembo, tattoo, tribal marks,
In-kusa, ferule of spear-spike.
writing, carving, letters, figures.
In-saka, covered place of meeting,
for hearing cases, &c. (Court of Nyumi, long hut (for several occupants).
Justice).
In-salu, calico, a garment, a waist- Tandabuwe, spider.
cloth, clothes.
Class 6.
35. Class-prefix, singular Ulu; plural In.
T h e singular-prefix is also pronounced lu, Iw. T h e plural-prefix
is liable to the usual phonetic laws of the A^-sound. (Cf. Class 5,
and § 8.)
36. The concord-prefixes are in the singular lu- (Iw-), in the
plural zi- (zy-), and in demonstrative adjectives, ndu-, nzi-.
B 2
20
WISA G R A M M A R
37. LIST CF NOUNS.
Ulu-sanimila, verandah-post, supUlu-chena, bank (side) of river.
porting the eaves of a hut.
Ulu-imbo, song.
Ulu-kolo, verandah, space under the Ulu-satu, python.
Ulu-sensa, armlet, bracelet
eaves of a hut.
Ulu-singa, thong of hide.
Ulu-iosi, (kind of) kite or hawk.
Ulu-sipa, blood-vessel.
Ulu-kungwi, cobra.
Ulu-sonla, roof-pole, rafter.
Ulu-kuni, stick of firewood.
Ulu-lilo, small cooking-pot, dish,Ulu-tanda, star.
Ulu-wali, side (right or left).
pan.
Ulu-wavu,rib,side (of body).
Ulu-ola, sting (of bee, & c ) .
[In)-yambo, fish bait.
Ulu-pami, step of ladder.
Ulu-zima, bee.
Ulu-panda, wall-post.
Ulu-sambo, brass-wire leg-ring, or Ulu-zizi, strip of bark.
armlet.
Class 7.
38. Class-prefix, singular Ulu ; plural Ama.
The prefixes are also heard as lu- (Iw-) and ma-. The concordprefix is in the singular lu- (Iw-). In the plural am- is dropped
(as um- in Classes 1 and 2, and im- in Class 2), and the concordprefix is a-. In demonstrative adjectives the forms are ndu- and nga-.
39. LIST OF NOUNS.
Ulu-anga, (kind of) fish-trap (amalu- Ulu-pande, yard of calico.
angd).
Ulu-panga, sword.
Ulu-ango, cross-stick on rafters to Ulu-pe, basket (amalupe).
carry thatch, lath (imango).
Ulu-pete, stalk,stem (of sorghum,&c).
Ulu-chelo, (i) morning; (2) meeting,Ulu-pi, hollow of the hand, palm.
salute.
« Ulu-pili, hill (amapili, amalupili).
Ulu-endo, journey, expedition, gang Ulu-sanso, strainer,filter,colander.
of carriers.
Ulu-se, hoe.
Ulu-fune, crack, split, fissure.
Ulu-sipa, blood-vessel.
Ulu-fwi, death.
Ulu-te, spittle, saliva.
Ulu-ilo, running.
Ulu-twe, end.
Ulu-kasa, foot (of m a n and some Ulu-vumba nongo, giraffe.
animals), foot with toes, claws.
Ulu-vunwa,
state of nakedness,
Ulu-kwelelo, ladder.
nudity.
Ulu-langaluko, melancholy, deep Ulu-wasyo, lamp, lantern, candle.
thought, reflection, anxious m o o d Ulu-wo, struggle, quarrel.
or appearance.
Ulu-wuko, charm, removal of spell
Ulu-mowila, echo.
(as cause of sickness, & c ) .
Ulu-pako, hole, cleft, hollow, empty Ulu-wunda, hip, loin.
interior.
Ulu-zua, sunlight, sun's heat, dayUlu-panda, fork of tree, forked stake. light, hot season.
NOUNS
21
Class 8.
40. Class-prefix, singular Uwu ; plural Ama.
T h e singular-prefix is also heard as uu-, uw-, wu-, a n d u-, the
plural as ma-.
T h e concord-prefixes are in the singular tt- («/-),
in the plural a- (as in Class 7 ) , a n d in demonstrative adjectives
mbu- and nga-.
4 1 . This class, in contrast with Class 3, includes a n u m b e r of
abstract nouns, a n d these mostly have n o plural form.
42. LIST OF NOUNS.
Uvi-ato, canoe.
U-silu, madness.
U-chende, sexual sin.
U-sosi, talk,argument, debate, quarrel.
U-chenjezi, cleverness, cunning, cau-Uviu-ta, b o w (weapon).
tion.
U-tali, length, height, depth, distance.
U-fumu, (1) state of freedom, (2) U-talla, grain store, granary.
chieftancy, supreme authority.
U-tanjilizi, precedence, lead, guidUw-ine, goodness, pleasantness, truth, ance.
U-uchi, honey.
&c.
U-ufi, marriage, betrothal.
U-kali, severity, anger, savagery.
U-kalipa, rebuke, reproof, scolding. Uwu-ufi, falsehood, lying, deceit,
injustice.
V-kalonga, status of chief.
U-ule, millet.
U-kote, old age.
U-kulu, size, manhood, old age, high Uw-unga, flour, meal.
U-upo, (1) secrecy, secret, private
rank, influence, power.
affair, (2) marriage.
U-lalo, bridge.
U^walwa, (native) beer.
U-limbo, bird-lime.
U-wanga, charm, medicine, means of
U-lozi, magic, witchcraft.
detecting crime (cause of sickness,
Uwu, lungu, beads, necklace.
&c).
Uwu-lw-ele, sickness (amadwele).
Uwu-lw-endo, long journey, great U-tvi, badness, baseness, evil.
expedition, large gang of carriers. U-wino, goodness, well-being, ease,
(Cf. ulu-endo, § 39.)
&c. (more comprehensive than
U-moyo, life (physical, organic),
tiwunind).
vitality.
Uwu-vioni, property, wealth, possesU-msumba, status of chief.
sions.
U-ne, beauty, prettiness, & c
U-wuta, whiteness, cleanness, purity.
U-nini, smallness, fewness.
U-wutikilo, refuge, taking refuge.
£/wM-»?»0,goodness,moral excellence. U-wuto, a seed (pi. mbutd).
(Cf. uv/ino, below.)
U-wuwa, (1) greediness, selfishness,
(2) poison for fish.
U-pompwe, theft, stealing, knavery.
U-putu, thickness, stoutness.
Uwu-wuwa, jealousy.
U-sali, uncleanness,filth,dirt.
U-vila, idleness, sloth.
U-salu, (cotton) thread.
Uwu-zia, slavery.
Uwu-salu, sewing-needle.
U-zimu, pitfall for game.
U-sanzi, bed-frame, bedstead.
U-zuzu, mosquito.
Uwu-si, smoke, steam.
U-zyowelo, habit, custom, practice.
U-siku, night, night-time.
WISA
22
GRAMMAR
Class 9.
4 3 . Class-prefix, singular 7"; plural Ama.
In a few w o r d s the singular-prefix h a s the fuller form li found in
s o m e other dialects, a n d in general i, as representing Hi, ii, is not
changed or dropped in pronunciation with other sounds.
4 4 . T h e concord-prefixes are li- (ly-) a n d a- (as in Classes 7,8),
a n d in demonstrative adjectives ndi- a n d nga-.
45. LIST OF NOUNS.
Ma-mpatu, fork of roads, where paths
Li-beti, i-beti, pocket, pouch.
meet or part.
I-bokosi, (English) box.
Li-ndala, looking-glass, eyeglass.
I-bweta, (Portuguese) box.
I-cheche, screen enclosing space under/-ngala, feather.
/-ng'anda, house.
eaves of a hut, i. e. ulukolo (§ 37).
/-ngawa, debt.
I-chonde, forest, wilderness.
Am-enzi, water, liquid, juice, sap /-neno, word, speech, saying, rumour.
/li-ni, egg.
(no sing.).
Ama-no,(i)ixAel)igtnae, sense.ability,
I-fulo, scum, bubble, froth, foam.
knowledge, discretion, (2) plan,
Ama-futa, oil, grease, fat.
system, method, contrivance, (3)
I-fumo, hunting-spear.
orders, wishes, intention, directions,
I-fupa, bone.
object, meaning, (4) advice, warnI-futo, fine, payment, compensaing, counsel.
tion.
/-nongo, earthen pot (for water or
I-(n)fyo, kidney.
cooking).
I-gonelo, case, cover, sheath.
/-nyanga, tusk of elephant.
Ma-ilo, yesterday, to-morrow (ci.leld).
/-pala, bald head, baldness.
Ama-inza, wet season.
/-pango, arrangement, direction, order,
Il-iso, eye (meso, mensd).
plan, design.
I-kanga, guinea-fowl.
/-papa, egg-shell.
I-konde, banana.
/-papaya,fruitof papaw-tree.
I-kongwa, slave-stick.
/-papiko, i-piko, i-pindo, wing of bird,
I-konko, knee, elbow.
insect, & c .
I-koza, ivory ring, used as bracelet.
/-pula, wax.
I-kumbi, cloud.
/-ridi, leg of bed-frame (Swahili).
I-kumi, ten.
/-saka, grain of sorghum.
I-kunku, animal's path, track.
1-sako, (single) hair, bristle (ot
Ma-la, bowels, intestines.
animal).
I-lamba, waist-band, belt.
/-samba, lower part, foot (of tree),
I-lambo, umbrella.
down-stream.
I-landa, (kind of) bean.
/-samo, ornament,fitting,furniture.
Li-lapatila, drop (of fluid).
/-sano, house of a chiefs wife.
Ma-lilo, (ceremonial) mourning.
I-sangu, Pleiades.
I-limi, tongue.
/-linga, stockade, palisade (for de- /-sengo, horn.
/-siku, day, period of twenty-fouT
fence).
hours.
/-lua, flower.
/-lyasi, talk, gossip, conversation, /-silu, m a d m a n , lunatic.
/-silya, side of a river, coast.
news.
NOUNS
23
/-simba, foot of elephant or rhino-/-vumo, belly, womb, pregnancy.
ceros, &c.
/-vungu, fold, coil, create.
/-songa, sharp point.
/-•walla,field(of sorghum), native
I-songo, stump of a branch.
garden.
I-sono, helping, mouthful, morsel of
/-wanga, spot, mark, patch of colour.
food taken in thefingersin eating. /-wata, duck.
/-sumbu, fishing-net.
/-we, stone.
/-syamo, failure, loss, misfortune, &c.
/-wele, breast (of female), udder.
/•syuko, success, gain, good fortune,
/-weza, stone used for fire-place.
/-wizyo, information, warning, hint.
&c.
/-wondo, hoof.
Li-tako, buttock, butt end, lower part.
/-wozu, cheek.
I-tamba, wave, ripple.
/-tenga, (1) messenger, (2) (pro-/-wula, leaf.
nounced more lightly) pool in river./-wumba, clay, earth.
/wundu, jigger.
/-tete, seed.
/-zani, grass.
Ma-tipa, mud, bog, swamp.
/-zembe, hatchet, axe.
/-tonji, piece of native cloth (woven
/-zeze, native guitar, banjo.
cotton).
I-ziko, cooking-place,fire-place,kitMa-tukula, sweat. /-tumba, bag (basket) of plaited grass, chen.
/-zina, name, reputation.
or leaf-strips.
/-ziwi, sound, cry, speech.
/-tumbwili, large (kind of) monkey.
Ma-zo, day before yesterday, day after
/-tuntu, cheek.
to-morrow.
1-vu, earth, soil, dust, sweepings (pi.
/-zoka, snake.
ivivu, much dust, Sea.).
Class 10.
46. Class-prefix, singular Uku; plural Uku (Ama).
A few nouns of this class have the plural-prefix ama-, ma-. But
uku (ku, kw) is the distinctive prefix of the infinitive form of verbs,
which is very commonly used as a noun both singular and plural,
and forms the bulk of this class.
47. Uku is also, with umu and apa, a prefix of locative and
general meaning, and expressions formed with any of these three
m a y conveniently be classed together under it. Such expressions
are c o m m o n to all dialects, with reference to place, time, and
circumstances. In Wisa, pa and ku seem equally inclusive and
general, while mu keeps its characteristic limitation to interior
position.
48. The concord-prefixes corresponding to the above are ku-, pa
mu-, or in some cases nku-, mpa-, mtnu-, for singular and plural.
(For plurals in ama, see Classes 7, 8, 9.)
24
WISA G R A M M A R
49. LIST O F W O R D S .
Uku-apa, armpit.
Uku-ewo, speech.
Uku-loo, fish-hook.
Uku-macha, early dawn.
Uku-nso, left-hand (direction).
Uku-nyeme,right-hand(direction).
Vhu-tali, distance.
Verbal
Uku-twe, ear (of body).
Uku-ulu, leg (amolu), foot
Uku-wea, shoulder.
Uku-wende, wooden (pounding)
mortar.
Uku-woko, arms, hand.
Nouns.
Uku-naka,
exhaustion, feebleness.
Uku-enda, (i) condition, way of
living, state, (2) extent, range, Uku-nya mulopa, dysentery.
Uku-tawatawa, flurry, confusion,
reach.
Uku-kolwa, drunkenness, feasting, alarm.
Uku-twa, cutting edge, sharpness.
revelry.
Uku-mvwana, sympathy.
(The above are a few examples only.)
T A B L E O F PREFIXES.
5 0 . T h e following table shows the class-prefixes with the corresponding concord-prefixes a n d the nasalized form used in most
demonstratives.
Plur. Awa
1. Class-piefix.
Sing. Umu
Concord-prefix, adjectives,
umu
awa
possessives,
wa (w)
u (w)
demonstratives,
ngu
mba
wa (n>)
a (10), j
verbs,
Concord-prefix
Class-prefix.
Concord-prefix.
Class-prefix.
2. Sing. Umu
u (iv), ngu
6. Sing. Ulu
lu (Iw), ndu
Plur. Imi
Plur. In
zi (zy), nzi
i O). nji
3. Sing, /chi
chi (ch), nchi
7. Sing. Ulu
lu Qui), ndu
Plur. Ivi
Plur. Ama
a, nga
vi (vy), mvi
u (w), mbu
4. Sing. Aka
ka, nka
8. Sing. Uiau
Plur. Utu
a, nga
tu (tiv), ntu
Plur. Ama
c,. Sing, /n
li (ly), ndi
i O ) , nji
9. Sing. /
Plur. /n
zi (zy), nzi
Plur. Ama
a, nga
Class-prefix.
Concord-prefix.
10. Sing, and Plur. Uku
ku (kw), nku
(Plur. Ama
a, nga)
pa, mpa
Mpa
Umu
mu (mw), mmu
F O R M A T I O N OF N O U N S .
51. It will be seen from the preceding lists that the resources of
W i s a for the production of different noun-forms to meet the growth
of ideas is as large as in other dialects of Bantu, though even less
used than in some.
NOUNS
25
52. The commonest resource is the infinite form of the verb,
either alone, or with the preposition -a and a suitable class-prefix,
e. g. ukuteka, pillaging, plundering; ivyakuteka, izyakuteka, things
plundered, booty, plunder. But a root can take the prefixes of
any of the above ten classes, if the meaning of the root allows it,
and in each class the meaning is presented under a different aspect,
though the difference m a y be grasped in some cases only by the
instinct or habit of a native.
53. Moreover there are at least four terminations at command,
-a, -o, -zi, and -vi, serving further to differentiate the class-meaning
of a noun, -zi and -vi being chiefly used of persons and personal
qualities or activities, -o more commonly of operations and objects
in general. (See also §§ 58, 249.)
CHAPTER III
ADJECTIVES
54. ADJECTIVES proper, i. e. words which are adjectives only,
are in Wisa, as in other dialects, not numerous, but from their
meaning important and in c o m m o n use. They consist of a root
combined with the concord-prefix proper to the class of the noun
which the adjective qualifies, e. g. ttmuzi u-kulu, a large village.
(For the concord-prefixes see table, § 50, and for some examples
of adjectives see table of concords, § 93.)
55. In Class 1, the adjectives -onse (all), -eka (alone), -mbi
(other), take the concord-prefixes of possessive adjectives, § 50.
56. The place of adjectives is supplied in several ways :—
(1) By a noun preceded by the variable preposition -a, 'of,' in
the proper concord form, e. g. ivintu vya kale, old things. But
the infinitive (noun) form of verbs is not often used in this way,
-a-ku- being characteristic of one of the future tenses (§ 131).
57. (2) B y expressions meaning ' having,' ' possessing,' followed
by a noun defining the object or quality possessed, such expressions being forms of the verbs w a na, li na (§ 205),' have,' and
kwata, ' possess,' e. g. umunlu uli na chuma, a rich m a n ; umuntu
wa kuwa na amano, an intelligent man.
26
WISA G R A M M A R
58. (3) B y variousfiniteforms of the verb, on the general principle that anyfiniteverb-form of the indicative m o o d can be
regarded as a relative form, and is available as an adjectival expression, and even as a noun. B y far the most c o m m o n form is the
verb-root preceded by -a- with a concord-prefix, i. e. the tense
described below (§ 116) as aorist tense I, and this supplies the
place of most adjectives. A n d the large class of negative adjectives, beginning in English with the prefixes in-, un-, dis-, & c , is
expressed by the negative forms of the same tense.
Thus chawama (chi-a-wama) m a y be translated, it is good, which
is good, good, that which is good, a good thing. A n d similarly
tachawama (ta-chi-a-wama), it is not-good, which is not-good, bad,
a bad thing.
59. But the principle just given opens the way to a rich variety
of adjectival distinctions, each tense so used retaining its characmerely assigns the
teristic force and colour. Thus while wawama
attribute of goodness as a fact to a person, uliweme does so in
view of a particular case, ulawama as a general characteristic
whether in active exercise or not. (See tenses 2, 3, §§ 117, 118.)
So wafwa m a y m e a n dead, (a) dead (man) ; afwile, lately dead ;
alifwile, dead some time. Similarly such shades of difference as
finished, not finished, unfinished, not yet finished, temporarily
finished, permanentlyfinished,m a y be conveyed by using different
tense-forms adjectivally. (See also §§ 141, 250.)
60. T h e adjectival root (i)ne is noticeable for its c o m m o n use
in a great variety of meanings :—
61. (1) -ine_ includes every quality that c o m m e n d s itself to the
mind or sense in whatever degree, 'good, true, pleasant, useful,
just,fine,'&c. ; but while -ine inclines to moral excellence, i.e.
'good,' the shorter form -ne inclines to physical, i.e. 'beautiful,
nice, pretty, agreeable,' &c.
62. (2) -ine also means 'self, oneself, itself,' & c , and though the
same in form is sometimes different in accent from (1), i. e. ichintu
(f)chine chine, the thing itself is nice.
63. (3) -ine, when following another adjective, often has the force
of an adverb of emphasis, e. g. ichintu chine chine, a very good
thing, awantu awenji wene, very m a n y people.
ADJECTIVES
27
64. There are also two c o m m o n nouns seemingly from the same
root, viz. mttne (plural awane),' acquaintance, friend,' and umwine,
' owner, master, possessor.' Thus such a combination is possible
as umwine umwine umwine wine, the owner himself is a very good
m a n (-ine in the sense of ' very' takes the concord form of
possessive adjectives (§ 50, Class 1)—hence wine above, not
umwine).
65. The numeral adjective -nne, ' four,' has also to be distinguished from the above, and the noun umwina (plural awena),
'personal servant.'
Degrees of Comparison.
66. The possession of a quality or attribute in a high or the
highest degree is expressed merely by emphasis on the adjective, or
by adding after it the adjective -mo,' one, unique,' or -eka, ' alone,
by itself,' or -ine, as above. Thus supreme goodness in a person may
be described as umuntu uliweka, umo kuwama, takwete munakwe
(he has no equal), or simply as wawama.
67. Qualities can be compared in degree by using kuli, ' (where)
there is,' i. e. ' compared with, side by side with, more (less) than,'
or by ukuchila, ' to exceed, excelling.'
Numerals.
68. T h e only numerals in c o m m o n use are the following
adjectives:—
-mo, one,
-nne, four,
-will, two,
-sano, five,
-tatu, three,
-ikumi, ten.
All other numbers are made up by combining these. Ikumi
used as a noun has a plural amakumi. Thus -sano na -tatu, eight,
ikumi na -sano na -mo, sixteen, amakumi awili na -will, twentytwo.
69. T h e ordinal adjectives are—
-atendeka, -ayamba, first;
-a kawili, second ;
-a katatu, third ; and so on.
The numeral adverbs are in the forms kamo (or Umo), once,
kawili (or liwili), twice, katatu, kane, &c.
28
WISA
GRAMMAR
70. LIST O F A D J E C T I V E S .
-ne, pretty, handsome, pleasing, nice.
-akwe, his, hers, its.
-nini, small, little, low, narrow,
-anji, m y , mine.
short, unimportant.
-awo, their, theirs.
-nne, four.
-che, little, feeble.
-chenjele, clever, cautious, cunning. -onse, all, every, whole.
•owe, your, yours.
-e(n)ka, alone, unique, only.
-pofu, blind.
-enu, your, yours.
-pusa, -pusu, silly, foolish, mischiev-esu, our, ours.
-ine, (i) good, right, honest, true, ous, naughty.
real, nice, pleasant, useful, & c , -putu, thick, stout, broad, fat.
-pya, new, fresh, recent, novel,
(2) self, very (§§60-63).
modern.
-inji, many, much.
-salt, unclean, filthy, foul.
-ipi, short, low. -a pepi, near.
-sano, five.
-kafu, poor, destitute.
-kali, severe, hot-tempered, angry, -silu, m a d , indecent.
-tali, long, tall, high, -a kutali,
savage.
distant.
•kazi, female.
-tatu, three.
•kote, old.
-kulu, (1) great, big, large, (2) -ufi, false, deceitful, unjust.
grown-up, adult, old, (3) powerful, -vila, idle.
-w*, (1) bad, wicked, evil, (2) ugly,
influential.
(3) unpleasant, disastrous.
-lume, male.
-will, two.
-Iwele, sick.
wino, good, nice, useful.
-mbi, other, different.
wisi, fresh, raw, uncooked (of vege-mo, one, single, alone.
-nakwe (-nanji, -nowe, -nesu, -nenu,tation), green, growing.
-nawo), other, like, of same sort.
CHAPTER IV
PRONOUNS
71. With the personal and interrogative pronouns, the so-called
pronominal adjectives—possessive, demonstrative, a n d interrogative—are here noticed. There is n o distinctive relative pronoun or
prefix. (See notes o n Syntax, §§ 249-53, a n d for the reflexive
prefix, § 202.)
7 2 . 1. Personal
Pronouns.
T h e full forms of personal pronouns, w h e n used b y themselves,
are:—
Sing. 1. newo, I.
Plur. 1. fwewo, we.
2. wewo, you.
2. mwewo, you.
3. wewo, he, she.
3. wawo, they.
PRONOUNS
29
73. These are not used with verbs, except for emphasis, the
person in verb-forms being sufficiently indicated by the personprefixes. Wewo for singular 3rd is often replaced by a demonstrative.
74. A shorter form of the pronouns is used in close connexion
with another word and pronounced as part of it, whether before or
after, viz.:—
Sing. 1. ne, ine.
Plur. 1. fwe, ifiwe.
2. we, iwe, uwe.
2. mwe, imwe, umwe.
3. we, iwe, uwe.
3. wa.
A n d this shorter form is often used with and immediately following
the longer. Hence such expressions a s —
(1) Before nouns and verbs :
nekalulu, newo nekalulu, I the rabbit.
mwewantu, you people.
wewaipaya, you murderer; fwewali, w e were.
(2) Before adjectives :
nemwine, inenemwine, I myself.
nenka (wenka,fwenka, & c ) , I (you, we) alone.
(3) After the preposition na,' with,' the verb-form ni, ' is,' and
the negative-prefix te, ' not,' nane, nowe (for na uwe), nakwe (for
na, and kwe in place of uwe as 3rd person singular), with m e (you,
him).
nine, niwe, nifwe, & c , it is I, &c.
tene, tewe, tefwe, & c , not I, &c.
75. T h e plural of the personal pronouns is always used in
respectful address or mention of a person.
76, T h e personal pronouns are used possessively in a few expressions such as wata wewo, m y father; wama wewo, your mother;
wanyinefwe, our maternal relatives; sikulufwe, our master.
77. Sometimes the personal pronouns are represented by a periphrasis, such as
kuli newo, i. e. where I am, I, me.
ukoli, i. e. where you are, you.
kulingo, i. e. where he is, he, him,
and so kuli wewo, ukondi (uko-n-li), &c.
78. For concord purposes, the personal pronouns are regarded
30
WISA G R A M M A R
as nouns of Class i. For the person-prefixes corresponding to
them in verbs, see § 102.
79. 2. Possessive Adjectives.
Sing. 1. -anji, my.
Plur. 1. -esa, our.
2. -owe, y©ur.
2. -enu, your.
3, -awo, their.
3. -akwe, his, hers, its.
These words represent the preposition -a in combination with forms
of the personal pronouns, -achiko, for -akwe, seems to express awe
or admiration of what is extraordinary.
80. 3. Demonstrative Adjectives.
Five modes of expressing ' the, this, that' are distinguishable in
Wisa, as in Senga and other dialects. All are based on the classor concord-prefixes, and m a y be arranged as follows in order of
demonstrative meaning.
81. (1) A reduplicated or lengthened form of the class-prefix,
attached to the root and corresponding in meaning to the English
'the.'
82. (2) A nasalized form of the concord-prefix of each class, used
as an adjective, denoting nearness, this (here, by m e ) .
83. (3) T h e same as (2) with -o substituted for thefinalvowel,
denoting middle distance or reference, this, or that (there, by you,
referred to, in mind, mentioned).
8 4 (4) T h e same as (2) with -no affixed, and meaning similar to (3).
85. (5) T h e same as (2) with -Iya affixed, denoting distance,
'that (there, yonder').
86. T h e concord forms of these demonstratives m a y be tabulated
as follows, -n involving the usual phonetic changes:—
CLASS.
I. Sing.
Plur.
2. Sing.
Plur.
3. Sing.
Plur.
4. Sing.
Plur.
5-Sing.
-Plur.
Example.
uniuntu
awantu
umuzi
imizi
ichintu
ivintu
akazua
utuzua
inthito
inchito
1
(the)
mumuwawamumumimichichivivikakatutu-
iizizi-
2
3
4
(this) (this, that)
ngu
ngo
mba
mbo
ngu
ngo
nji
njo
nchi
mvi
nka
ntu
nji
nzi
ncho
mvyo
nko
nto
njo
nzo
5
(this, that) (that)
nguno
mbano
nguno
njino
nchino
mvino
nkano
ntuno
njino
nzino
ngulya
mbalya
ngulya
njilya
nchilya
mvilya
nkalya
ntulya
njilya
nzilya
PRONOUNS
CLASS.
Example.
1
2
31
3
4
5
(the)
(this) (this, that) (this, that) (that)
6. Sing, uluzizi
nduno
lulundulya
ndu
ndo
Plur. nzizi
(as 5 P.)
7. Sing. uluse
(as 6 S.)
ngano
Plur. amase
ngalya
nga
ngo
a8. Sing. uwuta
mbulya
mbuno
mbo
wuwu- mbu
Plnr. amata
(as 7 P.)
ndilya
ndino
9. Sing. ilimi
ndo
iindi
Plur. amalimi
(as 7 P.)
nkulya
nkuno
10. Sing. ukutina
kukunko
nku
(as 7 P.)
Plur. amaumunanda mumu
mmulya
mmuno
mmu
mmo
mpalya
mpano
pakati
papa
mpo
mpa
87. Sometimes a non-nasalized form of demonstratives 2 and 3
is heard, viz. uwu (uwo), awa (awo), ii (io), ichi (icho), &c. (§ 251).
T w o particles of emphasis commonly used with the demonstrative
adjectives, and also verbs and adverbs, are :—
88. -ve, as a suffix, meaning 'just so, simply, exactly, and no
more,' often with a contemptuous or depreciatory tone, e. g. achitave
mvive, he just does that sort of thing.
89. e-, as a prefix, taking the place of the nasal n, and (in verbs)
of the person-prefix, e. g. echi, evyo, eko, epo, evyala,
90. 4. Interrogatives.
nani f inani ? who ?
sianif chindu ? chindo f what ?
kwilakwi? kwi? kwani? where?
lilalit li? when?
chindu ? nindu ? chifukwandu ? mulandunzi ? why ? what for ?
91. The suffixes -ndu (-ndo), -nzi (-nzo) with a noun, have the
meaning, which ? what ?, and -nga, how many ?, e. g. vindu ? how ?
in what way ? vinga ? h o w m a n y times ? A question is often
introduced by nga.
92. -ila-i, combined with concord-prefixes, also means, which— ?
what — ?, e.g. umuntu wilawi? which m a n ? A wantu welawe ?
which m e n ? So chilachi, Iwilalwi, elae ve. (See § 93.)
WISA G R A M M A R
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33
CHAPTER V
VERBS
(i) V E R B S I N G E N E R A L .
94. T H E verb in Wisa has the same general features as in other
Bantu dialects. By combination of a root, usually monosyllabic,
with prefixes and suffixes, a rich variety of verb-forms is developed,
and these admit of convenient classification under the terms commonly used in grammars of all languages. For the most part the
differences k n o w n as those of conjugation, tense, person, number,
and also (in Bantu) of class, are indicated by distinctive letters
or syllables prefixed to the root, those of mood, voice, and also
(in Bantu) of stem, by suffixes. Moreover these prefixes and
suffixes, as a rule, preserve the same relative order a m o n g themselves.
95. Thus, given a root of appropriate meaning, it m a y be the
base of nine varieties of verb-stem, commonly k n o w n as simple,
applied, intensive, causal, reciprocal, reversive, stative, reduplicated, and reflexive ; each with active, passive, and neuter voices ;
each of these with affirmative and negative forms of conjugation ;
with indicative and subjunctive (subjective), as well as imperative
and infinitive moods, the indicative m o o d with a full tense-system ;
and in every tense-form a distinctive indication of the number and
person of the subject of the verb and also of the class to which it
belongs, with a similar definition of its object. W i s a has also a
modified stem.
96. T h e actual prefixes and suffixes used are largely the same as,
or similar to, those c o m m o n in other dialects. T h e feature of
special interest in W i s a is the tense-system.
97. T h e usual order of prefixes and suffixes in the indicative
m o o d is as follows:—
Prefixes, (i) showing the negative conjugation;
(2) of the subject, showing its class, number, and person;
(3) of tense;
(4) of the object, as (2).
W.H.
c
WISA G R A M M A R
34
Root Syllable.
Suffixes, (5) of stem ;
(6) of voice;
(7) of m o o d (except infinitive).
For example, tachikotuchenezya m a y be analysed as m a d e up of
prefixes (1), (2), (3), (4), and suffixes (5) and (7), viz. (1) ta-, negative
particle, ' not,' (2) -chi-, subject defined as 3rd singular, Class 3, ' it
(3) -ko-, tense-sign,' will,' (4) -tu-, object defined as ist plural, Class
'us,' root syllable -chen-, 'hurt,' (5) -ezy-, intensive stem, 'much,'
(7) -a, showing indicative active, ' it will not hurt us much.'
98. Verb-forms are here treated as follows :—
(1) Conspectus, with examples.
(2) Class, number, person.
(3) Tenses, including Modified Stem.
(4) Moods.
(5) Voices.
(6) Stems.
99. Conjugation, i. e. the distinction of affirmative and negative
forms throughout, is treated in connexion with (2), (3), and (4).
100. Conspectus of Verb-forms.
Stems.
Suffix
1. Simple
2. Applied
3- ) Intensive
> and
-a
( -ela
\ -Ha
-ezya
-izya
Example.
pum-a, strike.
let-ela, bring to.
fik-ila, arrive at.
end-ezya, g o fast
kak-izya, fasten tight.
fum-ya, cause to g o out.
(w)on-ana, see each other.
kak-ula, unfasten.
pot-ama, be crooked.
enda-enda, keep going.
i-chena, hurt oneself.
-ya
4- J Causal
-ana
5- Reciprocal
Reversive
-ula
6.
Stative
-avia
78. Reduplicated
—
i- (prefix)
9- Reflexive
There are also compound stems, combining two or more of the
above stem-suffixes. For the Modified Stem see §§ 106-12.
Voices.
1. Active
2. Passive
3. Neuter
•a
-wa
-eka
-ika
chena-a, hurt.
chen-wa, be hurt.
chen-eka, be hurt.
chit-ika, be done.
VERBS
35
Conjugations.
T h e negative is distinguished from the affirmative by the prefixes ta, si, i (§ 102).
Moods.
1. Indicative
-a
-pum-a.
2. Subjunctive
-e
-kat-e.
3. Imperative
-a, -eni
pit-a, pit-eni.
4. Infinitive
uku- (prefix) uku-chita.
For tenses and person-prefixes see §§ 102, 137, 138.
(2) P E R S O N - P R E F I X E S .
101. First in everyfiniteverb-form stands one of the following
concord-prefixes, defining the person, number, and class of the subject of the verb, and commonly called person-prefixes. Combined
with a prefix denoting negation, they also distinguish the negative
from affirmative conjugation. T h e object of a verb can also be
similarly defined by a person-prefix, which (except in relative
clauses) immediately precedes the root. This object-prefix is not
m u c h used in Wisa, except of persons.
102. T h e person-prefixes are as follows: —
Class 1.
Affirmative.
Negative.
Sing. 1. (I, me)
n (rarely ne)
nsi, tansi, si.
,
( of the subject) u (w)
)
.
,
2 (
tau uta
- y ° u | of the object) ku(kw) \
> '
3. (he, she, of the subject) u (w), a
\ to (for tau), uta.
(him, her, of the object) mw, m
\ ta (for tad), ata.
Classes 2-10.
Singular affirmative, u, chi, i, ka, lu, li, ku (pa, mu), according
to class. (See concord-prefixes, § 50.)
Negative, the same combined with ta, preceding or following, to
(uta), tachi (chita), te (ltd), taka (kata), talu (lula), tali (Uta), t
(kula), &c.
Class 1.
Affirmative.
Negative.
Plur. 1. (we, us)
tu (tw)
tatu, tuta.
2. (you)
mu (mw), m
tamu, muta.
3. (they)
wa (w)
tawa, ivata.
In the imperative m o o d the plural 2nd is the prefix ni- or suffix
-eni.
Classes 2-10.
Plural affirmative, i, vi, zi, tu, a, ku (pa, mit), according to class.
Negative, te (ila), tavi (vita), tazi (zila), tatu (tuta), la (ata)
taku (kula), &c.
c 2
36
WISA G R A M M A R
103. These person-prefixes are liable to be disguised by phonetic
changes, according to the consonant or vowel sound immediately
following. S o m e general rules are given (§§ 7-9), but do not apply
in all cases. Thus the i in chi disappears before another vowel,
but in other prefixes remains as i or y. A n d a as a separate prefix
is less liable to change than in ka, pa, wa. Moreover the sounds
i 0 0 > u (w)> u s e d before the roots of some verbs, have to be remembered as a cause of euphonic change.
(3) TENSES (IN GENERAL).
104. T h e tense-system in Wisa claims special attention, both as
to meanings and forms. It is fuller and more elaborate than many,
and appears connected with those of the Congo river region rather
than those of Eastern Africa. T h e following account of it m a y
require to be corrected and added to on further study.
105. T o a foreigner its difficulty is, that the tenses in hardly any
case indicate exclusively the simple distinctions of time, past,
present, future, i. e. they are not tenses in the usual sense. Rather
they appear to convey to the native mind various modes or aspects
of the verb idea (act, state, or process), analogous to differences of
light and shade, colour, and perspective. Such aspects are in
English suggested by adverbs, compound phrases, order of words,
and other ways. T o the native the tense-forms of the verb themselves give choice of seven or eight ways of presenting an idea in
each of the spheres of past, present, and future, or in any or all of
them, for instance, as simple fact; as act, as act general or specific
or emphatic; as habit actual or potential; present simply or continuously or regular and settled ; past simple or continuous, near
past, distant past, and these general or specific; a future immediate
and being realized, a future intended (possible, probable, & c ) ,
morally certain, mechanically certain, and so on. R o u g h and
practically adequate translation of a native story is easy. But the
swift and subtle instinct of the native narrator, selecting, changing,
and mixing tense with tense, unfolds to a hearer alive to every tone,
look, and gesture a picture or rather a panorama which written
language could hardly reproduce.
106. Again, in Wisa four tenses of the indicative m o o d have
a double base, viz. a verb-stem and a modified verb-stem, of which
VERBS
37
the characteristic is the use of the vowel e. This use takes three
forms: —
107. (i) In most verbs the final -a is changed in the modified
form to -He if the root-vowel is a, i, or u, and to -ele if it is e or o,
e. g. -fuma, -fum-ile, -onda, -ondele.
108. (2) In m a n y verbs with -a- as the root-vowel and in some
with -0- the root-vowel as well as the final vowel are changed
to e, e. g. -kala, -kele, wona, wene.
109. (3) In reciprocal and stative stems the final -ana, -ama
is changed to -ene, -eme, e. g. -atnbana, -ambene, inama, ineme.
110. (4) In causal and intensive stems thefinal-a only of -ezya,
-izya is changed to e, e. g. -lezya, -lezye, -katizya, -katizye.
111. S o m e verbs have both modified forms, e. g. -kwata, -kwete,
and -kwatile.
112. So far as any distinctive difference is traceable in the
meaning of these two forms, it appears to be this, that in the
modified form the reference is more specific, and limited to
the particular case in view, than in the plain verb-stem. In fact,
-le or (l)e seems weakly demonstrative, and if so m a y be etymologically connected with the characteristic / of the demonstrative
adjective of distance (§ 85). It must be noted that in m a n y verbs,
e. g. lata, lele, kana, kene, kwata, kwete, kala, kele, the difference
is considered by Wisas themselves to be one of pronunciation
only, the younger generation inclining to the forms in e.
(4) INDICATIVE TENSES.
113. There are sixteen indicative tenses, fourteen with both
affirmative and negative forms, two negative only. They m a y
be placed in six groups, which partly overlap each other, and also
include some other verb-forms used indicatively, viz. aorist,
present, past, future, impersonal, and negative. For convenience
of reference they are distinguished by numbers rather than by
names, and a brief description isfirstgiven of each, followed by
notes and fuller explanations.
114. Tense-prefixes always follow the person-prefixes and precede the root (§ 97).
115. 1. Aorist tenses, which do not themselves define time, but
38
WISA G R A M M A R
m a y require translation as past, present, or future.
regularly used in place of adjectives (§ 141).
They are
116. Tense 1. Prefix -a-, e. g. n-a-chita.
Meaning. T h e idea of the verb is simply stated as fact, whether
act, state or process, e. g. nachita, I do (did, have done) (§§ 142-4).
117. Tense 2. N o prefix, e. g. n-chita.
Meaning. T h e idea of the verb is stated as habit, actual and
constant, e.g. nchita, I always do (am doing, did, have done)
(§ 145).
118. Tense 3. Prefix -la-, e. g. nda-chita (for n-la-chitd).
Meaning. T h e idea of the verb is stated as habit, potentially
constant, e.g. ndachita, I always (on occasion, a m ready to) do
(did, have done) (§ 146).
119. 2. Present tenses, which refer chiefly or only to present
time, in addition to Tenses 1, 2, 3, which m a y be used of the
present (§§ 147-8).
120. Tense 4. Modified verb-stem, no tense-prefix, e.g.
n-chitile.
Meaning. Present definite, of specific reference, e. g. nchitile,
I do (it, something), present, definite, specific (§ 147).
121. Tense 5. Prefix -//-, modified verb-stem, e. g. ndi-chit-ile
for n-li-chit-ile.
Meaning, as Tense 4, slightly emphasized. Present, definite,
emphatic, e. g. ndichiti(e, I do (or nearly, I do do, it, something)
(§ 147).
122. Tense 6. Prefix -li-, e. g. ndi-chita for n-li-chita.
Meaning. Present, definite, general, same as Tense 5, but not
limited in reference, e. g. ndichita, I do. (This tense seems
seldom used.) (§ 147.)
123. Tense 7. Prefix -ko-, e.g. n-ko-chita.
Meaning. Present indefinite (imperfect, continuative), e. g. nkochita, I a m doing. This is one of the most c o m m o n expressions
of the present, and also of the immediate future (§§ 130, 148, 152).
124. Tense 8. Prefix -li- with the infinitive verb-form, i.e.
li-ku-, e. g. ndi-ku-chita for n-li-ku-chita.
Meaning. T h e idea of the verb is stated as a sphere of present
VERBS
39
occupation or action (process, condition), e. g. ndikuchita, I a m
engaged in doing, I a m at work (§ 148).
125. 3. Past tenses, in addition to Tenses 1, 2, 3, which m a y
he used of the past (§ 149).
126. Tense 9. Prefix -a-, with modified verb-stem, e. g. n-achit-ile.
Meaning. Past, specific, relatively recent, e. g. nachitile, I did
(it, something, to-day, recently) (§ 149).
127. Tense 10. Prefix -ali-, with modified verb-stem, e.g.
n-ali-chit-He.
Meaning. Past, specific,relatively distant, e.g. nalichitile, I did
(it, something, yesterday, formerly, some time ago) (§ 149).
128. Tense II. Prefix -ali-, e.g. n-ali-chita.
Meaning. Past of general reference, e. g. nalichita, I did. (This
tense seems not so commonly used as Tenses 9, 10. Cf. Tense 6.)
(§ H9-)
129. Tense 12. Prefix -ali- with the infinitive verb-form, e. g.
n-ali-ku-chita.
Meaning. Past imperfect, of general occupation, & c , e. g. nalikuchita, I was (engaged in) doing. (Cf. Tense 8.) (§ 149.)
130. 4. Future tenses. T h e commonest expression of the
future is Tense 7. Tenses 1, 2, 3 m a y include future reference.
For other modes of expressing a future see §§ 150-7. T h e only
exclusively future tense is
131. Tense 13. Prefix -a-, with infinitive verb-form, e.g. n-aku-chita.
Meaning. Future relatively distant, more or less probable in view
of the nature or character of the subject of the verb, e. g. nakuchita,
I shall (some day, certainly, probably) do (§ 153).
132. 5. Impersonal tenses (indefinitive).
C o m m o n substitutes for other tenses are supplied, especially
in narrative, by modifications of the infinitive, which m a y be
classed as
133. Tense 14. Prefixes no-, n-, e-, with the infinitive verbform, e. g. no-ku-chita, n-ku-chita, e-ku-chita.
Meaning. T h e idea of the verb is stated without definition of
40
WISA G R A M M A R
time, person, number or class, except such as is supplied by the
context (§§ 158-9).
134. 6. Negative tenses. In addition to the negative forms
of affirmative tenses there are two tense - forms only negative
(§§ 161-5).
135. Tense 15. Prefix, negative with -a, and a verb-root with
final -e, e. g. nsi-a-chite.
Meaning. Emphatic denial of possibility, present or future, e. g.
nsiachite, I shall certainly never do it, m y doing it is quite out of
the question.
(For the connexion of this tense with the subjunctive m o o d see
§ I79-)
136. Tense 16. Prefix -i-, e.g. n-i-chita.
Meaning. Emphatic refusal or authoritative resolve, in fact a
negative imperative. (See §§ 173-5.)
The above tenses can be tabulated as follows according to
(1) meaning, (2) form.
137. Table of Tenses according to Meaning.
1. Aorists
of fact, past, present, future
T . 1.
of habit, actual
T . 2.
„
„
or potential
T. 3.
2. Presents (in addition to T. 1, 2, 3)
definite, specific
T. 4.
„
„
emphatic
T . e,.
„
general
T. 6.
indefinite, imperfect
T . 7.
„
continuous
T. 8.
3. Pasts (in addition to T. I, 2, 3)
definite, specific, near
T . 9.
7,
„
distant
T . 10.
indefinite, general
T . 11.
imperfect, continuous
T . 12.
4. Futures (in addition to T. 1, 2, 3, 7)
of moral certainty, distant
T . 13.
5. Impersonals (indefinitives)
(meaning defined by content only) T. 14.
6. Negatives
of categorical denial
of authoritative refusal
Prefix
as
-a- na-chita.
(none) n-chita.
-la- nda-chlta.
(none) n-chitile.
-li- ndl-chitile.
-li- ndi-chita.
-ko- nko-chita.
-li- ndi-kuchita.
-a- na-chitile.
-alinali-chitile.
-alinali-chita.
-ali- nali-kuchita.
-a-
na-kuchita.
no- 1
n- > -kuchita.
«- J
T . 15. neg. + -a- nsiachite.
T . 16.
-inichita.
VERBS
138.
4i
Table of Tenses according to Form,
I. F r o m the verb-stem.
T. 2
T. 1
T. 3
T. 6
T. 11
T. 7
n-chita
na-chita
nda-chita
ndi-chita
nali-chita
nko-chita
aorist.
aorist.
aorist.
present.
past.
present (and future).
n-chitile
na-chitile
ndi-chitih
nali-chitile
present.
past.
present.
past.
na-kuchita
ndi-kuchita
nali-kuchita
future.
present.
past.
2. F r o m the modified verb-stem
T.4
T.9
T.5
T. 10
3. F r o m the Infinitive M o o d .
T. 13
T. 8
T. 12
T. 14
none-
|
> indefinitives.
)
4. From the Imperative Mood.
T. 16
5. From the Subjunctive Mood.
T. 15
ni-chita
nsia-chite
negative.
negative.
(The tense - prefixes -a-, -li-, -ali- appear in all three of the
chief groups, 1, 2, 3.)
(5) N O T E S O N T H E TENSES.
139. While acquiring c o m m a n d of the tenses, it is useful to
remember that
(1) Tense 7 (-ko) is commonly used for present and future, i. e.
nkochita means I do, I a m doing, and I shall (will) do.
(2) Tense 10 (-ali-ile) indicates what is merely past, e. g. nalichitile, I did it.
(3) Tense 1 is the c o m m o n tense of narrative, and also expresses
the English perfect ' have' of what is complete and done, e. g.
•chafiwa, it isfinished,that is the end.
140. (4) T h e affirmative tenses in general become negative by substituting the negative person-prefixes, of which the characteristics
are si in the 1st pers. sing., ta in all other cases (§ 102). But a very
c o m m o n formula of general negative, both indicative and imperative, consists of the three words, tapali + an infinitive m o o d + yai,
42
WISA G R A M M A R
e.g. tapalikuchitayai, there is no doing it, do not do it, I did not
(will not) do it, & c .
T h e fuller notes and explanations which follow represent tentative rather thanfinalconclusions.
The Aorist Tenses.
141. A s already stated (§ 58), all indicative forms can be used
also as relative clauses or expressions, i.e. as if'who' or 'which'
preceded them. Hence they are virtually adjectives and nouns.
But the aorist or timeless tenses are specially suited for this
function, and with the same root, if of suitable meaning, adjectives
of three distinct shades of significance. T o mention three more
examples, ill, an invalid, invalidish, m a y be represented respectively by walwala, ulwala, ulalwala, and perhaps also by
ulwele, as suggesting a particular case of sickness. Again, such
ideas as a m a n of knowledge, a knowing, intelligent m a n , and
a wise m a n , i. e. with a fund of wisdom for all occasions, m a y be
suggested by waizi, wizi, and ulezi; and similarly, a thief, a m a n
engaged in. thieving, i. e. a professional thief, and a thievish
person by waiwa, wiwa, and ulaiwa. In other words, these
tenses can express an attribute as merely a fact, or as in constant
active exhibition, or as a general tendency and characteristic. It is
not asserted that such distinctions are consciously made, but they
follow directly from the meaning of the tenses, as given below, and
help to explain their use by natives.
Tense 1 (-a-) has three leading uses.
142. 1. It is the tense of simple fact apart from time. Hence its
very c o m m o n use, especially in narrative and in unwritten speech,
a hearer readilyfittingthe fact into its environment. A n d it is
often mixed with other tenses.
143. 2. It is the most c o m m o n form for expressing the idea of
the verb adjectivally, or as an attribute (§ 58).
144. 3. It regularly supplies the place of the English perfect
definite, of a fact complete or state established, e. g. afwa, he is
dead (has died); chafiwa, it has been finished, it is done (ended).
Tense 2 (no tense sign).
145. This is the tense of habit. It indicates the verb idea as
being constantly realized, i.e. not only as a fact, but as in act or
VERBS
43
being. Hence it can often be rendered by the adverb 'always',
is often used as an adjective or noun, and is suited for practical
maxims or c o m m o n truths, e.g. twikalapo, w e always live here,
we are constant residents; ulindila, a sentry (on duty); ichifu
chola awenji, a trap catches m a n y ; ntina, I a m always in a fright.
Tense 3 (-la-).
146. This tense resembles Tense 2, and is used side by side
with it. T h e difference m a y be gathered from the negative form,
which m a y be regularly translated by ' not yet, never, on no single
occasion'. Thus the affirmative means ' on any occasion', of what
may be at any time, and perhaps is now, potential if not actual,
e. g. ndatina m a y mean I a m afraid, or I a m a coward; walalya,
people constantly eat it, it is eatable; nsilaona, I never yet saw
it; ulawamya, he is of an excellent disposition.
The present tenses: T. 4 (-He), T. 5 (-li-ile), T. 6 (-li
T. 7 (-ko), T. 8 (-Uku-).
147. These have already been briefly described. Tense 4 seems
the simplest expression of a particular present act (process, condition), while Tense 5 slightly emphasizes and Tense 6 generalizes, i. e.
does not limit the reference of the present to a special instance.
148. Tenses 7 and 8 also resemble each other, and are both
translateable by the English present imperfect, e. g. nkochita,
ndikuchita, I a m doing. But while in Tense 8 the action though
continuing is limited to the sphere indicated, in Tense 7 there is
no such limitation. Hence the latter is quite as commonly used
as a future tense, the action continuing and blending what is
present with what immediately follows (§ 130).
The past tenses : T. 9 (-a-ile), T. 10 (-all-He), T. 11 (-ali
T. 12 (-aliku).
149. All these tenses include -a- in the sign of tenses. A s in
the presents two forms are based on the modified stem, one on
the simple stem, one on the infinitive mood, and their differences
of meaning correspond to those of the presents. But the difference
in form in Tense 9 and Tense 10 effects a difference of perspective,
Tense 9 marking a nearer, the emphatic Tense 10 a more distant
past. Tense 12 corresponds to the English past imperfect, e. g.
44
WISA
GRAMMAR
nalikuchita, I was (engaged in) doing. A s contrasted with Tense i
walwala means he is ill, walwele he fell ill to-day (just now),
alilwele he was taken ill yesterday (some time ago).
Future Tenses.
150. There is no way of indicating the future as if it had an
objective existence, but the following six ways of expressing what
is more or less confidently anticipated.
151. (i) T h e aorist, Tense I, when the context sufficiently connects
a fact with the future, e. g. naima wacha, I (shall, will) start in the
morning.
152. (2) T h e present indefinite or imperfect, Tense 7 (-ko-), as
explained (§ 148), e. g. nkoyenda, I a m going, i. e. I shall (will) go.
This is the c o m m o n future tense.
153. (3) Tense 13 (-aku-), which m a y b e called the future of moral
certainty, and translated by ' certainly, probably, possibly,' &c. It
also indicates, as compared with the following method (§ 154), a
relatively distant future, e. g. wakuwela, they are sure to come back
some day.
154. (4) T h e subjunctive mood, expressing the future subjectively,
i. e. as an idea, purpose, duty, & c , and as relatively near, e. g.
nichite, I m a y (might, will, intend to, should, would, &c.) do it.
155. (5) T h e subjunctive mood, preceded by the corresponding
concord form of -koti, which expresses activity, mental or physical,
an output of force or will, and thus expresses the future more
strongly (objectively) than (4), e. g. nkoti nchite, I will most certainly
do it.
156. (6) Finally, the future is expressed in a kind of mechanical
way by using the verbs iya, go, or iza, come, followed by or combined with the infinitive or subjunctive moods, the future being
regarded as the end of a movement, e. g. naya kuchita, or nayachita, naya nchite, I a m going to do it, I will do it (§§ 228-9).
157. Another parallel to the English equivalent is found in the
occasional use of -wa, be, e. g. ewa kuwa nfumu, he is to be
chief.
Impersonal (or Indefinitive) Tenses, Tense 14.
158. In form these tenses consist of the infinitive m o o d combined
with (1) the connective conjunction na, e. g. nokuchita, i. e. na
VERBS
45
ukuchita, or (2) the enclitic prefix of emphasis e (§ 89), e. g. ekuchita
for e-ukuchita, or n possibly for the demonstrative nku (§ 86,
cl. lo), i. e. nkuima for nku ukuchita.
159. These forms are most frequent in narrative, are frequently
intermixed withfinitetense forms, and are used apparently with the
double object or effect of terseness and variety, at the cost of formal
preciseness of statement.
Compound Tenses.
160. T h e tense-system is supplemented by the occasional use of
such verbs as ti (do, say, think), ya (go), za (come), w a (be), li (be),
either independently or as auxiliaries. (For the more important
see §§ 205-33.)
Negative Tenses.
161. Various forms constituting the negative conjugations have
been already mentioned in connexion with person-prefixes (§§ 101-2),
Tenses 15, 16 (§§ 134-6), and in § 140.
162. T h e negative-prefix of ist person singular is usually nsi-.
Sometimes, however, n is dropped, and sometimes ta is prefixed to
nsi-, making a double negative, e. g. nsiachite, siachile, tansiachit
I will not do.
163. Ta in the other person-prefixes m a y precede or follow the
concord-prefix, possibly with a difference of shade in meaning, the
negative attaching to the whole form or chiefly to the verb idea,
e.g. ng'anda taipwa, the house is notfinished,ng'anda itapwa,
the house is unfinished.
164. Sometimes ta is so closely attached to the verb-root as to
follow the prefix of object as well as of subject, e. g. neutaona
uwalla, I have never seen the garden, and cf. § 182.
165. Sometimes ta is detached, and in the form te precedes the
affirmative as a separate word, e. g. tewe (for te iwe) ukana ? are
you not always denying? te kuti chifume, it is impossible it
should come out; te ukuchita, not to do.
For Tense 15 as connected with the subjunctive, and Tense 16
with the imperative mood, see §§ I79> J75-
46
WISA G R A M M A R
(6) IMPERATIVE M O O D .
166. A simple direct command, warning, or appeal to a person
is conveyed by the verb-stem alone without prefix in the singular
and the same with -eni for final a in the plural,
e. g. singular puma, strike, plural fiumeni.
167. Another c o m m o n form of imperative, supplying forms for
all persons, consists of the verbs iya (go), iza (come), or lenga
(do), followed by or combined with another verb in the infinitive
or subjunctive mood,
e. g. mwiye kuifiaya, go and kill.
zopite for (i)za upite, come in.
lengowiye for lenga uiye, do go.
168. Monosyllabic verbs take the prefix i in the singular, e. g.
twa, be, ifwa, die.
169. A mild and less direct imperative is supplied by the subjunctive m o o d (§§ 176-7),
e. g. uye, please go.
twipaye, suppose w e kill.
wikaleve, just let him stay as he is.
170. Ka is a c o m m o n prefix to all imperative forms, sometimes
connective, sometimes doubled,
e. g. kaiye ! go along!
kankulye / let m e proceed to eat you.
katukamwite, let us even go and call him.
171. Aku is also used, as a prefix of emphasis to imperative
forms,
e.g. akufumileni! just get out at once!
akwiyeni / get along ! go away !
tokwiya, i. e. tu-aku-iya, let us go.
172. In the expression nimpako, give m e some, for mpeniko, ni
is the prefix of 2nd person plural placed at the beginning instead
of the end of the word, and m is for n (ist person singular) before p.
173. T h e negative imperative is formed by the person-prefix
followed by z, e. g. wiyenda, do not go; mwiiwa, do not steal.
174. A s m a n y verb-roots begin with i in Wisa, and i is also the
reflexive particle, m a n y imperative expressions are vague in the
negative form, as written and pronounced, though in speech the
meaning m a y be clear from tone, gesture, and context,
VERBS
47
e. g. ipaya, kill.
i-ipaya, kill yourself.
wi-i-ipaya, do not kill yourself.
mwiyokuti, for mwi-iye-ukuti or mw-iye-ukuti, do not
say, or go and say.
175, This negative imperative supplies the complete negative,
Tense 16 (§ 136), with the force of an authoritative or peremptory
refusal, sometimes equivalent to a strong future negative,
e. g. singular nifwa, wifwa, efwa (a-ifwa),
plural twifwa, mwifwa, wefwa.
i. e. nifwa, let m e not die; I refuse to die; die ? not I, I will not
die, &c.
For the comprehensive negative formula often used as imperative see § 140.
(7) SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD.
176. T h e subjunctive (or subjective) m o o d is characterized, as
in Bantu generally, byfinal-e for -a of the verb-stem, with the
person-prefixes of the indicative mood.
177. Used independently it represents the meaning of the verb
subjectively, i. e. as an idea, resolve, intention, proposal, &c. Hence
its use as a mild imperative (§ 169), and as a future (§ 154), often
with ka- prefixed (§ 170),
e. g. tukepay-e-nama, let us kill game.
nga nchite siani? what a m I to do ?
mbone, let m e see, I will see.
178. For its uses in subordinate clauses see ch. vii. T h e commonest are to express purpose,' in order that,' and conditions, ' if,
supposing, in case,' including time ' when,' and as object of a verb,
e.g. tela ngule, bring it that I m a y buy it.
afike umwizye, if (when) he comes, tell him.
alimlezya taye, he forbade him to go.
nkofwaya mulandu taupwe, I wish the affair not to end.
179. T h e negative subjunctive m a y be said to have two tenses,
one formed as usual with the negative-prefixes, the other with -ainserted between the negative-prefixes and the root. T h e latter
has been already described in its use as Tense 15 of the indicative
(§ 135). In the subjunctive it is a past tense,
48
WISA G R A M M A R
e. g. wautuka nsimwikete, he runs away that I m a y not seize him.
waliutukile nsiamwikete, he ran away that I might not
seize him.
tuone nti nsiakunyamule, let us see if I could not lift you.
A s a future it expresses conviction or resolve.
(8) INFINITIVE MOOD.
180. T h e characteristic of the infinitive m o o d is uku prefixed to
the verb-stem or with an object-prefix between. T h e initial u is
often dropped, except at the beginning of a clause.
181, Besides its ordinary use as infinitive after another verb, it
is used to express (i) very commonly the idea of the verb as a
noun (see Class lo, § 46), (2) occasionally purpose, i.e. in final
sentences (§ 267). It is also used (3) in narrative for past, also
for other tenses (§ 158), (4) supplies the base of several tense-forms
(§ 138), and (5) when following an indicative form of the same
verb gives it emphasis,
e. g. uleni nokupapamo (i. e. na ukufil) mwana, go and carry
the child.
yendeni kusita, go to buy,
ukutemwa kwinji, much pleasure.
afwaya nokuona, he searched and found.
wawola nokuola, it was quite putrid.
182. A negative infinitive can be formed by inserting ta before
the root, or by using te before the affirmativeform,e. g. ukutachita,
not to do, or te ukuchita.
183. T h e place of verb-adjectives or participles is readily supplied by several tenses, on the principle stated (§§ 58, 141),
e. g. mbo wuta ulele wakwe nani ? this bow lying here, whose is it ?
wamsanga wikete ichitabu ukopenda, they found him holding a book and reading.
(9) VOICES.
184. (1) T h e general characteristic of the passive voice is -winserted before thefinalyowel of any verb-form, whether plain or
modified. Ordinary usage, however, avoids the passive when it
can be otherwise expressed, and in case of verbs ending in -wa
in the active.
VERBS
49
e. g. ngu muntu walimkete, the m a n was caught (people caught
the man).
ichichintu walalya, this substance is eaten (they commonly
eat this).
utemweka (or utemekwd), he is a favourite (the neuter form
of temwa, love).
185. After a passive verb, the agent is often defined by ku, kuli,
or na, the instrument by a noun alone or with ku or na.
e. g. nachekwa mwele kuli wewo, I was cut with a knife by you ;
also, nachekwa kuli wewo ku mwele.
186. (2) T h e characteristic of the neuter voice is k before the final
vowel, preceded by i, if the root-vowel is a, i, or u, and by e if it is
e or o. Thus chilika is the neuter of chita, sumika of suma, katika
of kata, woneka of wona, lekeka of leka. Sometimes ika (-eka) is
affixed to the simple stem, e. g. vanaika (also vunika), pandaika.
187. In meaning, the neuter differs from the passive by the absence
of implied reference to an agent. Thus chachekwa implies that
' some one cut it,' chachekeka only that' it was cut.'
188. T h e neuter form is also regularly used to express what is
practicable or desirable.
e. g. yachitika, it can be done.
ulwendo twa wakali talwendeka, it is better not to travel
with dangerous characters.
189. Ka is also thefinalsyllable of m a n y verbs of active meaning, and in some is used with a causal sense, e. g. imilika, cause
to stand (§ 196).
(10) V E R B STEMS.
190. T h e characteristics of the nine verb-stems called (1) simple,
(2) applied, (3) intensive, (4) causal, (5) reciprocal, (6) reversive,
(7) stative, (8) reduplicated, (9) reflexive, are as follows :—
191. (1) T h e simple stem consists of the verb-root withfinal-a,
There are a very few exceptions, such as izi, k n o w ; ti, do, say,
think; li, be.
192. (2) T h e applied stem ends in -ela, if the root-vowel preceding
it is e or o, and -ila, if it is a, i, or u (cf. § 186). In this stem the
verb idea is expressed in relation to some other idea in all or any
of the ways usually defined in English by a preposition following
W.H.
D
So
WISA
GRAMMAR
the verb—for, to, in, out, by, with, against, at, from, &c, someti
also merely directing an action to its object—the context alone suggesting the particular relation meant. S o m e applied stems are,
however, limited by use to particular meanings.
193. In some forms they are not distinguishable from the modified stem. Thus ndetele, for n-letele, might m e a n bring to m e
(applied), or, I bring (modified, present tense 4). W h e n the simple
stem ends with -la or -ka, the /, or k, is in some cases dropped in
forming the applied (and other) stems.
Examples: icho naizila, this (which) I come for, m y errand ;
nsilapo, leave some for m e ; mwikile pansi, kindly climb d o w n ;
isuila (from izula), open the door for; endela, go on (along, forward, to, for, & c ) .
194. (3) T h e final syllables of intensive stems are -izya or -ezya,
according as the preceding vowel is a, i, u, or e, o. They are
generally to be rendered by an appropriate adverb of emphasis;
e. g. endezya, walk fast; katizya, hold tightly; kalipizya, be very
angry (-isya, -esya are also used).
195. Sometimes these forms are causal (§ 196), and even causal
and intensive in the same word; e. g. from leka, leave off, causal
stem lezya, cause to leave off, forbid; intensive causal, lezyezya,
forbid strictly. Cf. sambya, cause to swim (from samba), with
sambisya, cause to swim a long distance.
196. (4) T h e following terminations are used to give a causal
meaning to a verb.
(1) -ya, e.g. tinya, cause to fear, frighten; ufya (for ufiyd),
cause to marry, betroth.
(2) -izya, -ezya (see intensive, § 195).
(3) -ika, -eka, the termination of the neuter voice (§ 186).
197. T h e causal meaning of the stem has a wide range, including
force, persuasion, permission, contrivance, sequence of effect on
cause, &c.
198. (5) T h e termination of the reciprocal stem is -ana, and the
meaning includes mutual and combined as well as reciprocal or
inter-action,e.g. lemwana, love each other; kumana, meet together;
ambana, combine to begin.
199. (6) T h e reversive stem ends in -ula, or sometimes -ola, and
-ulula,- olola, and indicates the reversal of the action implied in the
VERBS
51
verb, e.g. kakula, unfasten,^Vi^"«/a,remove an obstruction; longolola,
unpack. Sometimes the meanings of simple and reversive stems are
practically the same, e. g. funda, fundula,flay(cf. loose, unloose).
200. (7) T h e stative stem ends in -ama, and expresses an established' state or condition, e. g. fisama, be in hiding; potama, be
crooked; inama, be in a bent position or posture.
201. (8) Sometimes a simple verb-stem is reduplicated, or repeated
twice, making the idea of the verb more graphic or emphatic, or
to express continuance or repetition, e. g. nakanaka, be very soft,
elastic; yendaenda, go on and on.
202. (9) A reflexive force is given to a verb by prefixing i to the root,
e. g. ichena, hurt oneself; Hazy a, make a display of oneself, boast.
203. Compound steins, combining two or more of the stem
terminations, are also used, e. g. ponyezya, cause to fall with force ;
lezyezya, forbid strictly ; temwanizya, reconcile.
204. There appears to be another verb-stem ending in -la, e. g.
siala, be left; sangalala, be happy; ikala, remain, without distinctive
meaning, but resembling the stative, and also in some verbs active,
e. g. alula, change, but aluka, be changed.
(11) A U X I L I A R Y V E R B S .
205. T h e following verbs are in c o m m o n use, both independently, and also in connexion with other verbs, partly as auxiliaries
and providing supplementary tenses, partly as incorporated with
them and supplying m a n y of the regular tense-prefixes. They
occur in m a n y Bantu dialects.
wa, be, become.
iya, go.
li, be.
ti, do (say).
(z) kali, be, remain.
ta, be able.
iza, come.
ni, is, are.
T o these m a y be added wa na, li na, both meaning have
(possess), na being the preposition ' with.'
206. Nils an invariable verb-form, li and Hare defective, i.e. they
do not appear to be used with the full complement of tenses. The
group ni, li, wa, ikala, represent the verb ' to be' in its various uses.
207. Ni represents the present tense of the verb ' to be' in an
impersonal form, and in its assertive use as copula with a slightly
distinctive force. T h e simple unemphatic copula is not separately
expressed, e. g. ni nzoka, it is a snake ; ni kumuzi nafuma, it is
D 2
52
WISA G R A M M A R
from the village that I c o m e ; nomba ni ngo eyasosa, n o w it is the
leopard that spoke.
208. Li, like ni, is assertive, but in a personal form, being used
in certain tenses of the indicative m o o d only. It also represents
' to be' as expressing condition or possession of attributes.
209. T h e tenses commonly used are :
Tense i. Aorist.
Sing, nali, wali, (w)ali, &c.
Plur. twali, mwali, wali, &c.
Tense 2. Aorist.
Sing, ndi, uli, uli, &c.
Plur. tuli, muli, wali, &c.
Tense 7. Present, future.
Sing, nkoli, ukoli, ukoli, Sic.
Plur. tukoli, mukoli, wakoli, &c.
and one special past tense of the form
Sing, njikali, ukali, &c.
Plur. tukali, mukali, Sec.
210. T h e negatives are formed regularly, e. g. tense 2 nsili, tauli,
tali, &c.
211. T h e suffixes -ko, -po, -mo are often used with these forms
when defining locality or circumstances generally.
212. Kuli, muli, pali are also used as a kind of demonstrative.
Thus kuli sometimes distinguishes the subject of a verb, e.g. ngo
wamkaka kuli kalulu, the rabbit tied up the leopard, and cf. kuli
mukazi kwilakwi? where is (where) the w o m a n is? sometimes
the agent after a verb in the passive, e. g. nachekwa kuli wewo,
I was cut by you.
213. It is also used as a conjunction of comparison, e. g. umutali
kuli newo, a taller m a n than I. Muli can take the place of a preposition, in, inside of, e. g. muli mumuzi, in the village.
214. Tapali, takuli, are c o m m o n general negatives, there is not
(any), none, it is not (so), no, and, with yai following, supply the
most comprehensive formula of negation (§ 140).
215. T h e tense-prefix -li- seems clearly taken from this verb. For
Una, 'have,' see § 218.
216. Wa represents the verb 'to be,' as implying more or less
clearly actual existence, and is used with the regular moods and
tenses of other verbs. T h e modified stem is -wele.
VERBS
53
217. The following expressions may be noted. Tapawd, there
is none (existing). Ewa kuwa infumu, he is to be (shall be) chief.
Tewawo napita ? Is it not you (perhaps for te-iwawewo) that
I carry ? Ninawo, it is I, here I a m (perhaps for ni ine nawa
uwo).
218. Wa na, li na, ' have,' require to be followed by a word or
expression defining the object, or else to have the appropriate concord-prefix withfinal-o attached to na, e. g. ndi nacho, I have it.
219. T h e -w- characteristic of the passive voice seems to be
derived from wa, ' be.' (Cf. the passive in English.)
220. Ikala is often translateable by parts of the verb ' to be,' as
implying an abiding condition or position.
221. Ti is a word of extended and varied use in Wisa, as in
some other Bantu dialects. It appears to express an exhibition of
activity of mind or body, whether doing, saying, or thinking—a
meaning too vague and comprehensive to allow of any uniform
rendering. A s - a verb, it is very defective in forms, having no
passive or neuter, no verb-stems, and no distinct forms for imperative and subjunctive.
222. It is used mainly in a few tenses of the indicative mood,
viz. Tenses i and 2 (na-ti, n-ti, & c , aorists), Tense 7 (nko-ti, & c ,
present-future), and Tense 9 (na-tile, & c , past), and in the infinitive
(uku-ti). Moreover in Aorist Tense 1, it has a peculiar form, the
tense sign -a- being used before the person-prefix, except in ist
person singular, e.g. atti, amati, aziti, for yati, mwati, ziati.
Ti is used in three principal w a y s : —
223. (1) A s an independent verb, meaning commonly 'say, go,
think' or ' act' in some way, always neuter (or intransitive, without
definition of object), e. g. awati, they say (said), they think (thought),
they go (went), watile atowele, he thought he would break (it).
Infumu aiti, the chief said.
224. (2) In connexion with another verb, either as explanatory,
emphasizing, and carrying on the action or process implied, e. g.
waima wakoti pa nzlla, they started proceeding on their way; or as
auxiliary, forming one expression with it, e.g. nti nende, I say
(intend) that I would go, I proceed to go, I will (shall) go, and
nkoti nfume, regularly used as an emphatic future, I a m proceeding
to go out, I will certainly go out (§ 155).
54
WISA G R A M M A R
225. (3) A s a consecutive conjunction, or rather as (in one form
or other) the universal conjunction connecting both principal and
subordinate clauses, a kind of symbol for the thought or mental act
necessary to define the connexion intended.
226. Thus used, it sometimes has person-prefixes, sometimes an
impersonal (Tense 14) or infinitive form (ukuti, ekuti, kuli), sometimes is stereotyped as a conjunctive particle or part of one, e. g.
kali, if; nti, if, as, like. See Syntax (§ 247).
227. Other verbs meaning ' say' are used similarly as conjunctions in other dialects.
228. Iza (come) and iya (go), besides being used as independent
verbs, are very often connected with other verbs, either as merely
supplementary, or as auxiliaries forming one idea or actually combined in one form with-them. They are so used especially:—
229. (1) With verbs implying bodily act or movement, e. g.
nkuima waya kuwela, he started and went to return. Waya uluka,
he went (to) run, he ran off. Waya kutizya, he goes gorging, he
gorges himself. Waya kuona, he gets to see. Sometimes -ya is
repeated two or more times, njokwiya for n-ya-uku-iya, I a m going ;
nkoya njokwiya nje kupoka, (literally) I will go, I a m going to go,
that I m a y go, to get.230. (2) With imperatives, e. g. zopite (for za upite), come in, in
reply to checho, m a y I come in ? Mwiyokwiwa
(mu-iye uku-iwa),
do not steal. Mwize uwawizye, mind you tell them. Mwiyokuti
(mu-iye-ukuti, or mu-i-iye-ukuti), mind you keep saying, or, mind
you do not say. Cf. § 174.
231. (3) A s a future (§ 156), e.g. naya kuikala, I go to stay,
I will stay.
232. T h e modified stem of iya is -yile or -He,
e. g. Tense 4, singular njile, wile, ele (aile);
plural twile, mwile, wele.
So walile (wa-li-[y]ile), they went.
233. Ta (can, be able) does not seem in frequent use, the idea
being expressed in other ways (see Vocabulary). It is usually
followed by or combined with a verb in the subjunctive form, e. g.
ntapite, I can carry; nsiate nkupile, I can not carry you; natele
nchipite, I could carry it.
It is used only in a few tenses of the active voice.
VERBS
234 (12) LisT OF VERBS.
(The contractions are e>
iplained by §§
55
100, 106).
^z7z', grow dusk, get dark—of the Awana, share together, go shares,
approach of night. (Cf. fital)
divide among themselves. Cs.
Alula, yalula, change, alter, make
awanya, give shares, allot, assign,
different, put in a different position, divide up.
turn round, overturn, convert, in- Awuka, cross over, go across (as a
terpret, translate, &c. M d . -uile. river). Cs. awuzya, take across,
Nt. -uka. Cs. -uzya. Aluzyanya,
put across.
exchange mutually.
Awula, save from drowning.
Amba, yamba, begin, make a begin- Azima, borrow, lend—of an article
ning of, set going, institute. (Cf. to be itself returned. Cs. azimika.
tendeka, wala, tula.)
Cf. Apula.
Ambukizya, be contagious, infect.
Cha, dawn, change to dawn, bring
morning. (Cf. che tela.)
Amila, guard crops, scare birds &c.
Chefya, reduce, diminish, lessen,
away.
shorten. (Cf. chepal)
Amkila, greet, salute.
Cheka, cut, cut up, slice.
Andika, aim (a gun).
Angala, he merry (happy, mirthful), Chelela, (1) wake early, be up in the
play at games, sport. (Cf. sangala, morning, (2) greet, salute. (An
temwa.)
A p . form from cha.)
Angufyanya,
be in a hurry, do Chelewa, be (too) late. Cs. chelequickly, make haste, bustle.
wezya.
Angula, yangula, treat with disre- Chena, hurt, cause pain, inflict sufferspect, despise, disparage, be uncivil, ing. Int. chenezya', torment, cause
make light of, think easy, abuse,
agony.
Sec. M d . -uile. Nt. anguka, (1) Chenjela, be clever, cautious, cunbe easy, light (in weight), trifling,
ning, deceitful, &c. Cs. chenjezya,
cheap, poor in quality, (2) be
(1) deceive, play tricks on, (2)
warn,teach, instruct, punish,correct.
thought little of, despised, (3)
thrust out the hand, snatch. Int. Chepa, be too little (too few), be
anguzya. R p . anguzyanya, e. g.
deficient, run short, fail, not be
abuse each other.
enough.
Anika, yanika, expose to sun and Cheula, call back by signs, recall,
air, put out to dry.
beckon to, entice. Cs. cheuzya,
Anza, spread out smooth (as a mat), chewizya.
unroll, unfold. Rv. anzula, fold Chila, (1) pass over (above), step
up. Nt. anzuka.
over (across), (2) pass beyond,
A'pula, get an advance of money or
project, stick out, (3) excel, exceed,
goods, borrow, speculate. Cs.
surpass, have the advantage over,
apuizya, make an advance, lend,
be superior to. Cs. chizya. (Cf.
invest.
chilukal)
Asuka, answer, reply.
Chilika,fillup (a hole), stop (an
Asumula, open the mouth wide,
aperture), block a road, cork (a
gape.
bottle), &c. (Cf. chilula.)
Aula, yawn.
Chilila, live on (as food).
Avwa, help, assist.
Chilulta, jump, spring, leap over.
Avya, be a difficulty (puzzle, knotty
(Cf; chila and chilula.)
point), be hard to do or get. Int, Chilula, open a hole (aperture, path,
avizya.
& c ) , uncork, unstop, clear out,
56
WISA GRAMMAR
make room, &c. Nt. chiluka, be fumbizya, question closely, crossexamine, & c .
opened, unstopped, &c.
Chindika, treat with respect (honour, Fumbata, close the fist.
let fall by accident or
courtesy), show honour to, be Fumpumuka,
carelessness.
civil (polite, obliging, courteous).
Funda, strip off (skin, bark, & c ) .
Int. chindikizya.
Rv. fundula, with same meaning.
Chinga, (i) place (put, use) as a
guard, screen, protection, obstruc- Fundikila, tie a knot, tie up in a knot.
tion, & c , (2) half close a door. Funga, fasten (of artificial fastenings,
e. g. button, buckle, lock). Rv.
Cs. chinzya, obstruct, impede,
fungula, unfasten.
baffle, thwart.
Chita, act, do, make, feel, commit. Funta, be crazy, mad, a lunatic.
Funtaula, throw about wildly, scatter
Chunka, be (feel) excited.
promiscuously.
Churuka, drip, drop.
Chuzya, tease, annoy, worry, distress, Fupa, be blunt (not sharp).
Futa, pay afine,compensate, recomvex.
pense for damage. Cs. futizya,
Dandaula, be in distress (grief,
inflict afine,declare guilty, punish,
sorrow).
condemn.
Elela, swim on the surface, float.
Eluzya, judge, arbitrate, decide a Fuvya, put off, defer, postpone.
Fwa, die, wither, be disused, come
quarrel, settle a question.
to an end. Pass. Ap.jwilwa, be
Enda, yenda, go, move, proceed,
bereaved, lose by death.
continue.
Fivaya, (1) want, wish for, (2) try
Ewa, yewa, say, speak, tell.
to get, look for, seek, search after,
Ezya. See yezya.
(3) get after search, find.
Fiamika, take aim (with b o w and
Fwena, scratch (for relief).
arrow).
Ika, come down, get down, go down,
Fika, reach, arrive, come to.
descend.
Fina, (1) pinch, squeeze, (2) be
narrow, tight, (3) be heavy, op- Ikala, (1) be, be always, continue,
remain, (2) live, reside, (3) sit, sit
pressive.
down, (4) be calmed, soothed,
Fisa, hide, conceal, disguise. St.
pacified. M d . -kele.
fisama, be in hiding, be hidden.
A p .fisamila,be in ambush, lie in /ma, rise up, stand, set out, depart.
Cs. imya, raise, lift up. A p .
wait for.
imilila, (r) stand up, be erect, (2)
Fita, be dark, black, dull (in
stand still, be stationary, /milika,
hue).
set up, make stand.
Fotola, rub the skin off, chafe.
Fuka, bend up arms and legs (as in /maka, construct, build (in native
sleep, as a corpse for burial). Rp. fashion, i. e. by binding together).
/mba, (1) dig (a hole, & c ) , (2) sing.
fukana.
/mita, be pregnant.
Fukama, kneel.
Fukula, dig up, clean (ground) by Ina, be sleek, fat, plump, in good
condition.
digging, &c.
Fula, work in metals, beasmith,forge. /nama, bend, bend down, stoop.
Inamika, lower, let down.
Fuma, (1) go out, come out, come
from, (2) (of feelings), be roused, /njila, go in, enter, penetrate.
excited. Cs.fumya, get out, take Inula, raise, lift up. Nt. inuka,
rise,riseup, be lifted up.
out, put out, drive out, dismiss.
/paya, kill, murder, destroy life,
Int. fumizya.
slaughter.
Fumba, question, inquire, ask. Int.
VE]
57
/pifya, shorten.
I Kassa, knead.
Ipula, take off (out of) thefire,save Kata, take hold of, seize, grasp, clasp,
from fire.
embrace, engage in, devote one/ta, (i) call, summon, entice, (2)
self to. Int. katizya. Rp. katana.
pour, spill.
Kokola, (1) be long about, loiter,
/vunama, lie face downwards.
linger, straggle, be behindhand,
/wa, steal.
delay, be late, (2) last long, en/wila, plunge into water, dip deeply, dure, wear well, be durable, redive, sink, drown.
main a long time.
/ya, go. M d . -yile, -He.
Kola, cough. See Kolwa.
/za, come.
Kolwa (also Kola), be drunk, get
/zala, shut (a door), close up (en- drunk, make drunk, have a feast,
trance). A p . izaila, shut (door) hold revel. Int. kolezya.
on, shut in (out).
Koma, chop with axe.
/zi, iziwa, know, understand, know Komba, scrape out, clean out.
about, be able. A p . iziwila, know,Kombola (also komold), strip bark
distinguish, recognize. Int.iziwizya, from tree.
remember, recall to mind, & c Komela, sow, plant—in holes.
(Cf. wuzyal) Cs. izya, inform, tell Komola. See Kombola.
to, report to, instruct, teach (cause Konda, flay with knife, cut the skin
to know), order, give commands to.
clean off.
/zula, open (a door), unclose (an Konka, (i) follow, accompany, keep
entrance). A p . izuila, release, let to a road or direction, (2) imitate,
in (out).
copy. R p , konkana, go with, go
Kaika, be in doubt, be perplexed,
together.
hesitate, waver. Int. kaikizya.
Kopa, get an advance of goods for
Kaka, tie, bind, fasten. Int. kakizya, barter, borrow. Cs. kopezya, lend.
tie tight. Rv. kakula, untie, un- Kosa, be strong, firm, persevering,
fasten, release.
persistent, resolute. (Cf. limba.')
Kala. See /kala.
Kola, be old, aged, worn out, antiKalipa, (1) be angry, show anger,
quated.
(2) be painful, ache, hurt. Int. Koweka, (Act.) hang, hang up.
kalipizya. A p . kalipila, blame,Kowola, pluck (ripe grain).
scold, &c.
Kozola, break off, snap off.
Kama, squeeze, wring, throttle, milk. Kozya, (1) kindle fire, (2) excite,
Kambatana,
stick together, be
rouse, stir up.
curdled (congealed, frozen, solidi- Kuka, move house, migrate.
fied, Sec), form a mass. Cs. Kula, (1) get big, increase, grow.
kambatanya.
Cs. kuzya, make large, increase,
Kampa, sow, plant—in holes.
add to. (2) draw, drag, pull
Kana, deny, contradict, refuse, say
along. Int. kulizya.
'no'.
Kululuka, be destitute, miserable,
Kanga, (1) cause surprise, admirawretched.
tion, fear, doubt, emulation, & c , Kuma, come (be) near, nearly touch,
(2) put in difficulties, puzzle, baffle, approach.
Cs. Kumya.
Rp.
alarm, thwart, (3) defeat, overkumana, be close together, comcome, conquer. Pass, kangwa. Int. bine, constitute (as parts of a
kangizya. Pass, kangizwa, be aswhole). Cs. kumanya; make to
tounded, shocked, terrified, Sec. go round, share among all, &c.
Rp. kangana, struggle together, Kumba, (Act.) (1) stir (as porridge),
compete, berivalsfor mastery, &c.
(2) gather together, collect, as-
58
WISA G:RAMMAR
lezya, m a k e leave off, restrain,
semble. Rp. kumbana, meet toforbid, hinder, stop. Int. lezezya,
gether, be mixed together (as
e. g. forbid strictly. R p . lekana,
ingredients). Cs. kumbanya, mix
up together, make a mass (dish) of. (1) part company, be divorced,
(2) be at variance, be contraKumbatila, embrace. R p . kumdictory, differ, disagree.
balana.
Kumbuka, think of, bear in mind, Lela, bring up a child, rear, educate.
Lema, be heavy, press hard on,
remember. Int. kumbuzya.
oppress, fatigue. Int. lemezya.
Kumbwa,
desire, covet, lust after,
Lemba, m a k e marks, cut, carve,
Cs. and Int. kumbwizya.
tattoo, inoculate, write, draw, Sec.
Kunta, (1) rap, tap smartly, (2)
Lenga, make, cause, do, feel.
shake out clothes after washing.
Kttpula, wave about clothes (to dry Lezya. See Leka.
Li, be.
them after washing).
Kuta, have enough, be satisfied, Lia, eat, consume, use up, corrode.
M d . -Hie. A p . lila. Int. lizya,
contented, have a full meal. Int.
kutizya, kuzya, cram with food, and Cs. Pass. Hwa. Nt. lika.
Lila, (1) make (utter, give) a sound
satisfy, appease, content.
(of any kind), (2) cry, mourn, be
Kuwa,
sow broadcast, plant by
grieved. Cs. lizya, make sound,
scattering seed. So A p . kuwila.
play on (an instrument).
Kuwila, kick.
Kuza, rub, polish, remove rust. See Lima, hoe, cultivate.
Limba, (1) be hardy, hard-working,
kula.
Kwata, have (as possession, qualities, persevering, (2) be hard, difficult,
awkward.
feelings, & c ) , be in possession of.
Linda, wait, be in waiting, watch,
M d . -kwete and -kwatile.
Lala, lie, lie down, sink down, sleep, act as guard. A p . lindila, lindilila.
Linga, be like, match, imitate,
rest. A p . lalila, sit on eggs, Sec.
/alilila, be flat (level, a plain). copy. Rp. lingana, (1) be alike,
be equal, correspond, (2) be even,
Lalika, (1) cause to lie down, lay
down, (2) put off, let pass, defer. level, smooth. Cs. linganya,
make like, compare, measure,
Lanibatila, stick, be sticky.
weigh.
Lambila, approach humbly, appeal
Lingila, peer, peep, pry, spy at,
to, supplicate.
reconnoitre.
Lambula, pay wages, recompense
Loa, angle.
for service.
Langa, show, display, exhibit. A p . Loka, rain.
Lolezya, look at carefully, observe,
langila. Int. lang izya.
examine.
Langaluka, be thoughtful, sorrowful,
melancholy, downcast, consider Lolola, remove spell, disenchant.
Lomba, beg, request, ask for. Int.
anxiously.
lombezya.
Lapa, take an oath, swear. Int.
lapizya, use oaths, curse, swear. Londola, go after, follow and catch
up (?).
Lapula, borrow (take, fetch) fire.
Lasa, wound, hurt, hit (with weapon), Longa, arrange, set in a row, put
together, pack, stow away, gather,
damage.
collect. R p . longana, meet toLawila, forget.
gether, assemble. Cs. longanya,
Lefya, iengthen. (Cf. talimfyal)
get together, collect (act.).
Leka, let, let alone, let go, let off,
leave, leave off, abandon, part Longolola, unpack, disarrange, unfrom, permit, acquit, &c. • Cs. load, take out contents.
VERBS
59
Lota, dream.
Nkoma, be deaf.
Lowa, (i) bewitch, put a spell on, Nola, sharpen metal, by rubbing or
(2) be bitter, acid, pungent, sharp grinding.
to the taste.
Nona, strike, beat, hit.
Luka, (1) plait, weave, (2) vomit. Nonka, make profit, get gain.
Cs. luzya.
Nunka, smell, stink. A p . nunkila,
Lukuta, fall, as leaves.
smell nice, be scented, fragrant,
Lulukuta, thunder, rumble, roar.
Cs. nuzya, smell, get scent of,
Lumba, praise, commend.
scent.
Lunda, (1) join, connect, fasten to- Nwa, drink, absorb, suck in.
gether, (2) season food, flavour, Nya, (1) rain, (2) pass excreta.
make tasty.
Cs. nyezya, act as a purge or
Lungama, be level, smooth, even,
diuretic.
straight. Cs. lungamika, make Nyamila, approach stealthily, crawl
level, & c .
or creep up to, stalk.
Lupula, catchfish,jerk fish on land. Nyamula, raise, lift.
Luwa, be lost, be at a loss, wander, Nyanta, trample, tread on, stamp.
stray. Cs. luwya and luzya, lose, Also nyantawila. Cs. nyaniizya.
waste, throw away.
Luwyanza, Ocha, applyfireto, bake, burn, roast.
jumble together, make a muddle of. Ola, catch in a trap.
Lttwula, ransom, redeem, buy back, Olola, be straight. Oloka, make
bail.
straight.
Lwa, struggle, wrestle, fight.
Omba (with manja, mumanja, or
Lwala, be sick, be ill. Int. Iwalizya. ulupi), clap the hands (as welcome
M d . -Iwele.
or applause).
MAnama, be lonely and sad, help- Onaula, destroy, ruin, lay waste,
less, wretched, bereaved, abanspoil. M d . -uile. Nt. onauka.
doned.
Onda, be thin, emaciated, starving,
Manika, grip (in fingers, vice, Seel). in want of food.
Masa, mata,fillup the framework Ondaula, throw about anywhere,
of house-wall with mud, plaster a
scatter promiscuously.
hut. (Cf. sing a.)
Onka, suck the breast. Cs. onzya,
Mela, grow (as a plant).
suckle.
Mila, swallow.
Ota, w a r m oneself by thefire,bask
Misula, be calm, brave, indifferent,
in the sun.
cool.
Pa, give, present, offer. M d . -pele.
Mwazya, (r) scatter about, sprinkle,
A p . pela, be generous, openhanded.
(2) be excited,flurried,indignant,
Int. pezya, give liberally.
alarmed, &c.
Pakana, have a c o m m o n boundary,
JVaka, (1) be soft, pliant, easy, yield- be adjacent, border on.
ing, elastic, tender, loose, slack, Pala, peel, remove rind (scales, Seel).
(2) weak, exhausted, enfeebled, Palala,fly(with wings).
(3) gentle, courteous, condescend- Palama, (1) sit close beside, be in
ing, mild, patient. Cs. nazya,
attendance on, (2) spread out
loosen, soften,weaken,&c. Nakilila, smooth (as a mat).
be an easy matter to deal with.
Palangana, be flurried, scatterNasila, think, consider.
brained, excited. Cs. palanganya,
Naya, prepare porridge, stir up.
scatter about, place here and there.
Nina, go up, ascend, climb, mount. Panda, tear, split, crack. Rv. panNkanya, allot, assign, give in shares, dula—'m same sense. Nt. pandivide.
daika, pandika.
60
WISA G:XAMMAR
Panga, arrange, organize, direct, de-petekana, be curved, winding.
vise, put in train, cause to be done, (Also used for pepeta.)
Plana, inherit, be heir, succeed to
effect.
property, title, Sec. Pianika,
Panika, fix in a fork or stick (for
cause to inherit, m a k e heir, install
toasting, Sec), put in afix(diffias successor, bequeath.
culty, scrape). Kv.panuka, get out
of a fix, extricate oneself, escape. Pika, (1) cook, dress food with fire,
(2) be of good substance, be stout,
Papa, carry a child on the back in a
strong.
cloth.
Papata, m a k e humble approach to, Pimpa, draw up clothes, tuck up
address humbly, apologize, appeal, (so as to expose oneself).
Pinda, demand as a right, bring a
ask p.ardon, beg for mercy.
Papatala, beflat(as board, knife, &c.). claim against, accuse.
Pindula, turn over, turn upside
Passa, bore, m a k e a hole.
down. Nt. pinduluka.
Passula, sneeze.
Pata, (1) hate. Int. patizya, loathe, Pinga, put in the way, obstruct,
hinder. Pinga makani, hold a
abhor. (2) stick in the throat,
conversation, talk. Rv. pingula,
choke.
Patika, (1) compel, oblige, constrain (1) remove obstruction, (2) judge,
by force. (2) do over and over again, arbitrate, settle a question.
Pinika, cut, cut up, chop.
repeat. Int. patikizya.
Pita, (1) go, pass along, go on, go
Pazya, bale out water.
Pela, (1) come to an end, end, finish. away, (2) carry, bear.
Pizya,makehot,cook. (Cf.pika,pya.)
(Also pelewelal) Cs. pelewezya. (2)
grind (as grain, with stones or in Pofuka, be blind. Pofula, make
blind.
a mill).'
Pema, gasp, pant, puff, breathe hard. Poka, take, receive, take away, take
Pembelela, hold out both hands, beg, forcibly. A p . pokela, take away
from, deprive. Int. pokezya, (1)
receive respectfully.
seize, take by force, (2) rescue
Pembeza, coax, wheedle, entice, perforcibly, withdraw from a quarrel,
suade.
Pempula, go to see, visit, pay a call. pacify.
Rp. pempulana, have friendly Pola, (1) be cool, become cold, (2)
get well, recover from fever or sickintercourse, be on good terms.
ness. Cs. pozya, cure."
Penda, (1) count, weigh, calculate,
reckon, m a k e an account of, (2) Pona, (1) fall, (2) fall out, happen,
come to pass. A p . ponela. Cs.
read.
pony a, let fall. (Also poza, make
Pepa, blow with the mouth, puff,
fall, throw down, throw away.
smoke (tobacco). A p . pepela,
Int. pozezya, throw down forcibly.)
blow up (fire).
Pepeka, take by surprise, seize sud- Pola, twist, turn, bend, warp. St.
potama, be bent, crooked, &c.
denly, pounce on.
Poza, (1) see pona, (2) m a k e string,
Pepeta, winnow, sift by tossing.
Pepeza,cotLX, persuade. (Cf.pembeza ) by rolling upfibreon the leg.
Pepula, treat with disrespect, be Pozya. See pola.
rude, uncivil, despise, insult, dis- Puka, shake, skake one's head. R p .
pukana, quiver, shake—as leaves
parage.
in the wind.
Peta, bend, bend round. St. petama,
(1) be bent, curved, (2) be mild, Pukumula, cause to shake, shake
about. Nt. pukumuka,
shake
condescending, amenable. Rv.
petelula, unwind, unroll, &c. R p . j oneself.
VEF.IBS
61
Pukusula, crumble. Nt. pukusuka. Act, decorate, &c.) Rv. sdmula,
Pulika, die by natural causes (not
dismantle, take down decorations.
by obvious, immediate, or violent Samba, put in water, pour water
cause). Cs. pulizya.
over, set into water, wash (clothes,
Pulumuka, (i) be saved, get out of
body, & c ) , bathe, swim. Ap.
danger, difficulty, & c , (2) ? abuse
sambila, (1) dip in water, & c , (2)
wantonly, insult. Cs. pulumuzya,
learn. Cs. sambya, e. g. cause to
save, rescue.
swim a short distance, sambizya,
Puma, beat, strike, hit. Pumilila,
e. g. (1) cause to swim a long
keep on at, persevere in.
distance, (2) teach, train, instruct.
Pungama, be awry, be on one side, Sanama, be broad, wide, spread out
not be in place.
(as a river, lake, or plain).
Pungula, lessen, make less, grow less, Sanga, come up, light on, find.
diminish, decrease. Punguzyanya, Sangalala, be happy, joyful, in good
lessen.
spirits. Cs. sangaluzya, make
Punguzimika, stagger, reel, totter.
happy, amuse, cheer.
Punula, ipunula, stumble, trip up, Sangula,(Act.) alter, change, modify.
strike the foot against something.
Nt. sanguka.
Punza, cheat, deceive.
Sanika, give light, make light, lightPupa, make an offering (to spirits,
up.
'
Sec), place as offering, set apart Sanzya, mix together (ingredients),
(consecrate). A p . pupilila, offer
make a dish or mixture. Nt.
up (to), appeal, pray.
sanzika, mix (make, stir) beer.
Pupula, cool oneself by fanning.
Sapa, be dirty, need sweeping.
Pusa, (1) be silly, act or speak Sasa, ferment, turn sour, be leavened.
foolishly, be ignorant, stupid, & c , Sauka, be miserable, wretched, suffer(2) be mischievous, naughty, in«
ing, in difficulties, &c. Cs. sauzya,
suiting, & c , (3) miss, fail to hit,
make wretched, make suffer, vex.
not succeed. Also Nt. pusika, be Seka, (1) smile, laugh, play, jest, be
silly, mischievous, Sec.
happy, (2) laugh at, ridicule, jeer.
Pushyanya, put across,fixcrosswise,
Cs. sekezya, amuse, cheer, comfort,
m a k e a cross of.
be ridiculous.
Putula, (1) break off, cut off, snap Sela, (1) move, alter position, move
off, (2) bring to an end, cut short,
house, (2) be put out, dislocated,
finish.
sprained, (3) begin to decline (of
Pwa, (1) dry up, (2) come to an end,
the sun past noon). Cs. sezya,
give out, be finished.
move, transfer, shift, remove.
Pya, (1) be hot, boiling, (2) be hurt Sendama, lean, incline, bend, sink
with heat, burnt, scorched, (3) be
down, decline, slope downward.
ripe, properly cooked. InUpizya. Sesa, cut (hair),
(Cf. pwa, pika.)
Sewa, (1) cut (grass), m o w , (2)
Saka, (1) m a k e heaps, put in heaps,
clear a path, or road, of grass, & c ,
(2) give milk.
(3) hollow out a canoe, (4) give
Sakama, tremble, shiver, shake.
final sifting toflour,&c.
Sala, select, choose.
Shinola, crush, pulverize.
Salula, fry.
Sia, leave, leave behind, cause to
Sama, (1) decorate, adorn, furnish (a
remain, abandon, desert. A p . sila.
house), dress in fine clothes, hang
Nt. silika.
up ornaments, (2) move house. Siala, syala, be left, remain, stop
Nt. samika, be well furnished,
behind.
well-dressed, wear finery. (Also Sika, (1) mark out a circle for hut,
62
WISA GRAMMAR
(2) make fire by friction (sticks), Sowolda, unravel, untwine, disen(3) paddle a canoe, use a paddle.
tangle.
Sila, (1) come to an end, be finished,
Sua, anoint, smear, rub (with grease,
cease, (2) bring to an end, cause
ointment, Sec.).
to cease, make an end of, kill. Sukanya, shake about.
(Cf. sia.)
Sukula, push. Int. sukulizya, push
Silika, be quiet, silent.
(Cf. sia, forcibly, thrust along, launch (a
canoe).
sila.)
Simika, s. ilyasi, hold a conversation,
Sula, reject, turn from, dislike.
gossip, talk, tell the news. Cs. Suma, bite, sting.
simikizya, recount, tell stories, Sumbula, lift, raise above the head.
give an account of.
Sumula, wean.
Nt. s a muka, be
Singa,finishoff a house with plaster,
weaned.
& c , put in order, arrange, make Stena, eat withfingers,help oneself
nice.
to food.
Singinika, have a grievance, com- Sunda, urinate.
plain, be discontented, grumble.
Sunga, take care of, attend to,
Sininda, set swinging, swing to and watch, keep, defend, observe (obey)
orders.
fro, sway.
Sintilika, prop up. Cs. sintilizya,
Sungulika, be melted, softened,
set props.
liquefied, dissolved.
Sipula, doze, take a nap.
Sunka, call attention of with hand
Sisimuka. See Zizimuka.
or foot, nudge, kick.
Sita, (i) barter, bargain, engage in Sunsa, draw up (clothes), tuck up
trade, buy, sell, exchange. A p .
(dress), shrug (the shoulders).
sitila. Cs. sltizya.. R p . sitana.
Sunsula, let d o w n clothes.
(2) smooth clothes after washing, Sunta, be lame, be a cripple, walk
iron,
lame.
Situka, start, be startled.
Sweta, (1) be bright (rich, deep) in
Siwa, be left, deserted, bereaved.
hue, (2) be lighted up, light,
(Cf. sia.)
bright, (3) be bare, open, clear,
Soka, s. mawula, put out leaves,
exposed.
come into leaf.
Syala. See Siala.
Sola, parry a blow or weapon, avert, Syama, fail, be unfortunate, be
turn aside.
balked, unlucky, unsuccessful, lose.
Sonda, taste, take a taste of.
Syuka, succeed, prosper, be fortunate,
Songela, inform against, accuse, bring get gain (profit, favour, advantage).
to trial. Cs. songezya, songelezya. Cs. syukizya, be kind to, favour,
Sonka, get together, collect. Int.
patronize, assist.
sonkezya, e. g. collect tribute, tax. Talala, be (become) (1) still, quiet,
R p . sonkana, meet together, gather
calm, silent, (2) cool, cold.
together. A p . sonkela, e. g. m a k e Talimfya, lengthen.
upfire,add fuel.
Tambalika, extend slowly, stretch
Sonsa, be sweet to taste.
out (as arm, leg, & c ) .
Sopa, spear (fish).
Tamfya, drive away, send off, dismiss,
Sosa, speak, say, tell, speak to,
put to flight, defeat.
question, reply, talk, argue, quarrel.Tana, be niggardly, greedy, selfish.
A p . sOsela, speak to (about, for,
Tanda, (Act.) spread out, stretch,
& c ) . R p . sosana. Cs. sosya. reach (of superficial extent).
Sosa mulandu, hold an inquiry, Tandala, go for a walk, stroll about,
state a case.
lounge.
VERBS
63
Tanjila, go forward (before, in Tondola, gather (flowers).
advance), be in front, be first, Tonkola, prick with a point, pierce.
precede.
Tonya, feel withfinger,touch.
Tanta, cutfleshoff a dead animal.
Tota, seize with claws.
Tapa, draw water (with vessel). Rv. Towa, dip a morsel of food in gravy
tapula, take up water in the hand. as 3. relish. A p . towela.
Tawanya, scatter, spread about.
Toivoka, towauka, hop, jump (like
Tazya, praise, commend, make a
frogs).
boast of.
Tuka, speak abusively, abuse. Rp.
Tea, (1) set a trap, (2) catch in a
tukana.
trap, snare.
Tula, Ci) bore, make a hole, (2)
Teka, (1) tame, domesticate, break
begin, rise (of river, siin), dawn,
in, (2) make quiet, calm, appease,
(3) put down a load, rest, (4)
pacify, comfort, (3) plunder, take
pay tribute to chief, (5) rub, file,
as spoil, (4) settle, put, place at
grate. Nt. tulika, e. g. (1) tulika
rest. Rp. Cs. tekanya, be calmed, amenso, be blinded, blind, (2) tulika
quiet, comfortable, settled.
izina, be famous, well known.
Teketezya, whisper.
Tulula, pour away.
Telela, slip, slide, glide.
Tuma, employ, send, use, put to work.
Tema, cut, chop.
Tumba, bud, blossom, put out
Temba, carry on a pole (between
shoots.
two men).
Tumbana, crouch for a spring.
Temwa, (1) like, want, love, be Tumbila, go up a hill, ascend.
inclined to, tend to, (2) be pleased, Tumbula, disembowel, rip up.
satisfied, grateful, happy. Int. Tunga, (Act.) pass through (a subtemwezya. R p . temwana, be on
stance, hole, & c ) , insert, thread a
good terms, agree, be friends. Cs. needle, string beads, put on spit or
temwanizya, reconcile, mediate
skewer, &c.
between. Pass, temelwa, be loved. Ttinkula, prick, stab, pierce. (Cf.
•Nt. temekwa.
tonkola.)
Tenda, groan, moan.
Tuntika, put one on another, make
Tendeka, (1) begin, be first, take
a pile of, pile up.
first steps, (2) be aggressive, pro- Tupula, pluck a fowl.
voke, annoy wantonly. A p . ten- Tutuma, throb, beat, palpitate,
dekela.
tremble, shiver, shake.
Tentemuka, go down-hill, descend.
Tuza, be stunted.
Tela, cut. (Cf. tema, cheka, pinikal)Twa, (1) pound (grain in a mortar),
Tetela, cluck (as a fowl), cackle.
(2) play at ball, (3) be sharpTi, act (in any way), do, think, say,
edged.
go, Sec.
Twala, (1) take up, carry, convey,
Timbanya, mix together.
bear, (2) bear fruit. Irreg. M d .
Tina, (1) fear, be afraid. Cs. tinya, -twite.
frighten, threaten. (2) scratch with Twika, take up on the shoulders or
claws.
head. Cs. twizya, lower a load,
Tinta, draw tight, stretch, strain.
encamp, rest on a journey.
Nt. lintika, be tight, be stretched, Twite, see Twala.
be elastic.
Ufya (Cs. of Upa), cause to marry,
Tiwula, blind, m a k e blind. Nt.
assign in marriage, betroth. Cs.
tiwuka, be blind, blinded.
ufyanya.
Tola, pick up by chance, find and Ulukula, rumble, growl, roar (of
take up.
thunder). (Cf. ulumal)
64
WISA GRAMMAR
Ulula, blow away, waft. Nt. uluka. Waila, cut in pieces a dead animal.
Cf. tanta.
Uluma, thunder, roar.
Uma, (i) be (become) dry, hard, Wakama, be polished, bright, shinsolid, (2) dry up, wither, fade, (3) ing.
be dear, expensive, costly, (4) be Wala, (1) be bright, shine (of sun,
moon, & c ) , (of sun, also) be hot,
difficult, awkward, hard.
blaze, burn, (2) be beforehand,
Umvwa, (1) hear, listen, (2) heed,
anticipate, befirstto do or make.
attend, understand, take to heart,
Int. wallzya, blaze, scorch.
believe.
Upa, marry (of m a n or woman). Walika, spring (as a lion on prey).
Wama, be good, pleasing to mind or
Cs. see ufya.
sense, nice, beautiful, useful, Sec.
Uwika, let blood, bleed, cup.
Vilwa, be defeated, overcome, beaten, A p . isiamila, be good for (to, Sec).
Cs. wamya, wamizya, e. g. arrange,
exhausted.
Vimba, (1) put a covering on, thatch make good, correct, setright,mend,
a house, (2) swell. Rv. vimbula, adapt, administer, put in order, Sec
take thatch off. Pass, vimbtlwa, Wamba, stretch (a skin, cover) over
(a drum, & c ) .
e. g. be gorged with food.
Vina, dance. Cs. vinya, move Wamba, go in quest of, hunt for.
Wangama,
be warm, hot. M d ,
about wildly, (Also vinizya.)
-ngeme. Cs. wangamika, make
Vukuta, blow with bellows.
hot, heat. Int. wangamizya, be
Vulumuka, rush away wildly, escape.
very hot, boil.
Vulungana, be circular, round.
Vumila, (1), assent, agree to, accept, Wangula, extract, take out (as thorn
admit, acknowledge, confess, allow, from foot).
(2) agree on, promise, engage, Wawa, itch, make itch, sting.
undertake, come to terms, (3) take Wawila, shout with joy.
on trust, believe, (4) submit to, Wazya, (1) (with or without umubear, endure. R p . vumilizyana, tima), be offended, disgusted, dislike, resent, (2) burst out (of
make a contract, form an alliance.
Vuna, break. Nt. vunaika, vunika. shower of rain).
Wea, shave (head or face).
Vunda, stink.
Vunga, fold, coil, roll up. Rp. Wela, go back, return, come again,
vungana, be in coils, folded, rolled be repeated. A p . itielela. Cs.
wezya, welezya, send back, give
up.
back, repay, take vengeance for, &c.
Vunika, (1) cover over, put a cover
Wenda, approach stealthily, stalk
on. (2) See Vuna.
Vunukula, uncover, take cover off. (game).
Vwa, trickle, ooze, exude, filtrate. W'epa, act or speak untruthfully, (1)
pretend, be hypocritical, tell lies,
Vwala, (Nt.) dress, put on clothes,
wear. Ap. vwalila, dress up, wear deceive, (2) slander, accuse falsely.
Int. wepezya.
fine clothes, be smart.
Weta, tend cattle.
Vwika, (Act.) clothe, dress.
Wewelela, inform against, tell of,
Vwizya,filter,strain (Cs. of vwa).
accuse, charge with a fault (crime).
Vwula, undress, take off clothes.
Vyala, produce offspring, bear, be- Wezya, (1) rub with a cloth, wipe.
(2) See Wela.
get.
Vyata, move like lightning, flash, Wifya. See Wipa.
Wika, place, set, put. A p , wikila,
dart.
Wa, fall (of the- sun), set; go down. e. g. add to, increase, entrust to.
Wila, sew.
Wa, be, become, exist.
VERBS
65
Wipa, be bad, unpleasant to mind or (Y)amba, begin. See Amba.
senses (e. g. evil, dangerous, nasty,Yana, be on friendly terms, agree.
ugly, useless, unpleasant, hurtful,
Cs. yanya, make friends, reconcile,
Sec). A p . wipila, e. g. not suit,(Y)angala. See Angala.
displease, be uncomfortable, use- (Y)ezya, (1) try, endeavour, exert
less. Cs. wifya, do wrong, act
oneself, practise, (2) try, test, make
wrongly, commit a crime, make a
proof of. Int. yezezya, try hard.
mistake, blunder, be unjust (cruel,
Rp. yezyana, compete, try each
unkind), spoil, damage, &c. Int.
other's strength, contend together,
wifizya.
Yula, be full, numerous, plentiful,
Wola, be putrid, rotten, decayed.
abundant, crowded, overflowing.
Womba, run, run off, run away.
Cs. yuzya, fill, cram. Int. yulizya.
Wona, sometimes wena: see, notice, Zala. See /zala.
look at, observe. M d . -wene. Nt. Zaza, show pride, be proud, boast,
woneka, be visible, come in sight,
bluster, bluff,' make a show of
appear; Int. wonezya, wenezya,
power, strength, &c.
look hard at, examine.
Zika, (1) put in the ground, plant
Wonaula, ruin, destroy, spoil. See
(seeds), (2) bury.
Onaula.
Zimviwa, be struck with wonder,
Wuka, (1) (Nt.) awake from sleep.
surprise, fear, Sec, be astounded,
Cs. wuzya, rouse from sleep. (2)
confounded, panic-stricken. Cs.
apply native magic, charms, spells, zimvizya.
& c , for removal of sickness, call Zimya, extinguish (fire), put out.
in a native doctor, attend to a Zingauka, Zingaluka, (1) be around,
patient. (3) be greedy, take more
go around, surround, (2) revolve,
than one's share, not give to others. go round. Cs. zingaluzya.
Cs. wuzya.
Zingwa, be in distress (grief, sorrow,
Wula, (1) take, carry, bear, (2) get, doubt, difficulty, & c ) .
buy, (3) apply, use.
Ziuka, open the eyes.
Wumba,
(1) form a mass (group, Ziwata, shut the eyes.
crowd, herd), collect together, Zizimuka, recover from shock, bemeet, (2) do potter's work, mould, come conscious, come to life, remake.
vive.
Wuta, (1) be light, white, pale (in Zola, sweep up, gather up, collect
hue, colour), (2) be clean, bright,
(rubbish, & c ) .
(3) be pure, free from evil, Sec Zuika, soak in water, souse, drench.
Nt. wutika. Cs. wulizya, make Zula. See Izula.
white, clean, pure.
Zunzama, squat on the haunches.
Wuiuka, run away, fly. A p . wulu- Zunzya, wag (the tail).
kila, e. g. run to for refuge. Cs.Zuula, save from drowning.
wwtazya, put to flight, drive away. Zyeta, chew, masticate.
Wuzya, (1) remind, call to mind; (2) Zyowela, be accustomed, be used to,
see wuka. Cs. wuzizya.
be familiar with, have a habit or
( Y)aka, burn (asfire),blaze.
custom of.
E
66
CHAPTER VI
ADVERBS, PREPOSITIONS, CONJUNCTIONS,
INTERJECTIONS
235. (i) ADVERBS are formed from adjectives by prefixing pa, ku,
or ka to the root. Vi- is also sometimes used. Ka- and li- are
the prefixes of numeral adverbs (§ 69).
236. Adverbs of place and time are also supplied by nouns with
the prepositions pa, ku, mu, or by nouns only—those of emphasis
or intensity by the intensive stem of verbs.
237. (2) T h e use of the applied stem of verbs in most cases makes
prepositions superfluous for the purposes of language only spoken.
Five prepositions occur in Wisa, each with a large range of meanings :—
238. -a, 'of,' always combined with the concord-prefix appropriate to the noun which it helps to define,
239. na,' with,' often used of accompaniment and of instrument,
also of proximity and distance; in this latter sense sometimes
even allowing the omission of the verb denoting approach, motion
to, e, g. na kumuzi, he came to the village.
2 4 0 . pa, ku, mu, with local and general meanings,' at, to, from,
in, out of, into,' and also ' as, as to, concerning, about,' &c. Ku is
also used of an instrument after verbs in the passive. Followed
by a noun they form adverbial expressions, and these followed by
-a form compound prepositions, e. g.
pa 7nulu (wa), on the top (of), above.
pa kati (ka), inside (of).
241. T h e (strictly) verb-forms kuli, muli,pali, are also used as
prepositions, for ku, mu, pa, especially of persons; and in some
cases kwa.
242. (3) Conjunctions are few and sparingly used. T h e commonest connectives of clauses in narrative are nomba (now), efio
(then), ekuti (so), pambi, kambi (but). Na also connects clauses
but more commonly nouns.
A D V E R B S , &c.
67
243. Conjunctions introducing a dependent clause are in almost
all cases some form, personal or impersonal, of the verb ti (§§ 221-6).
For these and other conjunctions, see list below (§ 245) and Syntax
(§ 247).
244 (4) Interjections do not figure so largely as might be
expected in the stories which form the basis of these notes.
Familiar intercourse with natives is required to catalogue and distinguish them.
245. LIST OF ADVERBS, CONJUNCTIONS, AND OTHER
PARTICLES.
A-a, yes, very well, just so.
Kunlu, apart from, except, only,
Alia (expletive), e. g. allanzi, these specially.
Kunze (ya), outside (of).
here. Alia wona, just look!
Chimo, similarly, alike, the same. Kulali, far off, a long way,
Kuti, that, if, whether, &c.
Chimo na chimo, just the same.
Ekuti, so, and so, then.
Kwa, to, from, at, occasionally, and
Elyo, at that time, then, and then.
of persons only.
Kwine, ukwine, well, truly, nicely,
Epo, and so, then, there.
Evi, just so, exactly, in that very way. Kwinji, much, often.
Hi, tlyo, then (of time).
Lelo, to-day.
/nde, yes.
Limo, once, one time.
Kakumo, on tiptoe.
Liwili, twice.
Kale, long ago, formerly, some time Mailo, to-morrow, yesterday.
past.
Mazo, day after to-morrow, day before yesterday.
Kambi, otherwise, on the contrary,
Mpa, mpo, mpono, here, now, there,
but, however, nevertheless.
then.
Kamo, once.
Mu, in, inside of, into, from within.
Kangu, quickly, fast.
Kano, kansi, perhaps, possibly, pro(Also muli, and cf. kuli.)
bably, I daresay, I expect, I do Mu kati (ka), inside of, between.
not know.
Mumu, in here, into, from in. (Also
Kanfu, quite, very, specially, much. umu, muno.)
Kawea,on the shoulder, shoulderwise. Mvi, mvyo, mvino, thus, so. (Also
Kawili, twice, again. Kawili kawili, mvive, mvyove, just so, only so far,
like that.)
again and again, often,
Ku, to, from, at, by, with, &c. Mwandi, (1) much, very, (2) (of
deprecation) not so ! please don't!
—especially of place, instrument,
and objects in general.
let it pass! let alone!
Kuli, to, from, at, &c.—especially Na, and, with.
of persons—as compared with, Nga (1) introduces a question, (2)
than.
refers to a condition.
Ku mulu (wa), above, on the top Nku, nko, nkuno, here, there, then.
(of), up.
Nomba, now, lately, presently, so,
Kumyesu
(kumyenu, kumyao), at
next.
m y (our) home (at your, their Nil, if, whether, that.
2
home).
E
68
WISA
GRAMMAR
Pa, at, from, to, as to, about,Pepi, near, close.
Ponse, everywhere, all about.
against, Sec.
Pa kati (ka), inside (of), between. Pun I—of an explosive sound.
Pa kulu, much, largely, on a large Pye-pye-pye! wonderfully, exactly,
precisely—of keen appreciation.
scale.
Pakuli, in case (that), as to, if, sup- Teke teke I gently! quietly!
Umumbo, on purpose, intentionally.
posing.
Usaneme, on the back—of posiPali, at, to, in, from, &c. (Cf. kuli.)
tion.
Pambi, elsewhere, at another time.
Pa meso, in front, before, openly. Ve, just so, anyhow, carelessly, without restraint.
Pamo, together, at same time, in
Waka, for nothing, gratis, thoughtcompany.
Pa mulu (wd), above, on the top (of). lessly, in fun.
Panini, a little, by degrees, nearly, Wangu, quickly, at once, fast. (Cf.
kangu.)
scarcely, almost.
Panonse, ponse, everywhere, allaboutWino, well,rightly,carefully, gently,
Pansi, down, below, at the bottom, slowly, nicely.
Yai, no.
on the ground, beneath.
Pa ntanzi (yd), in front, before, for- Yangu, (not) a bit, (not) in the
least, just, only, scarcely, hardly,
ward.
possibly.
Pantu. See kuntu.
Pa numa (ya), behind, back, in the Yangula, (i) either—or, (2) perhaps.
Yo-o, yes.
(rear of).
CHAPTER VII
NOTES ON
SYNTAX
246. INDEPENDENT sentences either merely follow each other
or are connected b y the conjunctions nomba (now), epo (then),
ekuti (so), pambi, kambi (but), kuntu (but, only). If na (and) is
used, it is generally followed b y a noun or infinitive form (§ 158).
247. S o m e notes on dependent sentences, standing in the relation of noun, adjective, or adverb to a principal sentence, m a y be
arranged under these heads with the English conjunctions usually
introducing them. T h e verb ti in s o m e form, personal or impersonal, appears in connexion with almost all of them (§ 226).
2 4 8 . (1) Sentences representing a n o u n , as subject or object of
a verb, m a y be
(a) In the infinitive m o o d , e.g. nkofwaya
kwifiay-e-nama,
I want to hunt g a m e .
(b) In the subjunctive, e.g. tatulaona imbwa iputule iwe,
w e never yet saw a dog break a stone.
SYNTAX
69
(c) Introduced by -ii, with a person-prefix or in the infinitive,
e. g. nakuizya nati (or kuli) nkOyenda, I told you that
I a m going; Nawepa ukuti nalwala, I pretend that I
a m ill. This is the usual form of reported speech. (See
also § 224.)
249. (2) Sentences representing an adjective, usually called relative sentences, i. e. introduced by ' who, which,' also often virtually
equivalent to a noun, have already been mentioned (§§ 58, 141).
250. In general, any indicative verb-form m a y also be used
without change as a relative or attributively. Hence some forms
are regularly used as adjectives, and nouns, especially Aorist
Tense 1 (§ 141), e.g. nsikqfwaya muntu takwete mano, I do not
want a m a n who has no sense (a stupid man, a fool); mleta muntu
wakunonele, bring the m a n who struck you.
251. W h e n ' which, w h o ' refers to the subject of the verb, there
is a tendency to strengthen or lengthen the subject-prefix, e.g.
uawene, rather than wawene, he w h o saw; awekele kumuzi, for
wekele (wa-ikele), those who live in the village; ng'ombe iyawapo,
so on.
the one which was there, for yawapo—and
252. W h e n ' which, w h o * refers to the object of the verb, the
object-prefix is placedfirst,i. e. before the subject-prefix, and not
in its usual place after the tense-prefix. Moreover, it is sometimes
strengthened (as above, § 251), or even detached from the verb :
e. g. ichinakwewa, that which I said ; ii awana walikwewa, that
which the children said ; icho naizila, that which I come for; nongo
ziatowele, the pitchers which he broke.
253. In the case of the verbs wa na, li na (have), the objectprefix is placed before the verb wa, li, and also (with the vowel
changed to -0) after the preposition na: e. g. vyonse viali navyo, all
that he had.
254. (3) Sentences having an adverbial relation to the principal
sentence:—
255 (i) ' W h e n , where' (temporal, local) is commonly expressed
by forms of ku, mu, and pa, prefixed to or separately preceding the
verb-form. Mu seems used mostly of time, ku of place. W h e n
ku, mtt are attached to the verb, they are often preceded by nko,
umo detached. O r nko, umo, apo can be used alone.
70
WISA G R A M M A R -
e, g. umo awela, when he came back ; muwawuka, when he
woke up; nko ukuwaya, (there) where he went; nko nawene,
where I saw; apo wekala, where they live; mfo upuapwile, then
when (there where) hefinished•, moyanwa, when he had drunk.
256. Sometimes ku, mu, pa are prefixed to an infinitive: e. g.
pakuwela, on return, when returning.
257. ' W h e n ' is also regularly expressed by the verb ti in a personal form, past or present, followed by a verb in the infinitive or
subjunctive mood. Thus
Present.
nti
uli
uti
Past.
natile \
watile
walile
(nfike.
\ufike.
Sec.
rukufika,ot\^e^
twalile
tuti
muli
mwalile
mufike.
wati
•watile
jnafike.
meaning ' when I go, when I went,' &c. So oti awone, when he
sees (saw), watile ukuwona, when they saw (had seen). Auti uche
usiku, kwatile, kucha, when it was dawn.
258. /// (ilyo, elyo) is also used, only as temporal conjunction,
' when,' e. g. iii afiwile, when he hadfinished,iii asipula, when h
dozed,
259. For ' when' meaning 'whenever, in cases when, supposing,'
& c , see § 263.
260. ' Since, from the time that' is often indicated by the verb
fuma, 'come from,' and 'until' by the preposition na, 'with, including.' Thus, since I was a child till now, nafumapo umwaiche
na lelo; since I read it, mfumempo apo napendele; it is now ten
days since he went, lelo nsiku zyapwa ikumi aliya; till now, na
nomba; for a year, na mwaka.
261 (ii) ' If, supposing, on condition' (conditional sentences) is
expressed by
(a) a- prefixed to a verb-form, commonly Aorist Tense 1.
(b) kati, nti, kuli, used as conjunctions, and followed by the
verb.
(c) The subjunctive mood.
262. T h e corresponding principal clause, expressing what is
SYNTAX
n
conditioned (Apodosis), has no special form, but is commonly introduced by the separate particle nga, followed by the verb in an
appropriate indicative tense.
e. g. umuntu aiwa, afute, if a m a n steals, let him pay ; ng'ombe
azili pamo, nga zinji, if the cattle were all together, they would be
m a n y ; atutaula chakulia, nga twalifwile, if w e had not got food,
we should have died ; utampe chintu, nsiawe na chintu, supposing
you give m e nothing, I shall have nothing ; kati naliumvwile, nga
nalitinile, if I had heard, I should have feared.
263. T h e conditional prefix a- m a y often be rendered ' w h e n ' in
the sense of ' whenever, if ever, if at any time,' § 259.
264. ' If not, unless' are expressed by the negative forms of the
above.
265. nga before an indicative form expresses 'might, would,
should' in general, including what is right, expedient, or possible :
e. g. nga walitekenye, you should have been quiet.
266. ' If,' as an indirect interrogative, for ' whether, whether or
not,' is expressed by forms oi ti, i. e. (b) above, § 261.
267. (iii) ' That, in order that, to, that not, lest' (final sentences).
T h e subjunctive m o o d is generally, and the infinitive sometimes,
e. g. after words of motion, used to express purpose, with or without
a personal form of ti: e. g. leta ngule, bring (it) that I m a y buy (it) :
mwaiza amuti tweluzye, you have come that w e m a y settle your
quarrel.
268. Mu-, ku-, prefixed to the infinitive form, are also used,
especially after verbs of motion: e. g. waya mukuwula, he is gone
to get; nkoya nje kuona, I will go to (that I m a y go to) see.
269. T h efinalnegative,' that not, lest,'is expressed by the indicative, i. e. a plain or emphatic statement of what it is the object to
avoid, in fact a plain warning : e. g. mukate ewa, hold him, see he
falls, i. e. lest he fall; mchenjezye mwana eyokuchita vyawipa,
punish the child, he is going to do wrong, i. e. that he m a y not do
wrong.
2 7 0 (iv) ' Because' (causal sentences) is represented by the noun
chifukwa, 'reason, cause,' used as a conjunction, or by mulandu,
' reason, argument.'
72
WISA G R A M M A R
271. (v) ' So that, so as to' (consecutive sentences) is expressed
by a form, personal or impersonal, of the verb ti: e.g. tapali
amano akuti nkalamu iituke, w e have not the sense to (i. e. so as
that) make the lion run away; wawikile mutondo ukuti ayokunwela, she placed her pitcher so as to come and drink.
272. (vi) 'Although' (concessive sentences) m a y generally be
expressed by a conditional form (§ 261).
273. (vii) ' A s ' (comparative sentences) can be rendered by mvi,
mvyo,' thus, so': e. g. alichitile mvyo vyalimbwizye, he did as he
told him.
CHAPTER VIII
APPENDICES
1. MISCELLANEOUS SENTENCES AND PHRASES, ENGLISH AND
WISA.
(The numbers refer to paragraphs in the preceding chapters.)
H o w are you ? mutende ? (the c o m m o n form of greeting); mutende, munesu ? (to an equal or an inferior—how are you,friend?);
mittende, asikulu f (to a superior—how are you, sir ?) (Also, mwalala siani ? h o w have you slept ?)
I a m quite well, miitende. (Also, Twalala mutende, we have slept
well.)
Good-bye! (if leaving) syalilenipo! stay where you are (I am
going); (if remaining) endeleni or endelapo, go on your way,
pass on.
C o m e here .' iza (izeni) nkuno.
W h o are you ? niwe nani?
W h o are those ? mbalya ni wani?
W h a t do you bring ? chindu waleta ?
W h a t are you come for ? chindu icho waizila f
I do not want the man, sikofwaya ngu muntu.
Tell m e , mbwizye.
H o w many m e n are there ? awantu wali wanga ?
Where do you live ? mwikala kwilakwi?
APPENDICES
73
Go and get (fetch) j-wiye wule (utwale).
Come and take, wis-o-poke, i. e. wize upoke.
Go and work in thefield,kafwiye mukulima ummunda.
When will you come back ? mkowela lilali ?
Thank you, chawama (it is nice); natemwa (I like it, I am
pleased).
Very good ! well done ! quite true! ukwine kantu! chawama!
Give m e (some)! nimpa! mpenif (nimpako !).
I will not give you any, nsiakupe (§ 135).
I have none to-day, nsikwete lelo.
But yesterday I had some, kuntu mailo nali nacho.
Do you understand ? waumvwa ?
I do not understand, nsiumvwa.
H e does not understand, tomvwa, i. e. taumvwa, ngu muntu
tapali kuumvwa yai.
He is stupid, takwata mano.
H e is a knave, wapusa, wachenjela.
H e is well disposed, mutima wakwe wawama.
Tell me the meaning of that word, mbwizye ndilya neno amano
akwe.
Translate what I say, vialuzya vyewo vyanji.
D o not be late, wiya ukukokola.
Make the house nice inside, singeni munanda muwame.
It is nothing (nonsense, no matter), tapali kantu, pali ve.
It puzzles me, ikonkanga.
Let us make friends, twambane ichiwuza.
I have made a good bargain, nasitizya pakulu.
W h y did you not come before ? mulandunzi (chifukwandu) tawizile kale ?
I thought you were gone, nanasila nati kano waliya.
I will start to-day or to-morrow, nkoima lelo, yangula mailo.
Bring out the loads, fumy eni ivipe.
Arrange them near the house (at a distance), vilongeni apepi
n-e-nganda (apatali).
Let us be off! katiyokwiya, i.e. ka-tu-iye-uku-iya!
The chief has not yet come, infumu tailaiza.
Are you a greater chief than I ? Mwewo we-nfumu wa kuchila
kuli newo ?
74
WISA G R A M M A R
You are an insolent fellow, uli n-e-chipwata.
I a m going into the forest to kill game, nkoya muchonde nkepaye
inama.
H e wasfirstto hit, emutansi walasa.
Let us go to the village and call m e n to carry the meat, Twiye
kumuzi tukete wantu waptte inama.
Have I done wrong ? newo nawifizye f
What is m y fault ? ekuifya kwanji newo f
H e forbade us to go, alilulesezye ati mwiyenda,
I want you to attend to what I a m saying, Nkofwaya
mumvwe
vinkososa,
I will go by the road he went by, nkoyanko kunzila ukuwaile.
Point with yourfinger,sontd m-o-munwe.
It is better not to travel with dangerous characters, ulwendo Iwa
wakali talwendeka.
Let us go to the coast and make some money, Tuye kumbwani
tukanonke ickuma.
W h e n w e do drink, w e will drink for two days, umo tunwela,
twakunwa (§ 131) amazua awili.
Wait and see ! lind-o-wone, i. e, linda uwone.
You will pay for it! uwelezyepo /
U n d o it and let m e see what, is inside, kankakule mbone ivili
mukali.
Show m e the m a n they seized, undangizye muntu uwaikete.
W h y did you hit m e on m y head with a stick ? nindo pakundasa n-e-chiti pa mutwe wanjif
They are cuttingfirewoodfor their father, wakotemele wala nkuni.
If I fall down, I shall break m y bones, anapona pansi nkovunaika.
Speak loud so that I m a y hear, sosezya ngumvwe.
Let us see if I cannot lift you, tuone nti nsiakusumbale.
This m a n saw the cattle, ngu wawene nzo ng'ombe.
H e saw them himself, umwine waziwene.
The m a n who saw them, uwaziwene.
You were foolish, you should have been quiet, walipusile, nga
walitekenye.
D o not play with other people's things, ly-o-kwangala na vintu
vya wene.
APPENDICES
75
W e shall get out of the scrape, tukopanuka mukutawatawa.
W e heard it from people who came from there, twaliumvwile ku
wafumileko.
W h a t is the news there ? maliyasi anziya-nko ?
Tell m e how things are where you come from, mbwizye mutende
wa-nko uku wafuma.
W h a t a m I to do ? nga nchite siani ?
Help m e ! ngavweni!
It is not a heavy load, tapali ichipe chafina.
I beg pardon, I humbly request, if you please, napapata.
The lion and the cobra are thefiercestof creatures, inkalamu
n-o-lukungwi wakali weka.
Some here (thus), and some there (thus), ivivi nimvi, ivivi
nimvyo.
Let m efirsteat m y porridge, leka nane mbalenjye (i.e. n-wale
n-lie) insima.
Mind you tell them that, wize uwawizye uti.
I want the matter settled, nkofwaya mulandu ufiwe.
You have just been giving him annoyance without cause, tnwamutendekeleve.
His temper was roused, mutima wakwe wapya.
If there is an intelligent man, send him, apali muntu wa amano,
umtume.
M a y I come in ? checho $
C o m e in, kachipite, or zopite, i. e. za upite, or wizano, i. e. wi
pano.
There's an end of it, that is all, that is enough, ckapwa, epela.
2. WISA STORIES.
a. Koswe, the House Rat.
Umwana (CI. I, § 16) the son, wa (§ 238) of, infumu (CI. 5,
§ 32) a chief, watele (T. 9 of tea, set a trap, § 126) set one day,
ichitembo (CI. 3, § 25) a spring trap, mu (§ 240) in, ng'anda
(CI. 5, 9, §§ 33. 43) the house.
Nomba so, koswe (CI. I, § 16) the house rat, ali (from ti, T. 1,
76
WISA G R A M M A R
§§ 221-3) said, Mwewo (§ 72) you, wankunda (placed by courtesy in
(CI. 1, instead of CI. 5, §§ 16, 32) messrs, pigeons, na and, wambuzi
(as wankunda) messrs. goats, na and, wankoko mesd. fowls, mu
nga'nda in the house, muli (from li, § 209) there is (inside), ichitembo a spring trap; kaputuleni (from putula, §§ 166-70) go and
break (it) down.
Nomba so, wonse (-onse, agreeing with CI. 1) all, mbo (§ 86)
those, awati (§§ 221-3) said, Yai, no, koswe Mr. Rat, wewo (§ 72)
you, niwe (§§ 74 (4)) it is you, wenda (from enda, T. 2, § 117, used
as relative, § 250) w h o always go, mu ng'anda zyao (§ 79) into
their, i. e. people's, houses, ichifukwa because, wewo you, ulewa (for
ulaiwa, from iwa, T. 3, § 118) are a professional thief of, vintu
(CI. 3, § 25) things, s/y# (§ 238) of, belonging to, wene (CI. 1, § 16)
owners, other people, mu mang'anda in houses. Fwewo (§ 72) we,
yai no, never (do such a thing). Nomba so, koswe the rat, afe" said,
Mwakana
(from &z#«, T. 1, §§ 221-3) do you say N o ? Ickifu
(CI. 3, § 25) a trap, £^<z (§ 238) of, set in, ng'anda a house, tachola
(for tachiaula, from (w)ula, T. I, §§ 221-3) does not catch, ummo
(from -wo, agreeing with CI. 1, e.g. umuntu, § 16) one person
(only). Chawama (from wama, T. I, §§ 221-3)ftis well, very
good. A f e w (§ 72) I, «z« in, mutima (CI. 2, § 21) wanji (§ 79)
m y mind, nkoti (from #, §§ 221-3, T. 7, § 123) I a m thinking, »a#
(§§ 224-6) I say, i. e. that, yangula perhaps, akazua (CI. 4, § 28)
kambi (form of -mbi agreeing with CI. 4) some (other) day, mwewo
you, yangula possibly, mkoiza (from iza, T. 7, § 123, also §§ 228,
231) you are going, kufwa (infinitive offwa, § 180) to die. Nomba
then, wankoko na wambuzi the fowls and the goats, awati said,
Fwewo we, tamafwe (fromfwa, T. 15, § 135) we shall certainly not.
die, yai no, ichifukwa because, tatulia (from lia, T. 2, § 117, and
§ 102) we are not in the habit of eating, vintu things, vya mu ng'anda which are inside the houses, zya (form of -a agreeing with
CI. 5, plural, i. e. ng'anda) wantu, of (other) people. Wewo, koswe
you (will), Mr. Rat, ichifukwa because, ulewa you are a regular
thief, wewo you (are), koswe Mr. Rat. Nomba then, koswe the rat,
ati said, Newo I (for m y part), naya (from (i)ya, T. 1, §§ 228-30)
a m going, kupita (from pita, infinitive, § 180) to carry away, wana
wanji m y children, naya I a m going, nawo (§ 74 (3)) with them,
pa (§ 240) to (a place in), mutenje (CI. 2, § 21) the roof, apatali
APPENDICES
77
(from -tali, agreeing with pa mutenje, CI. 10, § 47) a place a good
way off, na and, wama wanji, m y mother (too). Koswe and the
rat, nokwiya (from iya, T. 14, §§ 132-3) went away.
Panuma some time after, ncho (§ 86, demonstrative in concord
with CI. 3) chitembo that trap, chola (for chaula, from ula, T. 1,
§ 116) caught, inzoka (CI. 5, § 32) a snake. Infumu the chief, a«Vz
said, nfilkate nzoka (from (i)kala, §§ 154, 176-7) I will take hold of
the snake. Nomba and, inzoka the snake, nokusuma (from suma,
T. 14, §§ 132-3) bit, infumu the chief, nomba and, infumu the
chief, nokufwa (fromfwa T. 14) died. Infumu aiti (from A') z/w
(fromfwa, § 257) when the chief was dead, awantu (CI. I, § 16) the
people, awati (fromtf,T, 1) said, Nomba now, infumu the chief,
yafwa (fromfwa, T. I, § 144) is dead. Twipaye (from ipaya, subjunctive, §§ 169, 177) suppose we kill, inkoko the fowls, n-e-mbuzi
(na imbuzi) and the goats, n-e-nkunda and the pigeons, ichifukwa
because, infumu the chief', yafwa is dead. Nomba so, nokuipaya
they killed, imbuzi the goats, n-e-nkoko and the fowls, n-e-ukunda
and the pigeons.
Panuma afterwards, koswe the rat, # # said, Woneni (from (w)ona,
imperative, § 166) observe, *W<? to-day, mwafwa you are dead.
Nomba and, «£w<? I, «<z wana wanji and m y children, tapali kufwa
yai (§ 140) we are not dead. Woneni observe, mwalikukana (from
/£«»#, T. 12, § 129) you make it your business to deny (it), #/£zz/z
(§ 225) saying (that), tapali kufwa yai there is no question of (our)
dying, Kambi nevertheless, mwafwa you are dead, lelo to-day.
Mwiyokuti (i. e. mu-i-(i)ya ukuti, § 174) mind you do not go saying,
munenu (mune, CI. 1, wenu, § 79) your friend, akoti kept saying,
Zfwztf (plural of mune) friends, tuchenjele (from chenjela, subjunctive, §§ 176-7) we had better be careful. Nomba chapwa (from
^)w, T. 1, in concord with CI. 3, e.g. ichintu, an affair) now it is
all over. Lezaye! (Leza, with an expletive suffix -ye) Just Providence (luck, the way of the world) !
b. Ichinwa, a jibe.
Umuntu a man, wqfumile (fuma, T. 9) went out, ku muzi from
the village, wa infumu of a chief, waimile (ima, T. 9) and started
78
WISA G R A M M A R
off, enka by himself, nokuya ((i)ya, T. 14) and came to, chalo
another district, kunwa (infinitive of nwa) to drink, uwalwa beer,
nokulala and stopped the night.
Mailo next morning, fa kuwela (from wela) on returning, akoti
(fromti,T. 7) he was going, pa nzila along the road, wasanga
(from sanga, T. 1) and he came upon, umutwe the head, wa muntu
of a man, /« nzila on the road, uwafwa (from /«/#, T. 1) (who)
had died, kale long ago, chali (from /z', T. 1) (which) was, chifup
chenka bare bone. Nomba so, asgw muntu the man, chifukwa
because, wakolwele (from kolwa, T. 9) uwalwa he had had too
much beer, nokufumba (from fumba, T. 14) asked, umutwe the
skull, atf (from # ) and said, £Ft?w0 (for the more courteous plural
mwewo due to a stranger, § 75) I say, old fellow, chindo what was
it, chakwipaya (from ipaya, T. 1) (that) killed you ? Umutwe the
skull, auti (from ti, § 222) replied, Ichinwa (your) jibe, chakukuchita (from ^*/«, T. 13) will do, evi this very thing, #<W£ (for na
uwe, § 74 (4)) to you too. Nongo (for na (u)ngo) muntu and the
man, ati thought, umuntu wafwa a dead man, asose (from sosa,
subjunctive) would he speak ?
Nokuwutuka (from wutuka, T. 14) so he ran away, nokwiya (from
(z')j«) and came, ku muzi to the village, ati and said, wenfumu (for
•zwwo infumu) your honours, #«wo I myself, nawonapo (from Ttww,
T. 1, with locative suffix -po) have seen yonder, umutwe wa muntu
a man's skull, wasosa which spoke, auti and said, Chinwa nowe
evi chakukuchita Your jibe will do this very thing to you too.
Nomba so, infumu the chief, aiti said, Ukowepave (from wefa,
T. 9, with suffix of contempt -ve) you are telling a silly lie. Afoteula (from (w)ula) so he took, awantu men, nokumpa (from /a with
object-prefix, 3rd person singular -*«-) and gave them to him,
infumu aiti and the chief said, Amwaya (from (i)ya, T. I, see
§§ 261-3) when you go, nakwe ngo (§ 74 (3)) with this man,
?nutwe wa muntu the skull, autele (from ta, T. 4, §§ 120,233, 261-3)
if it is unable, kusosa to speak, mukamwipaye (from ipaya, subjunctive, § 176) just kill him. Nomba so, noktiya they went, wausanga
(from sanga, T. 1) and found, umutwe the skull, awati and said,
Sosa, umutwe Speak, skull. Umutwe the skull, tapali kusosa said
never a word. Nomba so, awantu awati the m e n said, Ulikwi
(from /z, with interrogative suffix -£ZOT) Where is, umutwe wasosa
APPENDICES
79
the skull (which) talked ? Ukowepave you are telling a silly lie.
Nomba so, nokutnwipaya they killed him.
Panuma afterwards, umutwe wasosa the skull spoke, auti and
said, Mwewo you (men), imilileni (from ima, Ap. § 192) stop
a bit, woneni (from wona, imperative) look at, umuntu the man,
umwaipaya (whom) you have killed. Waizile (from iza, T. 9) he
came, mpano here, ati and said, Wewo, chindo chakwipaya I say,
old fellow, what was it that killed you ? Nomba newo nati and
I said, Ichinwa nowe chakukuchita (your) Jibe will do (it) to you
too. Nomba woneni now look, wafwa he is dead.
c. (Story translated from the Nyassa dialect by a Wisa).
Umunti na wakazi wakwe, A man and his wives.
Umuntu ummo kale waliupile awakaziwawili. Epo walilimile
viwela viwili vya mpunga, epo wakenye umupaka pakali, epo awizizye awakazi wakwe, ukuti lelo nkqfwaya ukumwankanya viwela,
umbi aule chiwela chakwe akomele na umbi imvyove. Epo awakazi
walivumile.
Once upon a time a m a n married two wives. And he hoed two
rice-patches, and made a boundary between them, and told his
wives, To-day I want to allot you patches; one of you take her
patch and sow it, and the other the same. And his wives consented.
Wonse walikomele umpunga. Isiku ya kuimila ing'uni, mukazi
umbi wawulile mutondo wakwe wawikile mumpaka, ukuti ay-okunwela amenzi. N-o-mukazi umbi walikomele imbuto ya vipuzi
apepi n-o-mutondo wa munakwe.
Both women sowed rice. W h e n it was time to keep off the birds,
one of the women took her water-jar and placed it on the boundary,
so that she could go and drink water. A n d the other woman
planted pumpkin-seed near her companion's jar.
Epo waimile umsisi wa chipuzi, wapitile pa kanwapa mutondo,
epo chatwite ichipuzi, incho chipuzi chaliinjile mumutondo mukati
chakulile mmove mukati ummutondo.
And a sucker of the pumpkin-plant grew and went over the rim
8o
WISA G R A M M A R
of the jar and produced a pumpkin, and the pumpkin went inside
the jar, and grew big there inside the jar.
Ekuti nomba tekuti chifume ichipuzi mumutondo, chifukwa um
kosi wa mutondo wachepa.
And now it was impossible for the pumpkin to come out of the
jar, because the neck of the jar was too narrow.
Epo waewele umwanakazi umwine wa mutondo ukuwizya umwine wa chipuzi wewo, newo nkofwaya mutondo wanji ukupitila
ku muzi. Kawiye uye kufumya chipazi chowet
Then the woman who owned the jar spoke, and said to the owner
of the pumpkin, I say, I want m y water-jar to take it to the village.
Go and take out your pumpkin.
Mukazi umbi watile, watile atowele mmove ukuti afumye vipan
vipande. Ekuti umwine wa mutondo walikene, waliewele ati
Yai wewo. Sikofwaya kutiwite vimenzi vya chipuzi mu mutondo
wanji.
The other woman went, and wanted to break it up inside, so as
to take it out in pieces. But the owner of the jar forbade her and
said, No, I tell you. I won't have you put squashed pumpkin in
m y jar.
Waewele na kambi ati, njipikile mmove. Walikene kuti, yai,'
fwaya ukuti wite imifito mu nongo yanji.
So she made another proposal and said, Let me cook it inside.
But she refused, saying, No, I won't have you make m y water-pot
grimy.
Waliewele na kambi, Chawama, uule wewo ichipuzi n-e-non
yowe pamowalikene na kambi, Yai. Nti wawona newo ndi wa
nzala ukuti nchitile ichipuzi chowe.
She said yet again, Very well. D o you take the pumpkin and
your pot too. And again she refused, N o ! I suppose you fancy
I'm a poor starved woman and would live on a pumpkin of yours.
Epo walipo uluwo palimbo wakasi awawili.
So there was a quarrel between these two women.
Nomba akoiza kuchita siani ngu mwanalume ukuwapokesya
awakazi wakwe ?
N o w what is the husband going to do to get his wives out (of the
quarrel) ?
Mwanalume wafwayile ukutowa inongo nokupoza xkipuzi.
APPENDICES
81
Umwanakazi umwine wa mutondo waUewele ukuti, Awatowa
umutondo wanji chawama. Newo nkoya kuikala kuli wama ukulekana na wewo.
The husband wanted to break the pot and throw the pumpkin
away. But the woman who owned the jar said, If you break m y
jars, very well, I will go and live with m y mother and separate
from you.
Epo mwanalume
aewele, Wewo wemwanaleasi, uli wawipa
ichine kantu. Epo umwanakazi ayasukile, Chine newo wawipa ?
Nkofwaya inongo yanji, epela, sikofwaya kantu kambi.
And the m a n said, Well, you woman, you are a thorough bad lot.
And the w o m a n replied, I'm a bad lot, a m I ? I want m y jar, that's
all; I don't want anything else at all.
Epo mwanalume anasile mano-ndo ya kupokezya wanakazif
Nomba wona amano akwe ngu mwanalume.
What plan could the husband think of, to reconcile his wives ?
N o w see what the husband's trick was.
Epo awopezye ukulwala, ichingulo waichitile kuwanti walwala
ukwine kantu. Awanakazi wonse awili walele ng'anda imo isaku
ndyove, chifukwa mwanalume walwele ukwine kantu. Epo awanakdzi waezezye ukuipika vyakulia vyawama kulingd' muntu
walwala. Ekuti walikene ichakulia, talile na mailo, waleleve
n-e-nzala.
H e pretended to be ill, and in the evening he made himself as if
he was very ill indeed. Both his wives slept in the same house
that day, because their husband was very ill indeed. And the
women did their best to cook nice food for the sick man. But he
refused food, and ate nothing till the next day, just lay hungry as
he was.
Uluchelo walizile wanyina wa mwanalume, walikulila chine
kantu, chifukwa mwana wakwe walilwele.
In the morning the husband's mother came. She kept crying
bitterly, because her son was sick.
Ewo wanyina wafumbile ukuti, Siani, we-mwan-anji ? Ukofwaya chakulia tuye kuipika? Waewele ati, Newo sikofwaya
ichakulia chimbi, ai; ekuti nkofwaya ukuti kati epo uule uwulungu, piteni mukole mwiyokusita chipuzi mwipike, echi nkowiza
kulia.
W.H,
"
82
WISA G R A M M A R
And his mother asked, saying, What, m y son, would you like us
to go and cook by way of food ? H e replied, I want nothing else
to eat at all, except I want that if you could just take some beads,
and go and take them and go and buy a pumpkin and cook it,—
that I would eat.
Mbo wanakazi wawile wali mpove. Mukazi umbi umwine wa
mutondo wawulile umutwe wa mulume wawikile pa molu akwe,
umwine wa chipuzi wawulile amolu wawikile pa molu akwe.
Those, two women were both there. One woman, the owner of
the jar, had taken her husband's head and laid it on her lap, and the
owner of the pumpkin had taken his legs and laid them on her lap.
Ekuti umwanakazi umwine wa mutondo mpo upu wamvwile
ukuti ngu mwanalume akofwaya ichipuzi, nokumwizya umunakwe
ukuti, kawiye wangu, wiye kutowa umutondo, kawule chipuzi tw
pike, umulume alie.
Then the woman who owned the jar, when she heard that the
man was wanting a pumpkin, spoke to her companion, saying, Go
quickly now ; go and break the jar and bring the pumpkin ; let us
cook it, that our husband may eat.
Waliwutikile ukuula ichipuzi, walipikile, walimpele uk
Watile ukulia, ukulwala kwakwe kwapwa.
She ran off to fetch the pumpkin, then cooked it, and gave it him.
to eat. W h e n he had eaten, his sickness came to an end.
Mbo wanakazi walitemwene, ichifukwa icha kulwala umulume
Ekuputula kwa mulandu.
These women were reconciled, in consequence of their husband's
illness. Such was the end of the affair.
;
APPENDICES
3. T H E LORD'S PRAYER, A N D T H E
IN WISA.
83
TEN
COMMANDMENTS,
(a) The LORD'S Prayer,
Wala wesu, muli kumulu,
Izina lyenu lyewutike,
Ufumu wenu wize,
Amano yenu yachitike,
pansi nga pamulu,
Mutupele lelo chakulia chesu icha lelo,
Mutulekele vyoluwifya fwewo,
nga fwewo tuwalekela awatuwifya fwewo,
Mwitutwale apakuyezya,
Mutupokezye apawipa. Amina.
(b) The Ten Commandments (shortened).
(1) Newo ndi Sikulu Leza wowe, wiiwa na Leza umbi, newo neka.
(2) Wiichitila chintu chonse ichakupapatila, ichakulambil
(3) Wisosa izina lyakwe Sikulu Leza wowe pa waka.
(4) luzya nsiku ya kasano na kawili, iika pa yeka.
(5) Chindikizya wawiso na wanoko.
(6) Wiipaya.
(7) Wichita uchende.
(8) Wiiwa.
(9) Wimwepezya munowe ku mulandu.
(10) Wiikumbwa vintu vyonse ivyali navyo munowe.
F 2
PART II
ENGLISH-WISA VOCABULARY
PREFACE
THE lists of words given in Part I under the different parts
of speech m a y be used as a Wisa-English supplement to this
vocabulary.
Nouns are written with the fulL singular prefix. T h e plural
form is shown in brackets.
Adjectives are written in their root-form, or represented by
a verb-stem preceded by -a (§ 58).
Only the simple stem of verbs is given in most cases.
Part I, §§ 190-204, describes the various derived stems, and
the vocabulary can be enlarged indefinitely by using them
with then- characteristic meanings. W h e n (i), (w), or (n)
appear in a verb-form, the meaning is that these sounds do
not belong to the root and are not heard in some of its forms.
Further familiarity with the difficult za-sound will probably
show the need of corrections in the spelling here given of
m a n y Wisa words.
ABBREVIATIONS
n.
a.
= noun.
= adjective. -
v.
= verb.
adv.
pr.
prp.
intn.
conj.
=
=
=
=
=
adverb.
pronoun.
preposition.
interjection.
conjunction.
Various verb-stems are indicated by
M d . = Modified.
Act. = Active.
Ps. = Passive.
Nt. = Neuter.
Ap. = Applied.
Cs. = Causative.
Int. = Intensive.
Rv. = Reversive.
Rp. = Reciprocal.
Noun-forms are distinguished as
S. = Singular.
PI. = Plural.
Hyphens indicate that the syllable between them connects
separate words, and belongs in part to both — e.g. akwat-a-manc
akwata amano.
ENGLISH-WISA VOCABULARY
ABANDON
. ADVANTAGE
Abandon, v. (leave, desert) sia, Account, n. (story) ichisimikizyo
'•
leka, (throw awtxy) poza. (See alsoivi-sl), (news) ilyasi ( n. cmake, draw up) an account, penda.
Leave.)
Ability, n. (mental), dmano (PI. Give an account to (inform), wizya,
eweld.
only).
n.
umulandu
Able, a. -amano (i. e. -a amand), Accusation,
(imi-ll).
-achenjela. H e is an able man, wizi
Accuse, v. pinda, wewelela, sosya
(heknows), ulezi(i.e.u-la-izi),akwata-mano, achenjela. Be able (havemulandu, songela, songelezya. Acmeans, strength, &c.) to, see Can. cuse falsely, wepa, wepezya.
Abound, v. (ku)wa-inji, (y)ula. Accustomed, a. Be accustomed
About, adv. prp. (all about, every-to, zyowela.
where) ponse, panonse, (as to) pa. Ache, v. kalipa. M y head aches,
W h a t about his house, Nindo pa mutwe wakalipa.
Acknowledge, v. vumila.
ng^andayakwe ?
Acquit, v. (let go) leka, lekela,
A b o v e , adv. prp. ku (pa, mu)
mulu (wa), (more than) kuchila. Be(release) kakula.
Across, adv. G o across (a river,
above (surpass, exceed) chila.
Abscess, n. ichiwenga (ivi-wl). Seel), awuka. Take across, awuzya.
Act, Action, n. inchito (—),
Absent, a. H e is absent (not
ukuchita. v. chita, (ku)ti.
here), talimpa.
Abstain from, v, ilezya (forbid to A d d , v. wikila (i.e. put to). A d d
to (increase), kuzya.
oneself).
Adjacent, Adjoining, a. pamo,
Abstemious, a. H e is abstemious, utalizya (he does not eat umupaka umo.
Admire, v. (like) temwa, (praise)
much).
Abundance, n. uwinji, ukuyula. lumba, (be struck ^by) kangizwa,
Great abundance, uwinji wine. (See zimviwa.
Admit, v. (let in) zuila (i. e. open
Abound.)
Abuse, v. tuka, (wantonly) pulu- door to), (confess) vumila.
muka, angula, (foolishly) pusa, pu- Adorn, v. sama, samika.
sika. Abuse each other, tukana, Adult, a. -kulu.
sosana milomo. n. nsele (—), umu- Adulterer, n. umuchende (awachi).
lomo (mi-ll), ukutuka.
Adultery, v. uchende, ichitole.
Accept, v. (take, receive) poka
(w)ula, twala, (agree to) vumila. Commit adultery, chita uchende.
Advance, v. (go forward) enda
Accident, n. (disaster) ichintu
chiwi (ivintu viwi), (mischance) (pita, ti) pantanzi, (money, goods,
isyamo (ama-sl), leza. By accident,in trade) apuizya. Get an advance,
accidentally, te umumbo (not on pur-apula. (See Lend.)
Advantage, n. (profit, good forpose), waka. D o accidentally (by
tune) isyuko (ma-s.). M a n y advanmistake) wifya.
A c c o m p a n y , v. konka, konkona tages, vyawama invinji. Have the
advantage (surpass others), chila.
na, pita pamo.
ADVICE
88
ANOTHEB
Advice, n. amano (no Sing.),
Aloud, adv. pakulu, kantu.
iwizyo (ama-w.). Give advice, ad- Already, adv. Expressed by sila,
vise, pa (izya, sosa) amano.
pwa, i. e.finish,with the verb, e. g.
Adze, n. imbazo (—).
nasil-o-kumwiza, I have already told
Affair, n. (subject of discussion) him. Wapwa kuyenda, he has alumulandu (imi-ll).
ready gone.
Be Afraid, v. Una, (ku)li n-o- Also, adv. conj. (and) na, (further)
mwenzo. (i. e. na umwenzo). M a k e kambi, (as well, in addition) -po, as
afraid, tinya.
affix.
After, Afterwards, adv. prp. pa
Alter, v. (Act.) alula, sangula,
numa (ya).
(Nt.) aluka, sanguka.
Afternoon, n. akazua kasela (ka- Altogether, adv. (quite) kantu,
(wholly) -onse.
sendama). (See Time.)
Again, adv. (a second time) ka- Always, adv. nsiku zyonse, amawili, (another time) kambi.
sikuonse, imiaka yonse.
A m a z e , v. kangizya, zimvizya.
Against, prp. Expressed by Ap.
stem of the verb, or by pa.
Ambiguous, a. amano awili.
A g o , adv. H e went ten days ago,
A m b u s h , n. Lie in ambush for,
lelo nsiku zyapwa ikumi aliya.
fisamila.
Agony, n. ukuchenezya. (See
A m m u n i t i o n , n. (See Powder,
Hurt.)
Bullet.)
Agree, v. (consent) vumila, (be
A m o n g , prp. pa kati ka, pali.
like) linga, (be on good terms) tem- A m o u n t , n. (quantity) umusinku
wana. Make an agreement, vumi- (imi-sl).
lizyana.
A m u s e , v. sangulueya. A n
Be Agreeable, v. (pleasant) wa- amusing person, umuntu wa nseko,
mila.
w-o-mUangwe.
Agriculture, n. amalimo.
Ancestor, n. wata (father), uA i m , v. (a gun) andika, (a bow) muntu wa kale.
fiamika.
Ancient, a. -a kale.
Air, n. (in motion) impepo.
A n d , conj. (connective of nouns)
Alarm, n. umwenzo. v. tinya, na, (connective of verbs, clauses, and
lenga umwenzo.
Y o u alarm me, sentences, often) epo, ekuti, nomba.
waneng-o-mwenzo, i. e. wa-n-lenga
Anecdote, n. ichisimikizyo (ivi-sl).
umwenzo.
Anger, a. ukali, nkanza, ukukaAlike, a. chimo, chimo na chimo, lipa.
umutindi ummo. Be alike, lingana. Angle, n. (external) ichitwe
Alive, a. -omoyo (i.e. -a umoyo), (ivitwe), (internal) ichifuntu (ivi-fl).
(alive and well) -a musama. H e is v. loa.
alive, uli n-o-noyo, uli n-o-mzimu. Be Angry, v. kalipa, (Int.) kaliAll, a. -onse. All about, all over, pizya.
panonse, chonde chonse. That's all, Animal, v. inama (—).
it's all over (ended), epala, chapwa, Ankle, n. akakonko (utu-k.—also
ekuputula.
wrist, knee, elbow).
Allot, v. nkanya, awanya, awana. Anklet, n. (of brass-wire) ulu•.Allow, v. (permit) leka, lekela,
sambo (n-s.—also armlet).
(acknowledge) vumila.
A n n o y , v. chuzya, tendeka,
Almost, adv. panini (i. e. within sauzya.
a little).
Anoint, v. (rub with oil) suwa.
Alone, a. -eka (often -enka). I
Another, a. (similar) -nakwe, (difalone, newo nenka.
ferent) -mbi, (a second) -a kawili.
ANSWER
8,j
AT
At another place (occasion, & c ) ,(nearly touch, e.g. as a standard)
pambi, kambi, mwandi.
Another kuma.
man's wife, umkazi wa wene.
Approve, v. (like) temwa, (asAnswer, v. (y)asuka—but com- sent to) vumila.
monly sosa, wizya (i. e. say, tell).
Arbitrate, v. pingula, umlandu,
Ant, n. (white) nyiswa (—), eluzya.
(brown, biting) umunayu (imi-nl,
Argue, v. sosa (sosela, sosana)
(another kind) ichiwengele (ivi-w.^.
umulandu.
Antelope, n. (no general term
A r m , n. ukuwoko (ama-w).
except inama, i. e. animal). Various Armlet, n. (of brass-wire) ulukinds are insefu (eland), inkonze sambo (n-s.—also anklet).
(hartebeste), ichipomo (klipspringer), Armpit, n. ukwapa (amapa).
imperembe (roan), ichuzwe (waterArrange, v. (put in order) Ivamya,
buck), nzirawe, ichipulupulu (koo-longa, (control, direct) panga, pangdoo), inyumbu (wildebeste), inseula a-mano, (settle, decide) pingula,
(puku), iloko (sable), impoyo, in-eluzya.
swela (red buck), ichiwawala (bush
Arrive, v. (reach, come to) izila,
buck).
fika (oT,fwika).
Ant-hill, n. ichulu (ivyulu).
Arrogance, n. ichizaza, ukuipa,
Be Anxious, v. (in doubt, per- ufumu.
plexity) kaika.
Arrow, n. umufwi (imi-fwi).
A n y h o w , adv. (at random, at Place an arrow on the string, chit-opleasure, as one can or likes—often mufwi. A i m an arrow, fiamika.
disparagingly) ve,—used indepenArtery, n. (blood-vessel) ulusipa
dently or as affix, e. g. tukale ve, let
(n-s I).
us live as w e like. Mvi ve, just so Be Artful, v. chenjela.
(no better, in a poor sort of way).
Artisan, n. (skilled workman)
A p e , n. See M o n k e y .
fundi (wa-fi).
Aperient, a. A n aperient mediAs, conj. (like) nti, kuwanti, nga.
cine, umuti w-o-kunyezya mala.
As soon as, epo, upu; mpo, upu. (See
Apologize, v.papata.
W h e n , Since.) As to, as for, pa.
Apparition, n. ichinzingwa (ici- Ascend, v. (a hill) tumbila,
nz., ghost of a person).
(ku)ya pamulu.
Appeal, v. (humbly request, gently Ash, Ashes, n. umuto (imito).
clapping the hands) papata.
Be Ashamed, v. chita insoni.
Appear, v. (become visible) wc- Ask, v. (question) fumba, (reneka.
quest, beg) lomba.
Appease, v. (make quiet, calm)
Be Asleep, v. lala utulo.
teka, (satisfy) kuzya.
Assemble, v. (Nt.) longana, sonAppetite, n. mutima (i. e. desire,kana, wumba, (Act.) longanya, sonin general). His appetite was kezya.
roused (satisfied),- mutima
wafuma
Assembly, n. umulongo (imi-ll),
(waikala).
uwumba.
Applaud, v. (with clapping) omba
Assent, v, vumila.
manja (or, mumanja, or ulupi),
Assist, v. avwa. Assist me!
(praise) tazya, lumba.
Ngavweni !
Applause, n. (clapping) ttkomb-o- Astonish, v. kanga, (greatly)
lupi (i. e.'ukuomba ulupi).
kangizya, zimvizya. A common exApply" v. (as paint, plaster, &c.) pression of astonishment is, wona
singa, (bring to bear) (w)ula.
yangu I i. e. just look !
Approach, v. iya (or, iza) pepi, At, prp. pa, ku, mu, pali, Sec. At
ATOM
90
BATHE
our (their) home, kumyesu (kum- &c.) itumba (ama-ll), (other kinds)
imbukuli (—), baasha, basya (—),
yawo).
Atom, n. (particle of earth) imkoba.
Baggage, n. (loads) ivipe.
akavu (utuvu).
Attend, v. (listen, heed), umvwa, Bail, v. luwula.
umvwila, umvwizya, (take care of) Bait, n. (forfish,&c.) nyambo.
Bake, v. ocha, ochela.
sunga, (be in attendance on) paBaldness, Baldhead, n. ipala.
lama.
Attendant, n. (on chief) umwina Bale, n. (of calico, &c.) umutumbd (imi-tl). v. Bale out (water),
.(awend), chamata (wa-chl), umupazya (amenzi).
longa (awa-ll).
Ball, n. umpila (imi-pl). Play at
Attention, n. ukumvwa, umuball, twa mupila.
sungilo.
Bamboo, n. umusengu (imi-sl).
Be Audible, v. umvwika.
Banana, n. (plant and fruit)
Aunt, n. (father's sister) wawo
(awa-w.), (mother's sister) ivama ikonde (ama-kl), intoche (—).
Banish, v. (drive away) tamfya,
munini.
Avert, v. (turn aside, ward off) wutuzya.
Banjo, n. izeze (ama-zl). (See
sola.
Music.)
Await, v. lindila.
Bank, n. (ofriver,&c.) uluchena
Awake, v. (Nt.) wuka, (Act.)
(n-chena), (ground on either side)
wuzya.
isilya (ama-sl), (heap of earth) umuA w e , n. umwenzo, ukutina.
Awl, n. (native tool) umusumbu pembwe (imi-pl).
Bare, a. (clear, open) -awuta,
(imi-sl).
Be Awry, v. (on one side, not in -asweta, -enka, (naked) -oluvunwa,
-owamba.
place) pungama.
Bargain, v. sita. I have made a
Axe, n. izembe (ama-zl).
good bargain, nasitizya pakulu.
Babble, v. (talk foolishly) fiusa.
Bark, n". (of tree) ichipapa (ivi-pl)
Baboon, n. kolwe (wa-kl).
Baby, n. imbuza, umwana mbuza(oblong piece) ichipande (ivi-p.),
umukwa (imikwa), (strip) uluzizi
(awana-wambuzd), (at breast) ako(n-zl), (animal cry) inkonde, see
onka.
Bachelor, n. umusimbi (awa-s.,Cry. Remove bark from a tree,
funda, komola. Bark cloth, ichipiti
also spinster).
Bask, n. (back side) inuma, (of (ivi-pl).
body) umusana (inn-s., i.e. lower Barrel, n. (of gun) umututu
(imi-tl).
part, across loins), umongololo (upper
Barren, a. A barren woman,
part), adv. numa, panuma. Go
ichumba (ivyumbd).
back, wela.
Bad, a. (in all senses) -awipa, wi, Barter, v. sita, sitana.
(morally, esp. lying, deceitful) -ufi. Bask, n. (in sun) otel-a-kazua, (by
Be bad, wipa, do badly, wifya. Gofire) ot-o-mulilo.
Basket, n. (deep, for carrying
bad, (putrid) (w)ola. Be bad for,
grain, &c.) ichipe (ivipe), (common)
(not suit) wipila.
ulupe (ama-lupe), (large) ichilupe
Badness, n. ukuwipa, -uwufi,
(ivilupe), (small) akalupe (utulupe)
uwi.
Baffle, v. kanga, (puzzle) kai-(another kind) ichitundu (ivi-tl),
(flat, shallow) umusele (imi-s.),
kizya.
Bag, h. (grass, for carrying grain,ichisele, akasele.
Bathe, v. samba.
BATTLE
91
BIG
Battle, n. (war) inkondo (—), tendeko (imi-tl), umwambo (imi-al),
vita (—), (fighting) ukulasana, ukid-(source, origin) intulo.
payana.
On Behalf of, prp, umulandu
Be, v. wa, li.
wa, ichifukwa cha.
Bead, Beads, n. uwulungu (no
Behave, v. chita.
PI.).
Behind, adv. prp. pa (ku) numa
Beak, n. umulomo (imi-l.).
(yd). Stay behind (be left), syala.
B e a m , n, (of wood), ichiti (i-Be behind time (be late), kokola.
viti).
Believe, v. umvwa (bear, attend
Bean, n. (common kinds) ilanda to, obey), vumila (accept, trust).
(ama-ll), inkunde (—). Dish of Bellows, n. utnuuwa {mi-uwd).
beans cooked, ichilanda (ivi-ll). Blow with bellows, vukuta muwa.
Bear, v. (a load) pita, (w)ula, Belly, n. ivumo (ama-vl).
twala, (offspring) vyala, (fruit) twala Beloved, a. -atevielwa (Ps. of
(with irregular M d . -twite), (endure)temwa, love).
vumilila. ~
., Below, adv. prp. pansi (kunsi,
Beard, n. imievu (,S. umwevu, a mutisi) ya.
hair of beard).
Belt, n. (waistband of any kind)
Beast, inama (—).
ilamba (ama-ll).
Beat, v. (strike) puma, nona,
Bend, v. (Nt. bend down, stoop)
(surpass) chila, chizya, (be too much
inama, (be pliant) naka. (Act.
for) kanga, (of the heart) tutuma. bend round, in curve) peta. Bend up
Beautiful, a. -awama, -ne.
arms and legs (as in sleep, or for
Because (of), conj. prp. ichi- burial) fuka, fukana.
Be bent,
fukwa (cha).
curved, peteka.
B e c k o n to, v. chewizya, cheuzya. Beneath, adv. prp. pansi (yd).
Bed, Bedstead, n. usanzi (amaBenefit, n. (benefaction, profit)
sl). "Side, end-piece, umutazi (imi- isyuko (ama-sl).
tl), leg, ulupanda (ama-pl), iridi Bequeath to, v. (make heir)
(ama-r.).
pianika.
Bee, n. uluzima (nzimu). Cluster
Be Bereaved, v. siwa, fwilwa,
of bees, ichilela (jvi-ll).
mdnama.
Beer, n. (native) uwalwa. Stir
Beseech, v.papata. (See Beg.)
beer, sanzika uwalwa.
A large
Best, a. This cloth is the very
draught or share of beer, ichiwalwa best of all, insalu nji yawama into
(ivi-wl), a small share, akawalwayeka. (See Most.)
(utu-wl).
Betroth, v. ufya, ufyanya (cause
Before, adv. prp. pa ntanzi (ya). to marry, Cs. of upd).
G o before (precede), tanjila. Be
Better, a. It is better (to), chabefore (beforehand,first),wala.
wama (with Infin.).
Beg, v. lomba, (urgently) lomBetween, adv. prp. pa kali ka.
bezya, (holding out hands) pembelela, Bewail, v. lila, lilila.
(humbly, with gentle clapping) paBeware, v. isunga (guard onepata, papatila. Beg pardon (mercy, self;.
Sec), papata.
Bewilder, v. kangizya, zimvizya,
Beget, v, vyala.
kaikizya.
Begin, v. (Nt. and Act.) tendeka, Bewitch, v. lowa.
(y)amba, (originate) tula, (make a
Beyond, adv. prp. pa ntanzi
start) ima, (befirstto) tendekela, (be
(yd).
beforehand) wala.
Big, a. -kulu. Get big, kula.
Beginning, n. ukutendeka, umu- Make big !bigger), kuzya. A very
BIND
92
BROKEN
big man, ichimuntu (iviwantii).Booty, n. ivyahuteka.
Border, n. umupaka (imi-pl).
(Size is often indicated by the AugBorder on, pakana.
mentative prefix ichi-, ivi-.)
Bore, v. (a hole) tula, passa.
Bind, v. (fasten, tie) kaka,
Be Born, v. vyalwa.
(tightly) kakizya.
Borrow, v. (also, lend—of a
Bird, n. in/uni (—), (large)
ichuni (ivyuni), (small) akoni thing to be itself returned) azima,
azimika, (goods to be paid for) apula,
(utuni). Birdlime, uwulimbo.
kopa. Cs. apuwizya, kopezya, i. e.
Bite, v. suma.
Bitter, a. (salt, acid, & c ) . Be lend.
Both, a. -wili, -onse -wilt.
bitter, lowa.
Bottle, n. umusukupala (imi-sl).
Black, a. -afita.
Bottom, n. (base, foot, lowest
Blacksmith, n. umufuzi (wa
part) isamba (ama-sl). At the
chela).
Blame, v. (show displeasure at) bottom, pansi.
Boundary, n. umupaka (imi-pl).
kalipila. (See Accuse.)
Blaze, v. (as fire) yaka, yakizya, B o w , n. (weapon) uwuta (amata).
Aim a bow, fiamika.
(of sunshine) walizya.
B o w down, v. (Nt.) inama.
Bleed, v. (by cupping, Act.)
Bowels, n. mala (—).
uwika, (Nt.) fuma umulopa.
Blind, a. -pofu. Be blind, po- Boy, n. (not girl) mwanalume
(awan.), (small) umwaiche (awaiche),
fula, liwuka(amenso), tulika amenso.
(big) umulumbwana (awa-ll).
Make blind, tiwula.
Bracelet, n. (of brass-wire) uluBlock up, v. (as door, road)
sensa (nsensa), (of ivory) ikoza
chilikizya.
Blood, n. umulopa. Draw (shed) (ama-kl).
b\oQ&,fumya umulopa. (See Bleed.) Branch, n. (of tree) umusambo
(imi-sl).
Blood-vessel, n. ulusipa (nsipa,
Brass, n. ichtkungu. Articles of
amalusipa).
brass, ivikungu. (See Copper.)
Bloom, Blossom, v. tumba.
Blow, v. (with mouth) pepa, pe- Break, v. lowa. Nt. loweka, vuna.
pela, (with bellows) vukuta, (as Nt. vunika and vunaika. Break off,
wind) pita. Blow away, ulula.kozola, putula. Break in (tame)
teka.
Blow up afire,pepela pa mulilo.
Breast, n. ichifua (ivi-fl), (of a
n. Give a blow to, puma.
female) iwele (ama-wl).
Blue, a. See Colour.
Breath, n. impuwe (—). Draw
Blunder, v. wifya.
in breath, kula umoyo. Exhale
Be Blunt, v.fupa.
Bridge,
n. mpuwe.
ueulaloBreathe
(ama-ll).
breath,
fumya
hard,
Bluster, Boast, v. itazya, zaza,
Be Bright, v. (as sun, moon) wala,
ipa ufumu.
walizya, (as fire, lamp, & c ) yaka,
Board, n. ichiti chapapatala,
$ a nika, (as glass, metal) wakama,
itabwa. (ama-tl).
(of light tint) wuta, swela.
Boat, n. See Canoe.
Body, n. umuili (imiili), (dead; Brim, n. umulomo (imi-ll).
Bring, v. tela, (take, fetch) (w)ula,
infwa (—).
twala. Bring up (near), tela.
Bog, n. matipa.
Broad, a. -kulu (big).
Boil, v. pisha. Be boiling
Be Broken, v. toweka. (See
(boiled), pya.
Bold, a. H e is bold, at a kweteBreak.)
mwenzo (he has no fear).
Bone, n. ifupa (ama-fl).
BROOK
s)3
CHAFE
Brook, n. akamana (utu-ml).
be able, or by a simple Present or
B r o o m , n. (of leaf-strips) ichezwa Future Tense. Thus, nakunyamula,
(ivy-el).
I can lift you. Ntakupite, I can
Brother, n. uwesu (awesu).
carry you, Utezi (i. e. utaizi) kusosa,
Bubble, n. (l)ifulo (ama-fl).
he cannot speak.
Build, v. imaka (with poles, & c ) .
Canoe, n. uwato (amato).
Bullet, n. ichipolo (ivi-pl).
Cap, n. (for head) nkoftla, umuBundle, n. (cloth wrapper) umu- chombo (imi-c), ichisoli (ivi-sl),
tolo (ivii-t.). Tie in a bundle, kaka
••. European) chapewa.
ummutolo.
Capable, a. See Can.
Bungle, v. wifya.
Care, n. (attention) umusungilo,
B u r n , v. (Nt. blaze, asfire)yaka, ukulindila. Take care, sunga,
(be hot) wangama. Act. (apply firesungila.
to) ocha, ochela, pisya. H e got Carouse, v. kolwa.
burnt at thefire,apya ku mulilo.
Carry, v. (a load) pita (ichipe),
Bury, v. zika.
twala, (w)ula, (on pole between two
Bush, n. (small tree) ichimpuza men) temba. Carry a child on the
(ivi-ntl), (jungle) ichonde, umsitu.back, papa. Carry on, (prolong,
Business, n. (serious affair) umu- make project) chizya (Cs. of chila>.
landu.
Carve, v. lemba. Carved work,
Bustle, v. angufianya.
carving, nembo, ttdembo.
But, conj. ekuti, epo, (on the con- Case, n. (affair, subject of debate)
trary) kambi, (but only, except) umulandu (imi-ll), (cover) ingonelo,
kuntu.
ichifiso (ivi-fi), (sheath of knife)
Butt, n. (thick end) (l)ilako
ichuwo (ivyuo). Get up a case,
(ama-tl).
panga umulandu. In case of, pa
Butterfly, n. ichipipya (ivi-pl). kuli.
Buttock, n. itako (ama-tl).
Cassava, n. tule (watute).
Button, n. ichifungo (ivi-fl).
Cast, v. (throw)poza. See T h r o w .
B u y , v. sita (also, sell), (w)ula. Castor-oil, n. amafuta a umono
G o and buy food, piteni mkasite (or,(the plant).
mkole, i. e. mkaule) vyakulya.
Cat, n. (wild, native) impaka (—),
B y , adv. prp, pa, ku, kuli, na. (foreign, domestic) ichona manga.
Cackle, v. tetela.
Catch, v. (seize, grasp) (i)kata,
Cage, n. open (wickerwork) in- (in trap) ola, tea, (find, come on>
sangala (—).
sanga. Catch fish, ipaya inswi.
Calamity, n. ichintu chiwi, leza.Follow and catch up, londola.
Calculate, v. penda.
Cattle, n. ng'ombe (—). CattleCalf, n. (of leg) akapavu (w-apl). pen , ichiwaya (ivi-w.), ikola (ama-k.),
Calico, n. insalu (—).
Cause, v. (make, produce) chita,
Call, v. ila, (shout) lila. Call panga, lenga, (bring about)ponezya.
back (by signs) cheula. M a k e a call Be Cautious, v. sunga, isunga.
(visit), pempula.
Cease, v. pwa, pela, sila, (See
Calm, v. teka, (pacify) temwani- End.)
zya. Be calm (composed) tekanya, Centre, n. kali—only used with
(gentle) nakilila, petama.
prp. pa, mu, £fc. Pa kali ka, in the
Can, v. Expressed by kuwa (or centre of.
kuli) na amano (of mental) or ivizo Certain, a. (true, fact) -ne. It is
(of bodily ability). Also by izi, i. e.
quite certain, ichine (or ukwine)
know how, and sometimes by la, v. kantu. Certainly (yes), inde.
[ Chafe, v. (rub the skin off) folola.
CHAIR
94
CLOUD
Choke, v. (stick in throat) pala.
Chair, n. (native stool) inchipuna
Choose, v. sala.
(ivi-pl).
Chop, v. cheka, tema.
Chance, n. B y chance (unintenBe Circular, v. vulungana. Mark
tionally), te umumbo, waka.
Change, v. (Nt.) sanguka, aluka, out a circular hut, sika ng'anda.
Be Civil, v. chindika, chita mu(Act.) aluzya, alula, sangula.
Channel, n. (ditch, trench) um- chinzi (civility).
Claim, v. (as a right, debt, &c.)
konkola (imi-kl), (bed of torrent)
pinda. I claim m y property from
ichilindi (ivi-ll).
Character, n. (disposition) umu- you, nkokupinda ichuma chanji.
Clan, n. (family and connexions,
tima.
Charge, n. Have in charge, sunga, often forming one or more villages)
ichifulo (ivi-fulo).
linda.
C h a r m , n. (amulet) inchilizi (—), Clap, v. Clap hands, (loudly, as
(for removing sickness) uluwuko, salute) omba ulupe, lambda, (gently,
uwanga. Use a charm for sickness, as appeal) papata.
Clasp, v. kata.
wuka.
Claw, n. ichala (ivyala). Seize
Chatter, v. (talkfoolishly)pusa,
with claws, tola, Una.
pusika.
Cheat, v. wepa, chenjela, (Act.) Clay, n. (for pottery, Sec) iwumba.
chenjezya, chita, uwufi, punza. n. Clean, a. -awuta. Be clean, wuta,
wutika. M a k e clean, wutizya, (by
umchenjezi (awa-chl).
Cheek, n. iwozu (ama-wl), ituntu washing) samba, (by rubbing) suwa,
(by cutting, clearing off) konda.
(ama-tl).
. Cleanness, n. ukuwuta, unino,
Chest, n. (breast) ichifua (ivi-fl).
uwunino.
C h e w , v. zyeta.
Be Clear, v. (visible) oneka, (open,
Chicken, n. akankoko, akana ka
unoccupied) wuta, sweta, A clear
nkoko.
Chief, n. infumu
(—) — also srja.ce,uluama(amalu-anza,amanza),
meaning any free person. More dis- (cleared of trees) akasewasewa (ututinctive and respectful title, kalonga sl). Clear out, (by digging, &c.)
fukula.
(awa-kl), umsumba (imi-sl), sikulu
Clever, a. -a-mano, -chenjete. H e
(a-sl) A chiefs slave, umulonga
(awa-ll), personal attendant, umwina is clever, akwat-a-mano, amano akwe
(awend), overseer, kawilo (wa-kl), ainji.
Climb, v. nina, (a hill) tumbila.
Councillor (inferior chief), umumbili
Close, a. (near) pepi, -a pepi.
(awa-ml), subject, umulandu (awall). A chief is also umufulo (ama-fl), C o m e (pass) close to, kuma, kumya.
as head of his clan (family and con- Be close together (in contact, meetnexions, ichifulo). Install as chief,ing) kumana.
pianikaekalepa chipuna (official seat). Close, v. (shut) izala, (half shut)
Chieftainship, n. vfumu, uka- chinga, (a hole, aperture) chilila,
(thefist)fumbata, (bring to an end)
longa, umsumba..
Child, n. umwana (awana), um- sila. (See End.)
waiche (awa-il), umwana
munini, Cloth, n. (calico) insalu (—),
(native, cotton) itonje (ama-tl), (of
(baby) imbuza (wa-ml). .
Childbirth, n. ukuvyala kwa bark) ichipili (ivi-pl).
Clothe, v. vwika. (See Dress.)
umwana. •
Childhood, n. uwaiche, ttnini. Clothes, n. insalu zya kuvwala.
(See Dress.)
Chin, n. akanensL (utu-nl), umuCloud, n. ikumbi (ama-k.).
kunu (imi-k.j.
CLTJB
95
CONSENT
Club, n. (knobbed stick) inkdmolo C o m m e r c e , n. ukusita.
(:—), inkoli, ichikoli, akakoli.
C o m m i t , v. (entrust) ika, ikila,
Cluster, n. (of bees) ichilela(do) chita.
(ivi-ll), (of flowers, &c.) ichipupuC o m m o n , a. (abundant) -ayula,
(ivi-pl).
-inji, (for all) -a-wantu wonse,
Coast, n. (mainland, dry land, as (everywhere, always) -a konse-konse,
opp. to water) umulundu. Coast -a nsiku zyonse, (inferior) -awipa,
region of East Africa, kumbwani, -aanguka.
kumanga. .
Companion, n. mune (wane).
Coax, v. (with words) pepeza, sosya Compare, v. linganya.
wino-wino, (beckon to) chewizya.
Compel, v. patika, patikizya.
Cobra, n. ulukungwi.
Compensate, v. (pay) futa, (in a
Cock, n. tambala (wa-tl).
law suit) futa mulandu.
Coil, n. ivungu (ama-vl). Be in
Compensation, n. ifuto (ama-fl).
coils, coiled up,lata ivungu, vungana. Compete, v. kangana, yezyana.
Coin, n. ndalama (—).
Complain, v. (feel a grievance)
Cold, n. impepo, (chill) ichelele.
singinika, (ask redress) papatila.
Be (get) cold, pola, talala. Cold
Complete, a. -onse, -a musuma.
season, umwera.
(See Finish.)
Colic, n. ichamunda.
Compliment, n. muchinzi. v.
Collect, v. (Act.) longa, longanya,
sosa muchinzi, chindika.
kumba, sonkezya, (food, labour, Sec, Conceal, v.fisa.
for the service of a chief) tula.
Conceit, n. ichizaza. Show
Colour, n. (artificial colouring conceit, chita (lenga) ichizaza, zaza.
matter, paint) impemba (—), lanji Conciliate, v. teka, temwezya.
(—). Colours are mostly grouped as
Concubine, n. umziche (awa-zl).
light, pale, -awuta (clean, white), and C o n d e m n , v. (fine for crime)
dark, dull, -afita (black, dark blue,fulizya.
& c ) , while -asweta includes a
Condiment, n. umunane (imi-nl),
decided red, i. e. bright,rich,deep ichalunga.
colour.
Condition, n. (state, circumCombine, v. (mix together) stances) ichikalo (ivi-kl), ukukala,
sanzya. Nt. (as parts of a whole) ukuenda.
kumana.
Conduct, v. (a person, convey)
C o m e , v. iza, M d . izile, Ap. izila.
twala.
C o m e (along), enda, endela, (to) Confess, v. vumila, (by asking
tika, izila, (out, from) fuma, (down)
pardon) papata.
ika, (up to, reach, touch) kuma.
Be Confused, v. (in doubt) kaika.
C o m e to pass, pona, ponela. C o m e
Confusion, n. (state of) ukutahere! wizano 1 M a y I come in ? watawa.
checho ? C o m e in ! Kachipite, zopiteBe Congealed, v. kambatana.
(i.e. uza upitel).
Connect, v. (join together) lunda,
Comfort, v. ukwenda uwino. Be lundika.
comforted (calm, quiet) tekanya.
Conquer, v. kanga.
Everything is very comfortable, onse Conscience, n. (feelings, heart)
awama kantu. v. teka, sekezya.
umutima.
C o m m a n d , n. ipango (ama-pl), Consciousness, n. Recover con(scheme, design) amano.
Obey sciousness, zizimuka.
command, sunga amano..
Consecrate, v. (make an offering)
C o m m e n d , v. (praise) lumba, pupa.
(entrust) wikila.
Consent, v. vumila.
CONSIDER
96
COUNTRY
Consider, v, (think about) kum- makani.
Hold a conversation,
buzya, (carefully) kumbuka ukondi simika (panga, pinga) ilyasi (or
(ukoli, ukwali, Sec).
tnakani), simika, sosana.
Console, v. teka, sekezya.
Convert, v. aluzya, alula.
Be Conspicuous, v. (visible)
Convey, v, twala, (w)ula, pita.
oneka, (prominent) chila.
Cook, v. (in general) pika, pizya,
Be Constipated, v. kaka mala. (of porridge) naya.
I a m constipated, mala, alikakile.
Cooking-pot, n. The commonest
Construct, v. (in general, make) are nongo (—), also inongo (ama-n.),
chita, panga, (a house) imaka.
umutondo (imi-tl), (smaller) umConsult, v. (seek advice) fwaya wipika (imi-p,), ululilo (ndilo).
amano. Consult together, chilana Other kinds are ickinkombe, ntalo,
amano.
ichisimpwilo, akasuku. (See also
Consumption, n. (chest disease) Vessel.)
ukulwala ichifua.
Cool, a. Be cool (cold), get cool,
Contact, n. C o m e in contact with, pola, talala, (calm, contemptuous,
kuma, (each other, meet, join) nonchalant) misula. Cool oneself
kumana. Bring into contact, cause (by fanning, &e.), pupula. (See
to touch, kumya.
Cold.)
Be Contagious, v. ambukiza.
Copper, n. umukuwa, (ore) ichiContain, v. (possess, hold, have) kungu, (alloy, brass) uwutale. •
kwata, also kwete.
Copy, v. konka, konkana, linga.
Contempt, n. Treat with conCord, n. (bark strip) ulizizi
tempt, angula. Be contemptible, (must), (twisted or rolled) ichikungo
anguka.
(ivi-kl), (small) akakungo (utu-k.),
Be Content, v. (acquiesce) vumila,(of hemp, & c ) umwando (imi-al),
temwa, (comforted) tekanya, (have (small), ichingwe (ivi-ngwe). Twist,
enough)kuta. Heiscontented, mu- or plait, cord, luka ichingwe, Sec.
tima waikala.
Cork u p , v. (close aperture)
Be Continent, v, (restrain oneself) chilila. Take out cork (bung,
ilezya.
stopper, & c ) , chilula.
Continual, a. -a nsiku zhyonse.
Corner, n. (from outside) ichitwe
Continue, v. (go on doing any- (ivi-tl), (from inside) ichifuntu
thing) -koti (from v. ti), (with energy,
(ivi-f.).
perseverance) pumilila (hammer
Corpse, n. infwa (—).
away at); (last, endure) ikala, ko- Corpulent, a. A corpulent person,
kola.
umukulu ivumo, umuputu.
Contract, v. (make agreement)
Correct, v. (putright)wamizya,
vumilizyana.
(put back) welezya.
Contradict, v. kana, kanila. Be
Correspond, v. (match each other)
contradictory, lekana.
lingana^
Contrary, a, on the contrary,
Be Corroded, v. Uwa (from v.
kambi.
lid).
Contrast, v. (compare) linganya, Cottage, n. (small house) aka(differ) lekana.
nanda (utu-nl).
Contribution, n. sonka.
Cotton, n. (plant and fibre) itonji.
Contrive, v.panga (lenga) amano. Cough, v. kola.
Control, v. (order, arrange)/to«sja, Count, v. (calculate, reckon)
panga amano, wamizya.
penda, pendela.
Be Convenient, v. wamila.
Country, n. (in general, region,
Conversation, n. ihasi (ama-l.), district) ichalo (ivyalo). T h e Wisa
COUNTRYMAN
97
CURSE
Country, Uwisa. Flat, grassy counCross, v. (river, &c.) awuka.
try, ichinika (ivi-nl).
Take across, awuzya. Cross each
Countryman, n. (of same country other, pindama. Put across, crossor tribe) umkowa (awa-kl).
wise, pushyanya.
Courageous, a. H e is courageous, Be Cross, v. (sulky, put out)
amisula, takwat-o-mwenzo.
potama umtima, (ku)wa-kali, chita
Court, n. (of justice, place of inkanza.
hearing) insaka (—), (clear space,
Crossing-place,
n.
ichawu
enclosed or not) uluanza (amaluanza, (ivy-a.).
and manza). Put in Court, imilila Crouch, v. inama, (for spring)
(wewelela) kuli infumu, songela tumbana.
umulandu.
Crowd, n. (in a mass) iwumba
Be Courteous, v. chindika, (i)pa(ama-wl), (infile)umulongo (imi-l.^.
muchinzi.
A great crowd of people, viwantu.
Cover, v. vunika, (with thatch, Form a crowd, wumba.
&c.) vimba. Cover with a cloth,
Cruelty, n. nkanza, ukali.
vimba ku nsalu. n. (in general)
Crumble, v. (as clods of earth)
ichivuniko (ivi-fl). Put the cover
pukusuka, (Act.) pukusula (utuvu).
on the pot, vunika pa nongo.
Crush, v. shinola.
Covet, v. kumbwa.
Cry, v. lila. n. (in general, of
Covetousness, n. (miserliness) man, beast, and bird) inkonde (—),
akaso, (avarice) ukukumbwa.
iziwi (ama-zl), ukulila. Different
C o w , n. ng'ombe iyanakazi.
cries (of alarm, hand to lips) umkuwe,
Coward, n. H e is a coward, (of welcome, trill with tongue) umalatina, achit-o-mwenzo (i. e. cowarpundu, (shout) ' akawele (utu-wl),
dice).
(hubbub, uproar) ichiwawa, umuCrack, n. ulufune (amarfi). v, ngwe.
panda, pandula.
Cubit, n. (half yard, of calico)
Crafty, a. -chenjele. Be crafty,
umkono (imi-kl).
chenjela.
Cultivate, v. (hoe) lima.
Cram, v. (y)ulizya, kutizya.
Cultivation, n. amalimo.
Crawl, v, nyamila.
Cunning, n. uchenjezi. Be cunBe Crazy, v. junta.
ning, chenjela.
Create, v. (make) chita, lenga, C u p , v. (bleed)
uwika,—the
panga, (cause to be) ponya, ponezya, instrument used being umuwiko,
(as a potter) wumba.
The work of cupping-horn.
creation is described as ukupalaCure, v. pozya (with medicine,
nganya vintu vyonse, i. e. spreadingi. e. n-o-muti), wuzya (by removing
things about, putting down here and a spell, using a charm, uluwuko).
there.
Be (get) cured, pola (by medicine),
Creep, v. nyamila.
wuka (by a charm).
Crest, n. (top-knot, tuft) inzela Curious, a. It is curious, a
Crime, n. chawipa (vya-wl). He
curiosity, tatuchizi (i. e. w e do not
commits crimes, is a criminal, ula- know it), chakangizya (it astonishes).
W e are curious to know, tukofwaya
wifya.
Cripple, n. Be a cripple, sunta. ukuiziwa.
Crocodile, n. nwena (—), ng'wena, Current, n. (of water, air) umkuku
(imi-kl).
ng'andu.
BeW.H.Crooked, v. potama, chitaG Curse, v. lapizya. Expressions
used are, ichiwanda chimtntlisye,
vifuntu.
leza nkanga nazyo.
CURVE
98
DEFER
ukucha, uluchelo, kwacha, usiku
Curve, n. ichipeto (ivi-pl).
Custom, n. It is our custom, wacha, (sun - rise) kazua kacha
htkozyowela mvyo (we are accustomed (katuld), (fore-noon) kazua kanina,
(noon) kazua pakati, or pa kati ka
to this).
Cut, v. Cut (in general, cut off, cutmutwe, (afternoon) kazua kasela, or
down, with axe or knife) cheka, tema,kasendama, (evening) uchunguh,
pinika, teta, (chop) tema, (slice up)(sunset) kazua kawa, (twilight)
chekaula, (in strips) panda, (with kwaila, usiku waila, (night) usiku
hand or knife, grass) sewa, (ears of (nsiku), (dead of night) usiku
grain) putula. Cut up a dead animal, chelele.
(in joints) waila, (theflesh)tanta. Daylight, n. akazua (utu-zual.
Cut hair, sesa misisi, (with razor, Dead, a, A dead thing of any sort,
shave) wea. Be cut short, (come to ichitanda (ivi-t.), (human body)
end, stop) pela, putula, pwa. Cut infwa (—). H e is dead, afwa,
afwile.
in two, cheka pakati.
Deadly, a. -epaya (-a-ipaya,
Damage, v. wifya, (wound) lasa.
killing).
Danee, n. ichila (ivila), ng'oma.
First stage (figure) of dance, ichilimbi. Deaf, a. chiwulu. H e is deaf,
tomvwa (i. e. ta-umvwa), ankoma
v. vina, Cs. vinizya.
D a n d y , n. H e is a dandy, ulifwite,malwe, lakwata matwe.
Dear, a. (costly) -autna, (beloved)
ulivwalile.
•atemekwa, -atemelwa. Dear goods,
Dangerous, a. -awipa.
amakwewo auma.
Dark, a. -afita. Be dark,fita.It
is getting dark, kwaila, kwafita, Death, n. ulufiwi. D o to death,
usiku waila. It is very dark in the hasten death of, pulizya, jwizya.
Debate, n. umulandu (imi-tl),
house, umunanda mwqfitizya.
Darkness, n. ukufita, imfinzi.uwusosi.
Debt, n. ingawa (ama-nl), ingoIn the dark, n-e-finzi.
ng'ole (ama-nl), uwapo (amapo,
Dart, v. (like lightning) vyala.
D a u b , v. (roughly, with mud, Sec) amawapo).
Decay, v. (w)ola.
mata, masa, (finally, with plaster,
Deceit, n. ukuchenjeta, ukuwepa,
paint, &c.) singa.
Daughter, n. (as offspring) um- (falsehood) uvtufi.
Deceive, v. chenjela, chenjezya,
wana (wand), (not son) umwana
viukazi, (in relation to parents) wepa, wepezya, punza.
Decide, v. (a suit, question) sosa
nkazi.
D a w n , n. ukucka, uluchelo, (very(or pinguid) umulandu, eluzya,
early) ukumacha. (See Morning.) (resolve) fwaya, fwayizya.
Decorate, v. (make beautiful)
v. cha, tula.
D a y , n. (period of twenty-four wamizya, (fit up, adorn) samika.
n. ulusamiko
hours) isiku (ama-sl), (period of day- Decorations,
light) akazua (utu-zud). D a y and (ama-sl).
night, akazua n-o-siku (i.e. na usiku). Decrease, v. pungula.
Deep, a. The well is deep, ichisima
O n what day, isiku ndi? akazua
nzi ? At what time of day, akazua chilipansi. The river is deep, amenzi
s'ani? At such and such a time, enji.
Defeat, v. kanga, chila, (drive off)
akazua mvi (i.e. the sun thus,—its
position being indicated by pointing). tamfya. Be defeated, vilwa.
Defend, v. sunga, lindila.
Times of day are described as, (very
Defer, v. lalika, fuvya. Be deearly dawn) ukumacha, (dawn)
ferred, lala,fuvyika.
DEFICIENT
99
DISPERSE
Be Deficient, v. chepa.
pungula, (run short) chepa, (Act.)
Degree, n. By degrees, panini chefya.
panini.
Dip, v. (in water) samba, sambizya,
Delay, v. (Nt. be slow, be a long (deeply) iwila, (so as to soak) zuika,
time) kokola.
(food in gravy) towela (p-o-muto).
Deliver, v. (give) pa, (rescue)
Direct, v. (manage, arrange) panga,
fokezya, (from drowning) awula.
wizizya, (show the way) langila nzila.
D e m a n d , v. (as right, claim)
Direction, n. (order, rule) ipango
pinda.
(ama-pl), amano.
Deny, v. kana.
Directly, adv. (at once) nomba,
Depart, v. ima, enda, (i)ya.
nomba pano, (quickly) kangu.
Deprive, v. (w)ulila, pokela.
Dirt, n. (anything that soils) ichiko,
Depth, n. ukwenda pansi.
(uncleanness,filth)usali, (soil, earth)
Descend, v. ika, ika pansi, tenteivu, (excrement) utuvi.
muka.
Dirty, a. -sail. Y o u are dirty,
Desert, v. sia ve, leka.
wewo musali, uli n-e-chiko. The
Deserve, v. It is what you deserve, house is dirty (unswept), ing'anda
chakuwamila (it is good, right for yasapa.
you), (chakuwipila, it is bad, wrong Disagree, v. (differ) lekana, (not
for you).
suit) wipila.
Desire, v.fwaya, lemwa, (greatly) Disaster, n. chawipa (vya-wl).
temwezya, kumbwa. n. (in general)
Disbelieve, v. kana, te umvwa.
mutima. Desire is excited, mutima
Discharge, v. (send out, away)
wafuma.
fumy a, fumizya.
Desolate, a. -asiwa, -eka.
Be Discontented, v. (grumble)
Despise, v. angula, tupizya. Be singinika.
despicable, anguka.
Discover, v. (come upon) sanga,
Destroy, v. (ruin, spoil, lay waste, (after search) fwaya.
&c.) onaula, Nt. onauka, wifya,
Discuss, v. sosana, sosa umuwifizya.
landu.
•
D e w , n. ichime.
Disease, n. ulwele (ama-ll), inDiarrhoea, n. tikunyezya mala. tenda (—), (a virulent kind) inzanduDie, v. fwa, (without violence, kila.
direct cause) pulika.
Disembowel, v, tumbida.
Differ, v. lekana.
Disentangle, v. sowolola.
Different, a. -mbi, umutundu (or
Disfigure, v. wifya.
mutindi) umbi, (unique, distinct)
Disgrace, n. insoni.
-eka.
Disguise, v. (hide) fisa, (alter)
Be Difficult, v. (hard to deal with,aluzya, (to deceive) wepezya.
solve, settle) uma, limba,kanga, (hard Be Disgusted, v. wazya umutima,
to get, accomplish) avya, avizya. A tupizya. It disgusted me, chalimbidifficult case, mulandu
wauma. pila (from v. wipa)
mumutima,
Water was difficult to get, amenzi chawazya.
aliavizye.
Dislike, v.pata, sula. (See Hate.)
Difficulty, n. Difficult position
Be Dislocated, v. sela, aluka.
(mess, fix, confusion), ukutawatawa. Dismantle, v. (take down ornaDig, v. (a hole, Sec.) imba, (a ments, Sec) sdmula.
field, &c.) lima.
Disobey, v. te umvwa, te sunga.
Be Diligent, v. (in work) kalizya,
G 2 Disparage, v. angula.
limba.
Disperse, v. (drive away) wutuzya,
Diminish, v. (Act. and Nt.) tamfya.
DISPUTE
ico
DUCK
chilula, (a bow) fiamika, (water)
Dispute, n. umulandu (imi-ll),
(quarrel) umulomo (imi-ll). v. tapa, (picture) lemba.
Dream, n. inckozi (—), (nightsosana (umulandu).
Disrespect, n. Show disrespect, mare) ichiloto (ivi-ll). v. lota,
ichozi.
angula, (markedly) anguzya, anguDress, n. insalu (—> i. e. calico),
zyanya.
Dissolve, v. (Nt.) sungufika. insalu zya kuvwala. Loin cloth,
ichilolo (ivi-ll), (tucked between leg
Distance, n. ukuiali.
umuwinda, (worn high, indecently)
Distant, a. -a ukutali.
Body covering,
Distinguish, v. (recognize, know)ichipimpe-pimpe.
coat, shirt, & c , umuinjila (imi-i.).
iziwila.
Draw the dress up, sunsa, (indecently)
Distress, v. chuzya, sauzya, tenpimpa. Take off dress, vwula,
deka. Be distressed, sauka, zingwa,
vwulila. Put on dress, vwala, (Act.)
kululuka.
Distribute, v. nkanya, awana, vwika. Without any dress, uluvunwa.
awanya, (make go round, give to all)v. vwala, (Act.) vwika. Dress up,
(be well dressed) vwaiila, (with ornakumanya.
Disturbance, v. (noise, uproar) ments, &c.) samika. H e is in full
dress (smart, a dandy), ulifwite.
ichiwawa, (quarrel) umulomo, umuDress food, pika. Dress a wound,
landu.
[w)ulila umuti, i. e. apply mediDitch, n umkonkola (imi-kl), ichicine.
lindi (ivi-ll).
Drink, v. wwa. Befitto drink,
Dive, v. iwila.
Divide, v. (in portions) nkanya, nweka. Vessel (calabash) for drinkawana, awanya, (cut in two) cheka ing, ichipanda (ivi-pl).
Drip, v, churuka.
pa kati.
Drive, v. (away, off) tamfya,
Divorce, v. leka, lezya.
Drizzle, n.fuwe. v. wazya. (See
Do, v. chita, ti, (suit) wamila, (be
Rain.)
enough) (y)ula, kuzya. That will
Drop, n. lilapatila (ama-ll), v.
do (i. e. stop), epela, chapwa. H o w
(fall) wa, pona, (drip) churuka.
de you do ? mutende ?
Drought, n. ichipemba.
Doctor, n. ing'anga(—),sing'anga
Drown, v. wizya, (be drowned)
and umsing'anga (awa-sl). v. wuka.
(i)wila.
Dog, n. imbwa (—).
Be Drowsy, v. sipula.
Door, n. ichisasa (ivi-sl). Door«Drug, n. umuti (imiti).
way, umuizi (imi-izi). Shut (open)D r u m , n. ing'oma (—), (large)
door, izala (izuld) ichisasa. ichoma
Door(ivi-ol), (small) akaoma
bar (vertical), umulando (imi-ll).
(utu-ol). Beat a drum, lizya ng'oma.
Fix (unfix) door-bar,pinda (pinduld)
Cover a drum, wamba ng'oma. •
timulando.
Be Drunk, v. kolwa(Md. -kolwele),
Doubt, v. (be in doubt) kaika,kolezwa. Make drunk, kola, kolwa,
zingwa.
kolezya.
D o w n , adv. iprp.pansi. Go down,Drunkard, Drunken man, n.
ika, ika pansi, tentemuka. Put wnukolwa (awa-kl).
down, wika pansi, (a load) tula. Drunkenness, u. ukukolwa.
Down stream, ku isamba Iya muDry, v. (expose to sun and air)
mana.
(v)anika. Be (become) dry, uma.
Doze, v. sipula.
Dry up, pwa. Dry land, umusili.
Drag, v. (draw) kula.
Duck, n. iwata (ama-w.).
Drain, n. umkonkola (imi-kl).
Draw, v. (drag) kula, (as a cork)
DUMB
II
ENRAGE
D u m b , n. A d u m b person, ichi-Elbow, n. (joint) akakonko (utu-k.,
wulu. H e is dumb, utezi kusosa. also ankle, & c ) , (tip) akakonkonyo.
D u n g , n. akavi (uluvi).
Elephant, n. nzovu (—).
Be Durable, v. kokola.
Eleven, a. ikumi na -mo.
Dusk, n. imfinzi, (evening) ichu- Be Eloquent, v. izi ukusosa. H e
ngulo. It is (getting) dusk, kwaila. is an eloquent speaker, ulezi kusosa.
Dust, n. iwu (iviwu). Dust cloud, Else, adv. kambi. There is no one
kankun6wi. v. (sweep up dust) zolaelse, umbiyayi. Elsewhere, pambi.
iwu, zola.
Be Emaciated, v. onda. ,
Dwarf, n. akamuntu akepi (utu- Emancipate, v. chitila ufumu.
wantu utwipi), muwipi.
E m b a n k m e n t , n.
umupembwe
Dwelling-place,
n. ichikalo (imi-pl).
(ivi-kl).
E m b e r , n. (live stick from fire)
Dysentery, n. ukunya mulopa.
ichisinga (ivi-s.).
Embrace, v. (i)kata, kumbatila,
Each, a. -onse, -mo -mo.
(mutually) (i)katana, kumbatana.
Sar, n. -ukutwe (ama-twe), (of
Emetic, n. ichaluzya.
grain) umusonte (imi-sl).
E m p l o y , v. tuma, (of means, also)
Early, adv. amakucha. Get up (w)ula.
early, chelela kale (or, kale kale, very
E m p l o y m e n t , n. (act.) inchito
early).
(—\ (work, labour) umulimo (imi-l.).
Earth, n. (soil) iwu, (clay) iwumba, E m p t y , a. -a waka. It is empty,
(dry land) umusili, (world) ichalo.tamuli kantu.
Atom of earth, akavu (utuvu).
E n c a m p , v. twizya.
Earthenware, n. ivinlu wa
Enclosure, n. (open space, or
uwtimba.
court) uluanza (amaluanza, and
Earthwork, n. (bank) umu- amanza), (for cattle) ichiwaya
pembwe (imi-pl^.
(ivi-wl), ikola (ama-k.). See Fence.
Easy, a. -nini (small). Be easy, E n d , Ending, n. ukusila, ukupwa,
anguka.
ukupela, insilo (—), ulutwe (ama-l.^,
Eat, v. lia, (one'sfill)ikuta, (more
impelo, pamupela. H e was at his
than one's share) wuka. Eat greedily, wit's end, amano amupela. There is
ilizya, iktitizya, iwuzya. Eat porridge
an end of it, epela, chapwa.
by mouthfuls, suna isono (ama-sl). E n d , v. C o m e to an end (stop,
Eat with (as relish), lila. It is eatable,
conclusion), sila, pwa, pela, pelewela.
chalika, walalya.
Bring to an end, sila, silizya, putula,
Echo, n. ulumvwila (ama-ll).
lezya, pelezya.
Edge, n. umulomo (imi-l., i.e. lip), Endeavour, v. yezya, (greatly)
(cutting) ukutwa, (of river, &c.) yezyezya.
isilya (ama-sl^, (of vessel, Sec.) umu-Endure, v. vumilila.
lomo, (of boundary) umupaka iimi-p.). Energy, n. W o r k with (display)
Educate, v. (bring up) lela.
energy, limba, yezya.
Effort, n. Make an effort, yezya, Enjoy, v. temwa, temwezya.
(a great effort) yezyezya.
Enjoyment, n. uhiseka, ukuE g g , n. z'/zVzz' (amani). The shell yangala, ukusangala.
is ipapa (ama-pl), the contents um- Enlarge, v. kuzya.
sunguzi.
E n o u g h , adv. Be enough (abunEight, a. -sano na -tatu.
dant) (y)ula, not be enough, deficient,
Either — Or, adv. yangula— chepa. Have enough, (i)kuta.
yangula.
Enrage, v. hozya mutima, kalipizya.
ENTER
102
FAIR
out) naka, (utterly) nakizya. vundika
Enter, v. injila.
Entice, v. (call) ila, (by signs)(come to end) pwa, sila.
chewizya, (by desire) kumbwizya. Exist, v. (ku)wa.
Entrance, n, (to house, doorway) Expect, v. I expect (daresay,
probably), kansi, kano, yangula.
umuizi (imi-i), (to enclosure, gateBe Expedient, v. wama.
way) impata (—).
Expedition, n. (journey, gang of
Equal, a. -mo. Be equal (alike),
carriers) ulwendo (ama-l.).
lingana.
Experience, n. Have experience
Erect, v. imya, imilika. Be erect,
(know) izi. H e has experience, is
imilila.
experienced, wizi (i. e. uizi), ulezi
Err, v. wifya.
Eruption, n. Eruptive disease, (i. e, ulaizi). A man of experience
(in art, work), fundi (wa-fi).
impele (—).
Escape, v. (as from trap, &c.) S2xpla,in,v.(w)izya,(w)onya, alu
panuka, pulumuka, (run away) pingula.
Explore, v. lolezya chalo chonse,
wuluka, womba.
Eternal, a. See Always, End. tandala.
European, n. umuzungu (awa-zl). Expose, v. (to sun and air)
Even, a. Be even (level, straight), (y)anika, (put out) fumya.
lingana, lungama. Make even, lin-Extend, v. (arm, leg, Sec, slowly)
tambalika, (suddenly) anguka.
ganya, lungamika.
Evening, n. ichungulo, akazua External, a. -a kunze, -a panze.
(See Outside.)
kawa.
Extinguish, v. zimya.
Every, a. (all) -onse. Everywhere,
Extract, v. (take out) fumya, (as
konse, panonse.
Evidence, n. (eye-witness, seeing)a thorn, jigger, &c.) wangula.
Extricate, v. kopezya, panuzya.
imboni (—).
Extricate oneself,panuka, pulumuka.
Evident, a. Be evident, (w)oneka.
Make evident, (w)onya, wizya, lan-Exude, v. vwa, fuma.
glzya.
Eye, n. iliso (ameso, i. e. amaisd)
Evil, n. ukuwipa, uwi. Be (do)Eye-ball (pupil), mboni (—). Eyeevil, wipa, wifya. A n evil thing, brow, ichikope (ivi-kl). Eye-lash,
chawipa, ichiwi.
nkope (—). Eye-lid,ichipene (im-pl).
Examine, v. (by eye) lolezya,
Shut the eyes, ziwata. Open the
wonezya, (by question) fumbizya. eyes, ziuka.
Exceed, Excel, v. chila.
Eyewitness, n. (person, and eviExceedingly, adv. ichine kantu.dence) imboni (—). Be an eyewitness,
Except, conj. kantu, kambi.
wonezya.
Exchange, v. (of goods, trade) Fabric, n. (e.g. of cloth, substan
sita, sitana, (in general) aluzyanya.
umwili.
Excite, v. (strong feeling) kozya Face, n. ku meso, pa meso.
mutima, fumya mutima. H e is
Fade, v. uma.
excited, mutima wafuma. Excited
Fail, v. (not succeed, have bad
feelings are also described by mwa- luck) syama, kangwa, (fall short, not
zika mutima, chunka, palangana. be enough) chepa, (come to an end,
Excreta, n. (solid) utuvi (S. stop short) pela, pelewela. His wits
akavi), vituvi (S. ichituvi), (liquid)
failed him, amano yampela. Fail to
imisu. Pass excreta, nya, sunda. reach journey's end, pelewela nzila.
Exert, v. Exert, oneself, limba, Fair, a. (right, just) -ne, -ine,
yezya.
-awama.
Be Exhausted, v. (tired, worn
FAITH
103
FILL
Faith, n. ukuinvwa, ukumvwila.
Fear, n. ukutina, umwenzo. v.
Faithful, a. -(i)ne.
Una, chit-o-mwenzo.
Fall, v. pona, wa, (decrease)
Feast, n. (beer-drinking) ukukolwa,
pungula, (as leaves) lukuta. Let uwalwa, (big) ichiwalwa, (small)
fall, ponya, (forcibly, throw down) akawalwa.
v. (drinking) kolwa,
poza, (by neglect, accident) fumpu- (eating) ilizya, ikutizya, (greedily)
muka.
iwuzya.
False, a. -a uwufi. (See Lie.)
Feather, n. ing'ala (ama-nl).
Family, n. (clan) ichifulo (ivi-fl),
Be Feeble, v. naka, vunaika.
a group of relations and connexions Weak in the limbs, muviso muliliving together, their head being vunaikile.
umufulo (awa-fl).
Feed, v. lizya, (cattle, as herdsFamine, n. inzala (—).
man) wela.
Be F a m o u s , v. tulika (izina).
Feel, v. (with finger) tonya, (as
Fan, v. pupula (mpepo). n. ichi-sensation) (ku)li na, chita. P'eel
pupulilo.
afraid, chit-o-mwenzo. Feel for
Far, adv. a. -tali, -a kutali. Far(pity), (ku)li n-e-chisa na. Strong,
from, apatali na.
deep feeling m a y be expressed by
Farewell, n. A c o m m o n farewell ukondi, ukoli, tikotuli, ukomuli, ukis (to one remaining) syalilenipo,
wali (according to Person) after the
or shalilenipo, i. e. stay where you
verb of feeling.
are, (to one going) endelapo, i. e. go Feeling, n. (in general) umutima.
on.
Feeling is roused (soothed), umutima
Farther, adv. pa ntanzi.
wafuma (waikala).
Fast, adv. (quickly) kangu, wangu. Feign, v. wepezya, chita uwufi.
G o fast, etidezya. M a k e fast, kaka,
Feign sickness, Iwala uwufi, wepezya
kakizya.
kulwala.
Fasten, v. kaka, kakizya, imaka, Fellow, n. (of same kind, clan, &c.)
(by novel means, buttons, 8ec.)funga.mune (wane), (same tribe) umukoa
Fat, a. -kulu pa umwili. A fat (awa-kl), (same village) mune (wa
man, umuputu. Be fat (sleek), ina. kuyesu, wa kumuzi).
Father, n. (one's own) wata (—),
Female, a. -anakazi, -kazi.
(of others) wawisi (—), (child's word) Fence, n. (of village," stockade)
atata. M y father, wata newo, wata ilinga (ama-ll), (of enclosure) ichiwanji. Your father, wiso, wawiso, pango (ivi-pl).
• wawisi wowe. Wife's father, wawisi Ferment, v. sasa.
vyala. Father's brother or sister,
Fetch, v. leta, (w)ula, twala.
nyinalume (a-nl). O n the father's
Fever, n. ichisi.
side, -a ku wata.
F e w , a. (not many) te -inji. Be
F a t h o m , n. (of calico) umu- too few, chepa.
kwamba (imi-kl).
Field, n. iwalla (ama-wl), umunda
Fatigue, n. ukunaka. (See (iminda).
Exhausted.)
Fierce, a. -kali, -a nkanza.
Fault, n. ichawipa (ivya-w.^
Fight, v. tana, lasana, ipayana,
Commit a fault, wifya. Be at fault (wrestle) Iwa.
(perplexed), kaika. Find fault,
Figure, n. (shape) umutindi
songela, pinda.
(imi-tl), (written, sketched, &c.)
Favour, n. (kind treatment) isyukondembo, nembo.
(ama-s.). v. (Be kind to) wamila,
File, v. (rub) kuza.
syukizya, (be fond of) temwezya. Be Fill, v. (y)uzya. Befilled(full),
favoured (prosper, be well off), syuka.(y)ula.
FILTER
104
FOLD
Filter, v. vwizya (Nt. vwa). (See iniwi, (jerk on land) lupula, (spear)
sopa. Fish-hook, mbeza (—), ukuloo
Strain.)
(ama-ll), fish-net, isumbu (ama-sl),
Filth, n. ichiko, usali. (See Dirt.)
fish-spear, umusumbu
(imi-sl), fishFin, n. umupepe (imi-p.), ichipepe
trap, uluanga (ama-ll), umono, fish(ivi-pl).
ing-line (string of fibre) umwando
Find, v. (see) (w)ona, (after search)
(imi-a.).
fivaya, (come upon) sanga, (pick up
Fist, n. inkonyo (—). Strike .with
by chance) tola.
fist, puma nkonyo.
Fine, n. ifuto (ama-fl). Pay a
Fit, v. (suit) wamila, linganila.
fine, fula umulandu.
a. -ne,
Fit tip (a house), samika. Be fitted
-awama, (small) -nini. W e a r fine
up, sama.
clothes, vwalila, (and ornaments)
Fittings, n. (ornamental) amasamika.
samiko (S. i-sl).
Finger, n. umunwe (imi-nwe).
Five, a. -sano.
Littlefinger,akantengezya (utu-t.).
Fix, v. (fasten, tie) kaka, kakizya.
Finish, v. (bring to an end) sila,
Flame, n. ukuyaka, umulilo.
silizya, pelezya, putula, (complete)
Flash, v. (come and go, like lightchita -onse, sila -onse, (give a finish
ning) vyata.
to) singa. Befinished,sila, pwa,
Be Flat, v. lingana, papatala,
pela. It isfinished,epela, yaprwa
lungama, lalilila. Flat side (of
yonse. I havefinishedeating, nasila
knife, & c ) , ulupapatala (ama-pl).
ukulya. (See End.)
Flat board, ichiti chapapatala.
Fire, n. umulilo (imi-ll),—used
Flatten, v. linganya, lungamika.
with sika (make fire by friction),
Flatter, v. tazya, lumba-lumba.
sonkela (supply with fuel), kozya
Flay, v. funda, fundula, tumbula
(kindle), yazya (make blaze), pepela
mpapa.
(blow up), ocha, ochela (getfireto
Flea, n. imlbaliwali (—),
burn, make hot),pya (be burnt, catch
Flesh, n. inama (—).
fire, hurt, scorched, cooked), lapula
Fling, v.poza.
(fetch, borrow, fire, i. e, a lighted
Float, v. elela.
stick). Fireplace, iziko, p-e-ziko.
Flock, n. umulongo (imi-ll).
Fire-stones, iweza (ama-wl). FireFlood, n. ivimenzi (vya mumana).
sticks, ichisiko (ivi-sl), (the lower
The river is in flood, umumana
one) ichisiko chikazi. Firewood,
wayula, walet-e-vimenzi.
nkuni (S. ulukuni).
Firebrand,
Flour, n. (of all sorts of grain)
(lighted stick) ichisinga (ivi-sl),
uwunga.
(torch, of grass, Sec) umwenji
Flourish, v. (grow) kula, kulizya,
(imi-e.). v. (set fire to) ocha, (a
(prosper) syuka, (y)enda uwino.
gun) lizya.
F l o w , v. (i)ya, (v)enda, pita.
Firewood, n. nkuni (S. ulukuni).
Flower, n. uluwa (ama-ll). C o m e
Cut (chop) firewood, cheka (tema)
into flower, lumba maluwa.
nkuni.
Fly, v. (as birds, use wings)
Be Firm, v. uma, limba, kosa.
palala, (fly off) uluka, (run away,
First, a. -a kutendeka, -a kuyamba,
escape) wuluka, womba, n. chinzi
-a kuwala. Be (go)first(before),
(wa-chl), ulunzi (wa-ll).
tanjila, tendeka.
(See Begin.)
F o a m , n. amafulo.
adv. pa ntanzi, mu tanzi.
F o g , n. umuwinga,fuwe,fufuta.
Fish, n. inswi (—). C o m m o n
Fold, v. vunga, peteka, (of a mat)
kinds are kaponta (wa-k., mud-fish,
anzula. Be in folds (not smoothr),
' barbel'), manda (tiger-fish), pende.
anzuka. n. ivungu (ama-vl), (of
v, (angle) loa, (catch fish) ipaya j
FOLLOW
i 35
FURNITURE
dress, used as a pocket) ichifunda
Fort, Fortification, n. (of village
(ivi-fl), (for cattle, &c.) ichiwaya
ilinga (ama-l.).
(ivi-wl).
Be Fortunate, v. syuka.
Follow, v, konka, konk-e-numa. Fortune, n. Good fortune, isyuko.
Bad fortune, isyamo.
Follow (keep to) a plan, orders, Sec,
Forward, adv. pa ntanzi.
sunga (or, (w)ula) amano.
Follower, n. (personal attendant) Foul, a. -sali, -a usali.
Four, a. -nne.
umwena (awena).
Fowl, n. nkoko (—).
Folly, n. ukupusa.
Free, a. A free man, infumu
Be Fond of, v. temwezya.
Food, n. ichakulya (ivy-al). (—). A free gift, ichintu cha waka.
Freely, (for nothing) waka, (liberally)
Fool, n. ichipua (ivi-p.), umpusu
(ama-pl), umuntu wapusa. Be apakuhi.
fool, pusa, te kwata amano, pusika.Freedom, n. ufumu.
Freeze, v. (be congealed) kumFoolish, a. -apusa, -a waka.
batana.
Foot, n. ulukasa (ama-kl), (also,
of animals, hoof) iwondo (ama-wl), Frequently, adv. kawili kawili,
(of elephant, hippopotamus, and kambi na kambi.
rhinoceros) isimba (ama-sl), (lowerFresh, a. (another) -nakwe, -mbi,
part of an object, tree, Sec, lower (recent) -pya, -a nomba, (not stale)
-wisi.
side) isamba (ama-s.).
Footstep, n. (print, mark, & c ) . Friend, n. ichiwuza (ivi-wl),
mune (wane, awane). Make friends
See Foot.
For, conj. prp. (on account of, (form friendship), atnbana ichiwuza. Be friends (on friendly terms),
by reason of, &c.) ichifukwa (cha),
yana.
umulandu (wa).
Frighten, v. tiny a, teng-o-mwenzo.
Forbear, v. ilezya.
Frighten away (birds, &c.) with cries,
Forbid, v. lezya, lezezya, kana.
Forbid his going, lezya taye. Heamila.
Frog, n. ichula (ivyula).
forbade us to go, alilezezye ati
From, prp. ku. He came from
mwiyende.
the coast, aiza afumako kumbwani.
Force, v. (compel) patika, patiFront, n. In front, pa ntanzi,
kizya. (Often expressed by using
the Causal stem of verbs.) n. kumeso.
(power, strength) ivizo, (impetus, Fruit, n. Bear fruit, twala.
Fry, v. salula.
momentum) umukuku.
Ford, n. ichawu (ivyawu), pa Fuel, n. (firewood) nkuni (S.
ulu-kl).
kuawuka.
Be Full, v. (y)ula.
Forehead, n. impumi (—).
Full-grown, a. -kulu.
Foremost, n. See First.
Forest, n. ichonde (wild, un- Fun, n. inseko, iniilangwe, ukusangala.
cultivated country).
Funeral, n. ukuzika.
Forge, v. fula.
Fur, n. amasako (S. isako).
Forget, v. lawila.
Be Furious, v. kalipizya, chitizya
Forgive, v. leka, lekela.
Fork, n. (of tree) ulupanda nkanza.
Furnish, v. (provide, get) (w)ula,
(ama-pl), (of road) amampatu,
leta, (as a house) samika. Be furamampindwe.
Form, n. (sort, kind) umutindi.nished with (possess) kwata.
Furniture, n. amasamiko (a
Fornication, n. itchende, ichitole.
ng'anda).
Forsake, v, sia, leka.
FURY
ic6
GRAIN
Glide, v. telela.
Gluttony, n. ukuwuka, ukuvimbilwa, ukuikutizya.
Gag, v. chilikapa kanwa.
G o , v. (i)ya (Md. -iyile, -He),
Gain, v. (make profit) nonka, (y)enda, ima, pita. G o on, (to, for,
(get) kwata, (w)ula.
&c.) iyila, endela. G o out, fuma.
G a m e , n. (play) ukuangala, G o in, injila. G o up, nina, (a hill)
(animals hunted) inama (—).
tumbila. G o down, ika, lentemuka.
G a p , n. impata (—).
G o in front (or, forward) tanjila.
Garden, n. (plantation) iwalla G o back, wela. G o away! kawiye I
(ama-w.), umunda (minda), (large) (PI. kawiyeniI), akwiya (akuieni).'
ichiwalla (ivi-wl), (small) akawalla
Let us be off! tokwiya !
(utu-wl), (for rice) ichiwela (cha G o d , n. Leza (also, thunder).
mpunga), (for ground nuts) ichi-G o d has been good to us to-day,
walala (cha nsyawa).
Leza lelo alitupele.
Gasp, v. pema.
G o o d , a. (physically) -ne, (morally)
Gather, v. (collect together, Act.) -ine, -awama, -a wunino, -a wino.
longanya, kumba, (Nt.) longana, (The root (i) ne, besides being used
wumba, (pluck) kowola, (of flowers)for any degree of any quality which
tondola, (of taxes) sonkezya.
approves itself to the feelings, taste,
Generally, adv. ponse, panonse, or intellect, is also used to express
(for the most part) powinji.
' owner', ' self, and ' in a high
Gentle, a. Be gentle (kindly, degree'. It is possible to say,
condescending), nakilila, petama,mwine mwine mwine wine, the
(quiet, calm) tekanya.
owner himself is very good.) Be
Get, v. (fetch, procure) leta, good, watna, chit-o-wino, wamya.
(w)ula, twala, (after search) jwaya, Be good to (for, & c ) , wamila. Very
(cause to) expressed by the Cs. stem good! chawama!
Good morning!
of the verb. Have got, kwata. Get mwalala sianif Good-bye, (to one
down, ika. Get up (from sleep), going) endelapo ! (to one remaining)
chelela. Get well, pola. Where didsyalilenipo I Good luck, isyuko.
you get this from? Icho wafumya Have good luck, syuka.
kwi? Get to be, iya with Infin.
Goodness, n. une, wine, uwino,
Mood.
uwunino, ukuwama.
Ghost, n. ichinzingwa (ivi-nl), Goods, n. ichuma, uwuwoni, (for
ichiwanda (ivi-wl). See Spirit.
sale, merchandise) amakwewo.
Giant, n. ichimuntu (ivi-wantu). Gorge, n. (pass, gap in hills)
Giddiness, n. ichinzingwa.
impata (—). v. (oneself) wuka,
Giraffe, n. uluwumba nongo.
ikutizya, lizya, vimbilwa. H e is
Girl, n. (not boy) umwanakazi gorging, waya kutizya, walizya
(awan.), (child) umwaiche (awa-il), wangu.
(grown up) ichisungu (ivi-sl), um- Gossip, n. ilyasi (ama-ll), amasungwana (awa-sl), (not yet a kani. v. simika ilyasi, pinga
mother) umsimbi (awa-sl).
makani.
Give, v. pa, Cs. pezya. Give m e
Govern, v. (judge) eluzya, (adsome! nimpako !
minister, regulate) wamizya.
Be Glad, v. temwa, angala, sanga- Gradually, adv. panini panini.
lala, seka.
Grain, n. (maize) iviionga (S.
Glass, n. A glass object, glass, ichitongd), (sorghum) amasaka (S.
kailole (—). Glasses (for sight),isakd), (millet) mile, (seed) mbuto
amandala.
(—)• A grain of sand, akamusenga
Fury, n. nkanza, ukali winji
wine.
GRANARY
107
(utu-mi-sl), a grain of earth, akavu
HALT
Grind, v. (grain) pela, (metal)
nola.
Granary, n. utalla (ama-t.).
Grindstone, n. (for grain) iwe
Grand, n. A grand person, (awa-we), (the lower stone) timwana
mukulu,
wa w-e-we (i. e. wa iwe).
grandee, umuntu
muchinzi.
Grip, v. (seize firmly) katizya,
Grand-child, n. umwizi mkulu (infingers,vice, fork of stick) manika.
(awezi ak.), umwizikulu.
GrandGroan, v. tenda.
father, sikulu (a-s.).
Ground, n. (dry ground, land)
Grasp, v. kala, katizya.
umusili. O n the ground, pansi, pa
Grass, n. izani (ama-zl). Cut musili. Ground nuts, nsyawa mbagrass, sewa izani.
lala.
Grate, v. (rub) tula.
G r o w , v. kula, (as plant) mela.
Gratis, adv. waka.
Cause to grow, get big, kuzya.
Gratitude, n. Express gratitude,
Grumble, v. singinika.
lambila. Expressions of gratitude
Guard, v. linda, lindila, sunga.
are, chawama (it is good), natemwa n. ichilindila (ivi-ll), or ulindila,
(I like it).
i. e. he (who) guards.
Grave, n. ichilindi (ivi-ll), umsituGuide, v. (act as guide, go before)
(imi-sl).
tanjila nzila, (show way) langizya
Gravel, n. (small stones) utuwe tizila. n. umutanjilizi (awa-tl).
(S. akawe).
Office (work, pay) of guide, utanGravy, n. umuto (imi-td), (a smalljilizi.
portion, dip) akato (ututo). Dip in Guilty, a. H e is guilty, awifya.
gravy, lowela pa mulo.
Plead guilty, fula mulandu (i. e. pay
Graze, v. (as cattle) lizya, (asfine in a suit).
herdsman) wela, (come near) kuma,
Guinea-fowl, n. ikanga (ama-kl).
(touch, cut the skin) sepula.
Gully, n. ichilindi (ivi-ll).
Grease, n. amafuta.
G u n , n. infuti (—). Load (a
1
Great, a. -kulu (in all senses' . gun), longa (with a bullet, mwichiSee Big.
polo), panga. Fire (a gun), lizya.
Greediness, n. (not giving to A i m (a gun), andika. T h e trigger
others) uwuwa.
is called wuta, the butt titako, the
Be Greedy, v. (eat much) wuka, barrel umutulu (imi-tl).
lizya wangu, (not give to others)
G u n p o w d e r , n. uwonga.
tana, supa.
Guts, n. mala.
Green, a. (of colour, bright)
Gutter, n. akankonkola (ulu-kl).
-asweta, (pale) -a uturuka, (fresh, Habit, n. Expressed by tense of
unripe) -wisi.
the verb. Have a habit of, zyowela.
Greet, v. C o m m o n expressions
Hair, n. (human) umwisisi (imiare, Mutende ? (are you in health ?), sisi), (of face) umwevu (imi-evti),
Mwalala siani? (how did you sleep ?) (animal) isako (amasako). Grey hair,
— t h e response being, Mutende (I a m imfwi. Cut hair, sesa misisi, (shave)
in health), or Twalala mutende. (See wea.
Salute.)
Half, n. Sometimes expressed by
Grey hair, n. imfwi.
umkono, i.e. half yard of calico.
Grief, n. ichifundo (ivi-fl), inCut in half, cheka pa kali.
dandaulo.
Halt, v. M a k e a halt, stop,
Grieve, v. (be sad) singinika,imilila, pelezya, twizya. Halting(lament) dandaula, (weep) /z'/<z.
place, pa kutwizva.
Grin, v. seka.
HAND
I 8
HOE
Heap, n. imwina (—), ichimwina,
Hand, n, ukuwoko (ama-w., also,
akamwina. Make heaps, saka.
arm). Back of hand, ichipi (ivipi),
Hear, v. umvwa, (attentively)
flat of hand, ulupi (amapi). A
handful, ulupi. Take up in the handumvwilizya.
Heart, n. umutima (imi-tl),
(as water, & c ) , tapula. H e had a
Heat, n. ukuwangama, (fire)
stick in his hand, ali n-e-chiti mumimulilo, (sun) akazua. v. pisya,
nwe (in his fingers).
Handle, n. (as of hoe) umpini wangamika.
Heaven, n. (sky, upper region)
(imi-pl), (as of knife) ichituwi
umulu.
(ivi-t.),
Heavy, a. Be heavy,fina,lema.
Handsome, a. -a'wama, -ne.
Heel, n. ichitende (ivi-t.).
Hang, v. (Act. as on wall, arm)
koweka, (from rafter, free) samika. Height, n. ukwenda kumulu, ulali.
Heir, n. impiani (—). Be heir,
Happen, v.pona,ponela.
Be Happy, v. lemwa, angala,plana. Make heir, pianika.
Help, v. avwa. Help m e ! ngasangalala, seka. Being happy (happiness), ukutemwa, umwangala, uku- vweni! Help oneself (with fingers)
to food, suna isono.
seka, &c.
Be Hard, v. uma, (firm, strong) Hen, n. inkoko ikazi.
Her, Hers, a. -akwe.
kosa, u?na, (a difficulty, puzzle)
Herd, n. umulongo (imi-ll),
kanga, avya, avyizya.
Hardly, adv. yangu, yangula, iwumba.
Here, adv. mpa, mpano, nku,
, kansi.
nkuno, umu, muno. Come here I
Hardship, n. ukusauka, chawipa.
iza kuno I wizano! Here am I
Harm, v. wifya, lasa.
Harvest, n. The chief operation (you, we, Sec), ninawo (niwawo,
nifwawo, &*c).
is umsanzo, ukusanza, i.e. cutting
Hesitate, v. (be in doubt) kaika.
and laying down the stalks of millet
(amasaka), and ukukowola, plucking Hide, v.fisa (oneself)fisama.n.
impapa (—).
cobs of maize.
Haste, v. Make haste, endezya, High, a. -tali, -aenda ku mulu.
chita wangu, angufyanya. Make High road, umseu (imi-seu).
Hill, n. ulupili (ama-p., and
haste ! wangu I wangu-wangu !
Hatchet, n. izembe (ama-z.). amalu-pl), (big) ichipili, (small)
Hate, v. pata, palizya, tupizya,
akapili.
(feel hatred) wazya mutima.
Hinder, v. pinga, pingila, lezya,
Hatred, n. (of persons) ichipatano.
chinzya, chilikizya, imilika.
Haunch, n. itako (ama-tl).
Hint, n, ichiziwilo (ivi-zl),
Have, v. (uku)wa na, (uku)li na,
iwizyo (ama-w.).
kwata, kwete. I have none at all, Hip, n. uluwunda (ama-ll).
sikwete yangu chinini (even a little).Hippopotamus, n. imvuwu (—).
Haze, n. ufuwe, umuwinga,
Hire, n. ichilambu (ivi-ll).
fufuta.
His, a. -akwe, (also, of anything
H e , pr. wewo (also, she, and, you,
extraordinary) -achiko.
S.) oyu,ngu. With him (her), nakwe.Hit, v. puma, nona, (wound,
Head, n. umutwe (imitwe). On damage) lasa.
the head, pa mutwe. Overhead, pa Hitch up, v. (clothes) sunsa.
kali ka mulwe. M y head is aching, Hitherto, adv. na lelo.
umutwe ukokalipa.
Hoe, n. uluse (amase). v. lima,
Health, n. Mutende, ukwenda (a second time, making small heaps)
mutende, umoyo, musuma.
[
saka.
HOLD
I09
ILL-TREAT
Hold, v. (i)kata, (fast) katizya,
H o w do you sell it? wasita siani?
(together) katana, kumbatana.
H o w so ? nga vindo ? H o w do you
Hole, n. (in tree, inside of box, do ? mutende ? H o w many ? -nga ?
&c.) ulupako (ama-pl), (in general) H o w many times ? vinga ?
ichipunda (ivi-pl), (pit) ichilindi
H o w e v e r , conj. kambi (on the
(ivi-ll). Water-hole, ichisima other hand).
(ivi-sl). M a k e a hole, (by digging) Hunger, n. inzala. I a m hungry,
imba, (by boring) tula, passa.
ndi n-e-nzala, ndele nzala (i.e. n-lele,
Hollow, a. -a lupako, (pretended)from lata, lie).
-awepa. Hollow out (a canoe), sewa
Hunt, v. wamba, ipaya.
(uwato).
Hunter, n. ichiwinda (ivi-wl).
H o m e , n. (my, own) kuli wesu,
Hurricane, n. ichikuka (ivi-kl).
kumyesu, (their, his) kuli wawo,
Hurry, v, endezya, angufyanya,
kumyawo, (kinsfolk) ichifulo (ivi-fl).
chita wangu.
Honest, a. -ne.
Hurt, v. chita, chena, (badly)
Honour, v. chindika, chindikizya,
chenezya, (be painful) kalipa,
lambilila, (uku)pa muchinzi. n.(damage) wifya, lasa, (bite) suma,
muchinzi.
(sting) wawa.
H o o k , n. imbeza (—).
Husband, n. umulume (awa-ll).
H o p , v. towauka, towoka.
H u s k , n. (of millet) insembe (—),
Horn, n. isengo (ama-sl), nsengo(outer covering) ichipapa (ivi-pl).
(—), (for blowing) ingolwa.
H u t , n. (shed, open at sides)
Hot, a. Be hot, wangama, M d . insaka (—, used for sitting and talkwangeme, (of sun) walizya. Make ing in), (long, for several people
hot, (boil) pisya, (warm) wangamika.under one roof) ing'omi (—), (of
Hour, n. At what hour? akazua grass and boughs, night-shelter)
siani ?
umusasa (imi-sl). (See House.)
House,
n. ing'anda, also
Hyaena, n. ichimbwi (ivi-ml).
nyanda, and nanda (amanganda,
Be
Hypocritical, v, wepa,
nyanda, mananda). A house is wepezya.
usually circular, yavulungana; if I, pr. newo, ne-. I myself, newo
oblong, iyamli utali, iya msana wa nemwine.
nzovu. Chief's wife's house, isano Idle, a. A n idle person, umuvila
(ama-sl). Mark out a round hut, (awa-vl). A n idle (frivolous, useless)
sika ng'anda. Build a hut, imaka act, inchito ya waka.
ng'anda. Inside of a Wisa hut,
Idleness, n. uvila.
opposite the doorway (umuizi, also If, conj. a- (prefixed to the verb),
umulyango), is ku ntambo, on the kati, (whether or not) nti, kuti. Also
right kuziko, on the left ku vuli, expressed by the Subjunctive Mood.
close to the doorway right and left
Be Ignorant, v. te izi, te iziwa, te
ku ichipinda. Outside there is a kwata amano, (a simpleton, fool)
verandah under the eaves, ulukolopusa. H e is ignorant, utezi, alakwata
(nkolo), sometimes enclosed with a mano, apusa.
screen, icheche (ama-chl). A com- Ill, a. -Iwele. One who is ill,
partment (room) in a hut is zV^z- umulwele (awa-dwele). Be ill, Iwala
(Md. -Iwele).
Hnda.
Illness, n. uwulweie (ama-dwele),
Householder, n, umwine (wene)
uluwele.
wa ng'anda.
Ill-treat, v. wifya, chitila vyaH o w ? Siani (often after a veib
and pronounced as joined to it), vindo.wipa.
H o w have you slept ? mwalala siani?
IMAGE
il
INTOXICATE
Image, n. (likeness) ichinzingwa Inherit, v. plana.
Inheritance, n. (things and
(ivi-nl).
persons) ichokolo (ivy-ol).
Imitate, v. linga, konka.
Injure, v. wifya, lasa. D o an
Immediately, adv. nomba, nomba
injury (injustice) wifya.
pano.
Inoculate, v. lemba umuti, lembImportant, a. -kulu.
Be Impossible, v. te chilika,o-muti.
Inquire, v.fumba. Inquire into,
kanga. It is impossible for him to
make an inquiry, be inquisitive,
do it, tekuti achite. (See Can.)
Imprison, v. kaka (i. e. tie up). fumbizya.
Insanity, n. usilu, ukufunta.
Improve, v. wamya.
Insect, n. akanama kanini.
I m p u d e n c e , n. imia. H e is
Insert, v. (pass into, through)
impudent, uli n-e-mia. Impudent
language, ichinywa, ichipongwe, tunga.
Inside, adv. prp. umu, move,
ichipwata.
In, adv. prp. umu, mu kati (ka), muno, mu kati (ka), muli. Inside
of the man, muli ngo muntu.
mwa. In the dark, n-e-mfinzi, i. e,
Insist, y.patika, kosa.
na imfinzi.
Insolence, n. ichinwa (ivi-nl),
Incantation, n. (spell, charm,
ichipwata
(ivi-pl), ichipongwe
for sickness) uluwuko.
(ivi-pl).
Be Inclined, v. temwa.
Inspect, v. lolezya, wenezya (from
Increase, v. kuzya, (add to)
wikila, (Nt. grow bigger, more) v. wona).
Install, v. (as heir, successor)
kula.
Indecency, n. usilu (i, e. mad- pianika.
ness), usali (i.e.filthiness).Indecent Be Insufficient, v. chepa.
Insult, v. (treat with disrespect)
exposure, ichipimpe-pimpe.
pepula, (with contempt) (y)angula.
Indian corn, n. (maize) ichitonga
See Insolence.
(ivi-tI). The stalk is ichipete (ivi-p.),
Intelligence, n. (intellect) amano,
core of cob, umuwungwe (imi-w.).
(information) iwizyo, ichisimikizya.
Pluck the ripe cobs, kowola.
Indian h e m p , n. (bhang) ichamba Intend, v. fwaya, temwa, -ti.
H e intends to go out, atile afume.
(ivy-al).
Intercede, v. papatila, lombela.
India-rubber, n. umpila.
Be Indignant, v. (angry) kalipa Intercourse, n. Have free intercourse, visit each other, pempulana.
mumutima.
Indoors, adv. umunanda, mukati. Interfere, v. injilizya, (vexatiousBe Industrious, v. limba, kosa. ly) tendeka, chuzya.
Infant, n. umwana mbuza (awana Interpret, v. (explain meaning)
wizya amano, (put in other words,
wambuza).
language) (y)aluzya, (y)alula vyewo
Infect, v. ambukizya.
Inferior, a, -awipa, -ayanguka. vimbi.
Interval, n. pa kati.
Be Infirm, v. naka.
Inform, v. wizya, izizya, iziwizya.Intestines, n. mala.
Inform against, songela, songelezya, Into, prp. See In. G o into,
injila.
wewelela.
Be Intolerable, v. It is intolerInformation, n. (report, account)
iwizyo (ama-w.), ichisimikizyo, able to him, tekuH avumilile.
Intoxicate, v. kolwa, kolwezya.
(general knowledge) amano.
Inhabit, v. (i)kala. The village Beer is intoxicating, uwalwa wais inhabited, umuzi waikala wantu. kolwa.
INTREAT
in
LADY
Intreat, v. lombezya, papatila, Keep, v. sunga. Keep guard,
lambila.
linda, lindila. Keep in mind, kumIntrude, v. injizya ve.
bukila. Keep off (by cries) amila,
Invite, v. (call) ita, (by gesture) (parry) sola, (ward off) chinga.
cheuzya.
Keep on doing, pumilila. Keep
Inward, a. -a mukati, (of feelings)cattle, weta.
mumutima, mukondi (mukoli, Sec). Keeper, n. ichilindila (ivi-ll).
Iron, n. ichela (yield),—also ofK e y , n. imfungulo (—).
metals in general.
Kick, v. kuwula, sunka.
Island, n. ichisi (ivi-si).
Kid, n. umwana mbuzi.
Itch, v. wawa.
Kidney, n. infyo (amafyo).
Ivory, n. inzovu (i.e. elephant).
Kill, v. ipaya, (cause to die)
See Tusk.
fwizya, pulizya, sila.
Be Kind, v. wamila, nakilila,
Jackal, n. mumbwe (wa-ml).
petama, timvwana. n. (sort, quality)
Jar, n. (water pitcher) umutondo umutindi (imi-tl), also umusango.
(imi-tl), inongo (—).
Kindness, n. wino, uwunino,
J a w , n. tcmuwango (imi-wl).
umvwano, ukunakilila.
Jealousy, n. uwuwztwa.
Kindred, Kinsfolk, Kinsmen, n.
Jeer at, v. pepula, seka.
ichifulo, wane (S. mune), awesu.
Jibe, n. ichinwa (ivi-nwd).
King, n. infumu (—). See
Jigger, n. iwundu (ama-wI).
Chief.
Join, v. lunda, lundika.
Kitchen, n. iziko, peziko.
Joint, Joining, n. (in general)
Kite, n. ulukozi.
umulundo (imi-l.), (of body) umu- Knead, v. kassa.
fundo (imi-fi), (limb) ichizo (ivi-zo^.
Knee, n. likonko (ama-kl).
Joke, n. inseko (—), umulangwe Kneel, y.fukama.
(imi-ll).
Knife, n. ichipula (ivi-pl), (doubleJourney, n. umwendelo (imi-el), edged) umuele (imi-ele), (large)
ulwendo (ama-ll).
ichimwele (ivimiele), (small) akaJoy, n. ukutemwa, ukuseka, uku- mwele (utumiele), ichimayi (ivi-ml).
sangalala.
Knobkerry, n. inkdmolo, inkoli
Judge, v. (act as judge, decide Kncck, v. puma, nana. Knock
suits) eluzya, pingula mulandu, sosa
against, ipunula. Knock at door,
mulandu. n. umupinguzi (awa-pl), lizya chisasa.
impinguzi (—) ya milandu.
Knot, n. ichifundo (ivi-fl), (in
Juice, n. amenzi.
a reed, cane) umpingo (imi-pl).
Jumble, v. (e. g. mix dialects)
K n o w , v. izi, iziwa. Cause to
luvyanya.
know, wizya. I do not know, kaya,
J u m p , v, (over) chiluka, (as frog)
nsizi.
towoka.
Knowledge, n. amano.
Jungle, n. umsitu, (forest) ichonde,Knuckles, n. (fist) inkonyo.
(thicket) ichiwumbu (ivi-wl).
Labour, n. umulimo (imi-ll).
Just, a. -(i)ne. Just judgement, Be Lacking, v. (deficient) chepa.
Lad, n. umulumbwana (awa-ll).
umulandu wine.
Just, adv. ve,—often disparagingly. Ladder, n. ulukwelelo (ama-kl).
Just so and no more, only just, mvi
Ladle, n. ichande (ivyande).
ve, mvyo ve.
Lady, n. (chief's wife) umusano
Justice, n. uwine (of vague mean- (awa-sl).
ing, see Good).
LAME
112
LIGHT
Leaven, n. (yeast, Seel) ichimela.
Be Lame, v. sunta.
Left-hand, n. ukunso.
Lament, v. lila, dandaula.
Leg, n. ukulu (amolu, i.e. amaLamp, n. (foreign)
(ama-w.). Natives use a small bowl ulu), (iower, shin) umkonzo (imi-kl),
ululilo (ndild), with oil in it. (upper, thigh) ichiwelo (ivi-wl).
Leisure, (time for) insita.
Land, n. (region) ichalo (ivyalo),
(dry land) umusili (imi-sl). Main-Lend, v. (to be returned) azima,
to be paid for) apwizya, kopezya.
land, umulundu.
Landing-place, n. ichawu (ivy- See Borrow, Debt.)
Length, n. utali.
awu).
Language, n. ukusosa, ukuewa, Lengthen, v. talimfya, lefya,
kuzya (make bigger), chizya (carry
vyewo.
on, make project).
Large, a. -kulu.
Leopard, n. ing'o (—).
Last, n. -a kusila, -a nsilo, -a
panuma. At last, ayapwa (when it Leprosy, n. iviyona.
wasfinished),v. (endure, wear well) Less, a. (less than) -nini kuli,
-achepa kuli. Make less, lessen,
kokola.
Be Late, v. (long in coming) pungula, punguzyanya, (take from)
fumya.
kokola, (fail to arrive in time)
Let, v. (allow) leka, lekela. Let
chelewa.
Lath, n. (cross-stick, for carrying go (unloose) kakula, (pardon, let off)
grass of a roof) uluango (amango). lekela. Let alone, sia, leka. Let
down clothes, sunsula. Let us go!
Laugh, v. seka, sekezya.
tuende! tokioiye!
Launch, v. sukulizya.
Be Level, v. lingana, lungama.
Law, n. G o to law, panga
mulandu, enda munsaka (chief's Make level, linganya, lungamlka.
Liar, a. muwufi (awa-wufi), ulaplace of hearing).
wepa.
Lawful, a. See Right, Good,
Liberal,
v. pezya (Int. of pa),
Lawsuit, n. umulandu (imi-ll). Be
Lick,
v. myanga.
Lay, v. (set, place) wika. Lay
Lie, n. uwufi, ukuwepa. Tell a
down, wika pansi, lalika. Lay eggs,
lie, sosa uwufi, wepa, (downright)
wikila amani.
wepa ve, wepezya. v. lata, (on face)
Lead, v. (go in front) tanjila,
ivunama, (down) lata pansi, (on
(convey) (w)ula, twala.
back) lala usaneme, (on side) lata
Leader, n. (chief man) umukulu, kawea.
kapitao.
Life, n. (vital force) umoyo (also
Leaf, n. iwula (ama-w.), Come formerly umweyu), umtima, (heart,
into leaf, put out leaves, soka mccwula,
i. e. physical life), (health, soundness)
lumba.
musuma, (soul) muzimu. Thus in
Leak, n. vwa.
death, umtima wafwa, the heart
Lean, a. Be lean, onda, v. (life) is dead. Come to life (after
inama, sendama.
death), wuka, zizimuka.
Learn, v. sambila, isambizya. Lift, v. nyamula, sumbula, imya,
Least, adv. See Most.
pita (carry), inula. Lift oneself up,
Leather, n. inkanda, (untanned)inuka, ima.
impapa (—).
Light, n. ukuwuta (whiteness,
Leave, v. sia, leka. Leave offbrightness), ukuyaka (offlame,& c ) ,
(come to an end), sila, pela. (Seeukuwala (blaze, as sun, moon),
End.) Be left, syala. Leave me (sudden burst of light) ing'wee.
some, nsilapo. Take leave of one
another, lekana.
LIGHTNING
13
LOVE
Give light, make light (asfire,lamp), umutumba
(imi-tl), (case, box)
sanika. Be light (lighted up, bright, ibokosi (ama-b. — from the Engl.).
as a room), sweta. A light, umu- Pack a ioad, panga, or kaka, ichipe.
lilo (fire), umwenji (firebrand), uluTake up (a load), twala, (w)ula.
wasyo (lamp, lantern).
a. (in Put on the head, or shoulder, twika.
colour) -awuta, -asweta, (in weight) Carry (a load), pita. Put down,
-nini, te -afina, te -alema. The load
tula. Arrange loads, longa ivipe.
is light, ichipe chaanguka, techifina.
Stick for carrying a load before and
Make light, lighten (load), pungula behind, umutembo, for steadying a
(lessen). v. (make, give light) load behind, umutembo wa chilipwila.
sanika, (set alight, kindle) yazya. A load so carried, ichikolosa (ivi-k.).
Lightning, n. akampezi(utu-mpl). v. (gun) panga, longa (injuti — with
C o m e and go like lightning, vyata. a bullet, cartridge, mwichipolo).
Like, v. temwa, fwaya, konda,
L o a n , n. See Lend, Debt.
(much) temwezya (also temezya).
Loathe, v. patizya, tupizya.
a. -mo, umsinku ummo. Be like,
Locust, n. inzombe (—), inzye
linga. W h a t is it like ? yalinganji ?Log, n. (trunk of tree) insinde
It is like grass (green),yaling-e-zani. (-)•
Make like, linganya. conj. nga, nti, Loin, n. uluwunda (ama-ll).
kuwati, ukuti. Like m e , nga newo.
Loiter, v. (be long, late) kokola.
Likely, a. Be likely to (inclined,
Long, a. -tali, -kutali. Long ago,
tend to) temwa. It is likely, kano, for a long time past, kale (very long,
kansi, yangula.
kale wine). A long way, ukutali.
Likeness, n. (picture, carving) It is a long way off, mpa apatali.
ichinzingwa (ivi-n.).
v. (desire, covet) kumbwa.
L i m b , n. ichizo (ivizo, — in Look, v. (w)ona, sometimes wena,
particular, a man's upper leg, thigh). (carefully) lolezya, wenezya, (appear)
Limit, n. umupaka (imi-pl).
oneka. Look here! wona!
Look
Line, n. (series, side by side) for, fwaya.
Look about (peep),
umutande (imi-tl), (one behind thelingila. Look out (be careful),
other) umulongo (imi-ll). Put in a sunga, sungita.
line, longa, wika mutande.
Looking-glass, n. kaikole (—).
Linger, v. kokola.
Loop, n. ichiponje (ivi-pl).
Lion, n. inkalamu (—).
Be Loose, v. (slack, not tight)
Lip, n. umulomo (imi-ll).
naka. M a k e loose (slack) nazya.
Listen, v. umvwila, umvwizya.
Let loose, (let go, let escape) lekela,
Little, a. -nini, -che. A little izuila, panuzya, poza, fumya, (unthing, ichintu chinini (or chiche),fasten) kakula, (let down clothes)
(very little) akantu akanini, (very, sunsula.
very little) akantu akanini kantu.
Lose, v. luwya. Be lost, luwa.
A little, panini. Little by little, Let (cause to) be lost, luwuzya.
panini panini. Be little (deficient,
Loss, n. isyamo (ama-sl).
not enough), chepa.
L o u d , adv. pakulu, kantu. Speak
Live, v. (be alive) -li na umoyo, loud, sosezya, lizya.
-wa -a musuma, (reside) (i)kala, Love, v. temwa, fwaya. Be loved,
(pass life) (y)enda. Live on, chilila.
temezwa, temelwa, temekwa. Love
Liver, n. ichiwu (ivi-wu).
much, temwezya, temezwa. Love
Lizard, n. imbulu (—).
each other, temwana. Cause to love
Load, n. (in general) ichipe (ivipe,
each other (reconcile), temwanizya.
—properly, a large basket), (bundle) I (you, he, we, &c.) love sincerely,
umutolo (imi-tl), (bale of calico)
W.H.
LOW
li
MEDICINE
Manhood, n. ukulu.
natemwa ukondi (ukoli, utuli, &c).
Mankind, n. awantu wonse.
(My) dearly - beloved, watemezwa
Manners, n. Good manners,
ukondi.
muchinzi.
Low, a. -a pansi, -nini (small),
Manslaughter, n. Commit man-a yanguka (inferior, despicable).
The lower part (e. g. of a tree, theslaughter, ipaya te umumbo.
foot, — of a river, down stream) M a n y , a. -inji. Many times,
kuinji. Many people (a great crowd),
isamba, (of gun, spear) itako.
Lower, v. (let down gently) ina-iviwantu. Be many (abundant),
mika, (suddenly) poza, (clothesl (y)ula.
sunsula, (a load) tula, (lessen) Mark, n. ichiziwilo. v. mark out
a (circular) hut, sika ng'anda.
pungula.
Luck, n. (good) isyuho, (bad) Marriage, n. ukuupa, uufi.
Marry, v. (man or woman) upa,
isyamo. Good luck ! Lezaye !
Be Lucky,, v. syuka. Not be (of both) upana, (give in marriage)
ufya.
lucky, syama.
Luggage, n. (loads) ivipe, (pro- Marsh, n. amatipa.
Marvel, n. (wonderful thing)
perty) ichuma.
L u m p , n. (of porridge, in eating ichipa (ivipd).
Master, n. (of house, property,
with fingers) isono (ama-sl).
Lung, n. pupu (wa-p.), pupwe,slaves, &c.) umwine (awene), spoken
of also respectfully as umwine
sometimes pqfwa (—).
wakwe, and addressed as asikulu or
Lust, n. tikukumbwa.
sikulu, or, if a chief, akalonga, umLuxury, n. ukwenda uwino.
Mad, a. -silu, -afunta. Be mad sumba.
(crazy), funta. A madman, isilu Mat, n. (of reeds split and threaded
together side by side) impasa (—),
(ama-silu). Being mad, madness,
or umpassa (imi-pl), or upeso, (long
ttsilu, ukufunta.
Magie, n. (witchcraft) ukuloa,and narrow) tungulula (—), (of
other makes) umukeka (imi-kl).
ulozi.
Make a mat, luka mpasa.
Be Maimed, v. laswa.
Matter, n. (affair) ichintu (ivintu),
Mainland, n. umulundu.
Maize, n. (plant, cob, and grain)umulandu (imi-ll), (pus) amafina.
Meal, n. (flom) uwunga, (food)
ichtionga(ivi-tl). (Seelndian corn.)
ichakula. Make a meal, lia, (a full
Make, v. (in general, cause, form,
meal) ikutizya.
produce) chita, panga, lenga, (as
potter) wumba, (compel) patika, or Mean, a. -ayanguka (despicable).
Cs. form of verb, (make up, form Means, (method) amano, (money)
ichuma.
in combination) kumana.
Meaning, n. amano, (reason)
Male, n. -analume, -lume.
Man,
n. (person) umuntu ichifukwa. What is the meaning of
(awantu), (male)
umwanalume this word ? nchi chewo amanmdi ?
adv. mukati.
(wana-ll), umulume (wa-ll), (fullMeanwhile,
Measure, v. linga, ezya. n.
grown) umukulu (wa-kl). A big
man, ichimuntu (ivi-wantu). A (mode, means of measuring) urnulittle man, akamunlu (utuwanlu). lingo (imi-ll), umwezyo (imi-el).
Manage, v. (effect, bring about) Meat, n. inama, (the lean part)
umunofu (imi-nl).
chita, panga, (contrive, direct) chita
(orpanga) amano, (control, put right)Meddle, v. tendeka, injizya—often
with ve added to the verb.
wamya.
Medicine, n. umuti (imiti),
MEET
In 5
MORTAR
(charm, spell) uluwuko, uwanga.
Mine, a. -anji.
Have recourse to, use medicine,
Miracle, n. ichipa (ivipa).
wuka. Medicine man, ing'anga, Be Mischievous, v. (foolish)
insing'anga (—).
pusika, (harmful) wifya.
Meet, v. kumana, (join) lundana, Be Miserable, v. (in wretched
(together, assemble) longana, soncondition) sauka, kululuka, zingwa,
kana. Meet with (come on), sanga. (homeless, friendless, deserted, beMeeting, n. ukukumana, (con- reaved) mdnama, chula, kawa.
course of people) iwumba (ya wantu Miserliness, n. akaso.
awenji), umulongo, iviwantu.
Misfortune, n. isyamo (ama-sl).
Be Melancholy, v. langaluka, Miss, v. (fail to hit) pusa, (feel
zingwa, dandaula.
sad) mdnama.
Melt, v. sungulika.
Mist, n. umuwinga, ufuwe,fufuta.
Memoryj u- ukukumbukila. To
Mistake, v. (do wrongly) wifya.
keep in memory, as memorial, uku- Make many mistakes (make a mess,
kumbuzya.
jumble), luwyanya.
Mend, v. wamizya, (by joining)
Mix, v. kumbanya, timbanya, (as
lunda.
ingredients, in cooking) sanzya,
Mention, v. sosa, (to) izya. (jumble together, make a mess of)
Merchandise, n. amakwewo (S. luwyanya. Be mixed together,
ukwewo).
sanzyana, kumbana.
Merchant, n. umkusita (awa-kl). Moan, v. tenda.
Mercy, n. ichisa. Have mercy, Mock, v. (ridicule) pepula, seka.
be merciful, chila ichisa. Ask for
(See Mimic.)
mercy, papata. Have mercy on me ! Be Moderate, v. (self-restrained)
Umwe n-e-chisa nane !
ilezya.
Be Merry, v. seka, (y)angala,Modesty, n. insoni.
sangala.
Money, n. indalama, amapesa.
Mess, n. (confusion,fix)ukuta- Monkey, n. (baboon) kolwe
watawa. Get out of a mess, panuka (wa-kl). Other kinds are insanji
mukutawatawa. Make a mess (jum- (—), itumbwili (ama-tl).
ble) of, luwyanya.
Month, Moon, n. umwezi (imiMessenger, n. itenga (ama-tl).ezi). Full moon, umwezi umukulu.
Metal, n. (in general) ichela,
New moon, umwezi kanini. The
especially iron.
moon is waning, umwezi ukopelela.
Method, n. amano.
Moonshine, n. ukuwala kwa
Middle, n. kati, pa kati,—somemwezi.
times iliso (eye).
Morass, n. amalipa.
Midnight, n. usiku chelele.
More, a. More (than), -inj'i
Migrate, v. (leave a place) sela,(kuli), kuchila (kuli). Five and no
(move to another place) kuka.
more, zisano epela.
Milk, n. umkaka (formerly isulu). Morning, n. (in general) uluchelo.
Give milk, saka. Milky way, mu- Dawn is expressed by ttkucha
kula usiku. v. kama.
(dawning), wacha (i. e. usiku wacha,
Mill, n. (stones for grinding grain)night is ending), kwacha (it is dawn),
amawe (S. iwe).
(early) ukumacha,
uluchelochelo.
Millet, n. uule.
To-morrow morning, mailo wacha.
Mimic, v. linga, konka.
Next morning, uluchelo Iwakwe. Let
Mind, n. (intellect) amano, us get up early in the morning,
(feelings) umutima. v. (attend to) tuchelele kale (very early, kale kale)
sunga, umvwa.
Mortar, n. (wooden, for pounding
H 2
MOSQUITO
116
NEWS
grain, &c.) ukuwende (ama-w.: see Muscle, n. umunofu (imi-nl).
Music, n. Musical instruments
Pound), (for building, mud) ivu.
Mosquito, n. uwuzuzu (mbuzuzu,are izeze (guitar), ichipango (ivi-pl)
akalimba (utu-ll), akalumbu (ulu-ll)
nzuzu).
Most, adv. The highest (and ing'oma (drum), ingolwa (horn).
lowest) degree is expressed by Make music, lila, lizya.
kuchila zyonse (more than all), or M y , Mine, a. -anji. M y own,
-anji newo.
by -eka (only), -mo (uniquely)f -ine
Mystery, n. (something uncanny,
(truly).
Mother, n. (one's own) wama unnatural) umwiko (imi-iko), (a
marvel, miracle) ichipa (ivipd).
(—), yangu (awa-yl), (of others)
nyina (awa-nl). M y mother, wama Nail, n. (of the body, claw) ichala
newo, or wanji, yangu yanji, (your
(ivyaid).
mother, nyoko, nyokowe—his mother, Naked, a. -o-luvunwa, -o-wamba.
wany inawo). Wife's mother, nyina Nakedness, n. uluvunwa, uwavyala. On the mother's side, -a mba.
kuwama.
N a m e , n. izina (ama-zl).
Mould, v. (as potter) wumba. n. Nap, n. Take a nap, sipula.
(soil) ivu, iwumba.
Narrow, a. -nini (small), -afina.
Moulder, v. (w)ola.
Native, n. (belonging to a place
Mound, n. akapili (utu-pl). or region) umwine (awene) wa chalo,
Mount, v. nina, (of a hill, also)(black person) umuntu wafita. Be
tumbila.
a native of (born at) a place, vyaliwa.
Mountain, n. ichipili (ivi-pl),
Be Naughty, v. (as a child)
ulupili (ama-lupili).
pusika.
Mourn, v. lila, dandaula.
Navel, n. umutoto (imi-tl).
Mouth, akanwa (utunwd). Open
Near, a. -ipi, -a pepi. Adv. pepi,
mouth wide, asamula, (yawn) aula.
panini. Come near, iza pepi, (as a
Take a mouthful, suna isono.
standard, limit) kuma.
Move, v. sezya, (go) (y)enda, ima,
Neck, n. umukosi (imi-kl).
pita, (excite feeling) yazya mutima. Necklace, n. uwulungu (ama-ll),
They moved on, wati pantanzi.i. e. beads.
Move house, kuka, sama. Move
Needle, n. (native, for mats)
from a place, sela, (Act.) sezya. umwando (imi-al), (for sewing)
'iS.ow, v. (cut grass) sewa izani.
ichitungo (ivi-t.), akela kakowil
Much, a. -inji. Be much of uwusalu.
(abundant), (y)ula. Be too much
Neighbour, n. mune (wane).
for, kanga, avya. adv. pakulu, Neither, conj. Neither this nor
kuinji, kantu.
that, te nchi te nchi.
Mucus, n. (in the nose) ichifini,Nest, n. (of wild birds) ichisa
(from the nose) ivimina.
(ivisa).
M u d , n. amatipa.
Net, n. (forfishing)uwusumbu
Muddle, n. Make a muddle of (ama-sl). Set a net, tea usumbu.
(jumble together), luwyanya, (blun- Nevertheless, conj. kambi.
der) wifya. Get out of a muddle,
N e w , a. -pya, -a nomba.
panuka mukutawatawa.
News, n. ilyasi (ama-l., i. e. talk,
Mud-fish, n. ('barbel') kapontasubject of talk), amakani. What is
(wa-kl).
the news ? malyasi a siani? malyasi
Multitude, n. iwumba, umulongo,
anzi (or andu) ? Tell me the news
(of people) iviwantu.
Murder, v. ipaya, sila wantu. from yonder, mbwizye ilyasi lyanko.
NICE
117
ORDEAL
Nice, a. -(i)ne, awana. (See Occupation, n. umulimo (imi-ll).
Good.)
O d d , a. See Curious.
Niggardliness, n. akaso, (as to Of, prp. -a.
food) uwuwa, ukutana.
Offend, v. wazya mutima. It
Night, n. uusiku (nsiku). Night- offends me, ichambazya mutima.
fall, kwaila. Night comes on, usiku I am offended, umutima wawazya.
waila. Night comes to an end,
Offer, v. (put out) fumya, (as
usiku wacha. Dead of night, usikzi
sacrifice) pupa, pupilila.
chelele.
Offering, n. (e. g. for rain, luck,
Nine, a. -sano na -nne.
safe journey) ichipupo (ivi-pl), (to
N o , adv. yai, itapali yai. Say keep off animals, &c.) ichipela
1
no', kana. N o , there is not (none), (ivi-pl). M a k e an offering, chita
tapali yai. N o one, no body, tapali
ichipupo, pupa, pupilila.
muntu.
Often, adv. kawili kawili.
N o d , v. (as a sign) vumila umutwe. Oil, n. amafuta. Castor oil, amaNoise, n. (uproar, disorder) zV^z'- futa a mono. Apply oil, sua.
wawa (ivi-wl), umungwe.
Old, a. -kote, -nkola, -kulu, -a kale.
N o n e , a. There is none, tapaliAn old man, umukote, umkulu.
chintu yai.
H e is old, wavyelwe kale, nsiku
Nonsense, n. ukupusa.
zyakwe zyayula. Old age, ukote,
Noon, n. akazua pa kati k-o-ukulu.
mutwe.
Omit, v. (leave out) leka, (pass
Nose, n. impuno.
over) chila, pita, chizya, pitilizya.
Not, adv. (as a separate word) te, O n , adv. prp. pa, (on top of) pa
(in combination) ta, si. It is not far,mulu wa, (forward) pantanzi.
te ukutali. H e is not here, utalipo. Once, adv. (one time) kamo, (one
I do not want, nsikofwaya. Not so, day) Umo. At once, nomba, kangu,
do not, mwandi.
wangu.
Notch, n. ulupanda (ama-pl).
One, a. -mo. At one place (time),
N o w , adv. (at the present time) pamo.
nomba, mpa, pano, siku zino, (as Only, a. (alone, unique) -eka,
continuative Conj.) nomba.
-enka, -mo, (so, and no more) epela,
N u m b e r , n. (quantity) uwinji.
(just that — contemptuously) ve.
Nurse, v. (attend to sick man) Except only, but only, kuntu.
wuka.
Ooze out, v. vwa.
Oath, n. Take an oath (swear),
Open, v. (unfasten) kakula, (as
lapa, lapila. Use oaths (curse), door) izula. Ap. izuila, (as bottle,
lapizya.
uncork) chilula. Open mouth wide,
Obey, v. (a person) umvwa, asamula. Open the eyes, ziuka. a.
(orders) umvwa, sunga.
(bare, clear) -awuta, -asweta, (open
Object, v. (refuse) kana.
at top, roofless, uncovered) -a ichiOblige, v. (put pressure on)patika,pupa.
patikizya, (be kind to) wamila.
Openly, adv.pameso, pantanzi.
Observe, v. (notice) wona, (careOphthalmia, n. ukulwala meso.
fully) wenezya, lolezya, (attend to, Oppose, v. kana, pinga, kanga.
obey) umvwa, sunga.
(See Hinder.)
Obstinacy, n. imia, ukukosa.
Oppress, v. wifya, tendeka, chita
Obstruct, v. pingila, lezya (make
chipwata.
leave off), chinzya, chilikizya, imilika,
Or, conj. yangula, pambi.
kanga.
Ordeal, n. Undergo ordeal of
drinking poison, mwa u?nwavi.
ORDER
il 8
PAYMENT
Paddle, n. inkafi (—). v. sika
Order, v. (give directions to)
wizya, izizya, (arrange, direct) nkafi, sika uwato.
Pa'in, v. (cause pain) chena,
panga, panga amano. n. ipango
(ama-pl), amano. Give orders, vizya,chenezya, chita, (be painful) kalipa.
or panga, amano.
Obey orders, Be in pain, chenwa.
Paint, n. (colouring material)
sunga amano.
lanji. Apply
paint
Origin, n. iniulo (—). (See impemba,
(plaster, &c.) singa.
Begin.)
Ornament, n. isamiko (ama-sl). Palings, Palisade, n. (fence)
ichipango (ivi-pl), (stockade) ilinga
Wear ornaments,jaz«a;, isamika.
(ama-l.).
Orphan, n. umusiwa (awa-sl).
Other, a. (similar) nakwe (i. e. to P a l m , n. (raphia) umwali (imi-wl),
him, it, -hao, to them, & c ) , (different)(leaf) ichiwali (ivi-wl), (flat of hand)
-imbi. Belonging to other people, ulupi (amapi).
Pant, v. pema.
-a wene. Otherwise, pambi, vimbi.
It is (should be) otherwise, (not so, P a p a w , n. (tree) umpapaya
(imi-pl), (fruit) ipapaya (ama-pl).
do not), mwandi.
Pardon, v..leka, lekela, (release)
Ought, v. Expressed by wama.
kakula, zuila.
Chawama, it is well, i. e. you ought.
Parent, n. umuvyazi (awa-vl),
Our, a. -esu.
Out, Outside, adv. kunze, panze. uvyala (wavyala).
Parry, v. (strike aside) sola.
G o out,fuma. Put out,fumya. H e
Part, n. (portion, share) inkana
is out (not here), utalipo. Just outside the village, ku mbali ya muzi. (—), (piece) ichipande (ivi-pl).
Particle, n. (of dust) akavu
Outrage, n. ichipwata (ivi-pl).
(utuvu), (of sand) akamsenga (utuOutward, a. -a kunze.
Outwit, v. wepa, chenjezya,punza.mi-sl).
Partition, n. ichipiku (ivi-pl),
Over, adv. prp. ku (or pa) mulu
(wa). Pass over, (cross) awuka, screening off a compartment, ichi(exceed, pass above) chila, (let pass)pinda (ivi-p., in a native hut).
Party, n. (of people) umulongo
lalika, leka, chizya, pitilizya.
Overcome, v. kanga, chila, (imi-ll).
Pass, v. (along, on, by) pita,
chinzya. Be overcome, kangwa,
(y)enda, (over, beyond) chila,
vilwa.
,
Overflow, v. (pass over) chila.(through, Nt.) tulika, (through, Act.)
tunga, (off, come to an end) pela,
(See Flood.)
Overlook, v. (superintend work) sila. Let pass (omit), pitilizya,
kulumizya, (let pass) leka, lalika. chizya. n. (gorge, gap) impata (—).
Passionate, a. -a nkanza, -kali.
Overturn, v. alula.
Past, a. -a kale. In the past,
O w e , v. (have debts), see Debt.
O w n , v. (possess) kwata and kale. It is past (ended, done with),
chapwa, epela.
kwete, (confess) vumila.
Path, n. inzila (—).
O w n e r , n. umwine (awene).
Be Patient, v. (accessible, ready
O x , n. ng ombe yanalume.
to hear) nakilila, petana, (perseverPacify, v. teka, (c\uaxreViers)yanya,
ing) limba, kosa.
pokezya.
Pattern, n. umulingo (imi-ll).
Pack, v. (arrange) longa.
P a w , n. ulukasa (ama-kl).
Package, n. (bundle) umulolo
Pay, x.futa, (wages) lambtda.
(imi-tl).
P a y m e n t , n. ukufuta, ifuto
Pad, n. (of grass) ingana (—).
(ama-fi), (wages) ichilambu (ivi-ll).
PEACE
H9
POLE
Peace, n. (general well-being)
Place, n. (place of residence, spot
mutende. Live in peace and quiet- occupied) ichene (ivyene). This
ness, ikala ve, ikala pa chifulo (i. place,
e.
mpa,pano. That place,palya,
among one's o w n people).
pano. Take place, pona, ponela. v.
Peel, v. pala.
wika, (with care) teka.
Peep, v. (peer, pry) lingila.
Plain, n. (grassyflat)ichinika
Penalty, n. (fine) ifuto (ama-fl). (ivi-nl), (flat country, no hills) chalo
Penetrate, v. (pass through hole) chalungama, or chalalilila.
tulika.
Plait, v. (hair, grass, &c.) luka.
People, n. awantu.
Plan, n. (design, method) amano.
Perhaps, adv. (I don't know, I M a k e a plan, panga amano.
daresay, possibly, probably, &c.)
Plank, n. ichiti chapapatala.
yangula, kano, kansi, yangu.
Plantation, n. umunda (iminda),
Permit, v. leka, lekela.
uwalla (ama-w.). (See Garden.)
Perplex, v. kangizya, kaikizya.
Plaster, n. (mud) ivu(amavu), (a
Persecute, v. tendeka, wifya.
lump) ichivu (ivivu). v. (first plasterPersevere, v. limba, kosa, yezya,ing) masa, mata, (final coat) singa.
(keep on at) pumilila.
Platform, n. (for watching crops)
Person, n. umttntu (awantu).
ichitewa (ivi-t.).
Perspiration, n. ickiwe, ama- Play, v. (in general) angala, (a
tukuta.
ball) twa mupila, (music) lizya.
Persuade, v. (try to influence)
Pleasant, a. -(i)ne, -awama,
papata, pepeza.
-atemwezya.
Pestilence, n. inzandukila, in- Please, v. wamila, temwezya.
tenda ikulu.
Be pleased, temwa, seka, angala.
Pestle, n. (pounding pole) umusi If you please (I beg you), napapata.
(imi-si). (See Pound.)
Pleasure, ukutemwa, ukuseka.
Pick up, v. (find by accident)
Pledge, n. give pledge (b£iil),
tola.
luwula.
Picture, n. ichinzingwa (ivi-n., Pleiades, n. isangu.
i. e. likeness).
Be Plentiful, v. (y)ula, -wa -inji.
Piece, n. ichipande (ivi-pl), Be Pliant, v. naka-naka.
(share) inkana (—).
Pluck, v. (flowers) tondola,
Pig, n. (wild) inguluwe (—), (maize) kowola, (a fowl) iupula.
(tame) inkumba (—).
Plunder, v. teka. n. ivyakuteka.
Pigeon, n. inkunda (—), (wild)
Plunge, v. (jump) chiluka, (into
ichiwa (ivi-wd).
Water) iwila, (dip) sambizya.
Pigeon-house, n. ichikunda
Pocket, n. libeti (ama-bl), itumba
(ivi-kl).
(ama-tl), (fold of dress, used as
Pile up, v. (one on another) pocket) ichifunda (ivi-fl).
Point, n. (sharp, of weapon, &c.)
tuntika.
Pillow, n. (of reeds, head-rest) isonga (ama-sl), akalomo (ufu-ll),
(blunt end) impelo (—).
musau (imi-sl).
Point out, v. sonta, (carefully)
Pinch, v.fina ichala.
sontelela, sontelezya, sontelezezya
Pipe, n. (bowl) ichikololo (ivi-kl),
(show) langa, langizya.
(stem) umupembe (imi-pl).
Pit, n. ichilindi (ivi-ll), (pitfallPoison, n. uwanga, (for arrows)
ulembe, (forfish)uwuwa, akanchenzi.
for game) uwuzima (ama-zl).
Pitcher, n. umutondo (imi-tl), v. sila ku wanga, (fish) loa uwanga.
Pole, n. (in general) ichiti (iviti)
inongo (—).
(for house-wall) ulupanda (mpanda),
Pity, n. ichisa.
POLISH
PROFITABLE
Practise, v. (exercise oneself, try)
(upright, for supporting roof) umpumpu
(—), (for verandah-props) yezya.
ulusanimila (in-sl), (rafters of roof) Praise, v. (acknowledge goodulusonta (nsonta), (for carrying loadsness, merit, benefits) lumba, (flatter)
before and behind) umutembo (imi-tl).tazya.
Pray, v. lomba, papata, lambila
Polish, v. (by rubbing) kuza.
Politeness, n. muchinzi. Show (see Ask, Beg), (to God) pempela,
politeness, be polite, chindika, pupilila.
Prefer, v. (choose) sala, (like)
chindikizya.
Pond, Pool, n. (in river) itenga temwa.
Be pregnant,
(ama-tl), (isolated) ichiziwa (ivi-zl).Pregnant, a.
Poor, adj. (utterly destitute) -kafu,imita. She is pregnant, n-e-vumo
(inferior in quality) -awipa, -aya- (na ivumo).
Prepare, v. (make, get) chita,
nguka. H e is very poor, takwata
(w)ula, fwaya, (put in good order)
mukwamba.
wamizya, singa, longa.
Porcupine, n. inyunji (—).
Present, n. (worthless) ichintu
Porridge, n. insima (—, of any
cha waka, (complimentary) ichintu
kind of grain), (thin, gruel) ivisunga.
Porter, n. (carrier, messenger) cha muchinzi, umuchinzi. Make a
present, -pa, -pave, (freely,liberally)
itenga (ama-tl).
Possess, v. kwata, kwete, -wa na,pela, pezya. a. -a nomba, -a pano.
H e is present, ulimpa.
-wa -ine -a.
Presently, adv. (soon) nomba,
Possessions, n. ichuma, uwu(after a time) panuma, pambi, mailo.
woni.
Preserve, v. sunga.
Possessor, n. umwine (awene).
Press, v. (with finger) tonya,
Possibly, adv. yangula, kano,
(heavily)fina,lema.
kansi.
Pretend, v. ichita, wepezya, chita
Post, n. (wooden) ulupanda (amauwufi.
pl). (See Pole.)
Pretty, a. -awama, -ne.
Postpone, v. lalika, fuvya.
Prevent, v. kanga, pinga, lezya.
Pot, n.
See Cooking - pot,
Price, n. W h a t is the price ?
Vessel.
Potato, n. (sweet) imbatata (—). ukosita siani (how do you sell) ?
Prick, v. tunga.
Potsherd, n. ichinga (ivinga).
Pride, n. (arrogant conduct) ichiPotter, n. umwumba
inongo,
(awa-wl}J. D o potter's zaza, ukuipa ufumu.
umwumvi
Prisoner, n. (of war) inkole (—).
work, work in clay, wumba.
Pouch, n. libeti (ama-bl), itumba Private, a. Private affair, uupo
(ama-po). In private, privately, pa
(ama-tl).
Pound, v, (as grain in mortar) upo.
Probably, adv. kano, kansi, yatwa. She is pounding sorghum in
a mortar with a pestle, ukotwa ma- ngula—-i. e. I daresay, it may be.
Procure, v. twala, (w)ula, tela.
saka mukumende ku musi.
Pour, v. ita. Pour away, tulula. Produce, v. (make effect) chita,
lenga, (put forth) fumya, (as offPour over something, samba.
spring) vyala, (as fruit) twala, (as
Poverty, n. ukafu.
Powder, n. (gun) wonga. (See buds,flowers)tumba, soka.
Profit, v. (get gain) nonka, (sucFlour, Dust.)
Power, n. (physical) ivizo, (men-ceed) syuka.
Be Profitable, v. wamila. Not
tal) amano, ('authority) ukulu, ufumu.
be profitable, wipila.
PROHIBIT
121
RAIN
Prohibit, v. lezya, lezezya, ka-Push, v. sukula, (forcibly) sukunizya.
lizya.
Projection, n. ichitwe (ivi-twe\ Put, v. (place, set) wika, teka, (of
Be Prominent, v. chila.
liquid, pour) ita. Put in (inside),
Promise, v. vumila.
longa. Put out, fumya, (leaves)
Pronounce, v. sosa, (clearly, em- soka, (a joint) sezya, (fire) zimya.
phatically) sosezya.
Put on (clothes), vwala. Put off
Proof, n. (eye-witness) imboni (clothes), vwula, (defer) lalika,
fuvya. Put down (a load), tula.
Prop, v. sintihzya. Be propped,
Put on the shoulder or head, twika.
sintilika. n. umsintiliko (imi-s.).
Put in good order, wamizya, longa,
Be Proper, v. wama, lingana.
samika, teka wino.
Property, n. ichuma, uwuwoni.
Putrefy, v. (w)ola.
Propitiate, n. papal ila, lambila.
Puzzle, n. kanga, kaikizya. Be
Prosecute, v. sosya mulandu,
a puzzle (difficulty), avya.
songela, songelezya.
P y g m y , n. (very small person)
Prosperity, n. ukwenda uwino,
akamuntu akepi (utuwantu utwipi).
isyuko, ukusyuka. Have prosperity,
Python, n. ulusatu (nsatu).
syuka, (in trade) nonka.
Prostitute, n. umwanakazi wa
Quality, n. (sort, kind) umutindi
uchende, umkazi muchende.
(imi-t.).
Prostrate, a. Be prostrate, lata Quantity, n. (amount) umusinku
pansi. Prostrate oneself (salute (imi-sl). A quantity, uwinji.
humbly), chelela pansi.
Quarrel, v. uluwo, umulomo,
Protect, v. sunga, linda.
usosi, umulandu. Stop a quarrel,
Be Proud, v. (arrogant) zaza, pokezya, (reconcile) yanya.
(boastful) itazya, ipa tifumu.
Question, v. fumba, sosya, wizya.
Provide, v. See Prepare, ProQuickly, adv. kangu, wangu,
cure.
nomba. Act quickly (hurriedly, in
Provisions, n. ivyakulya.
a haste) angufyanya.
Provoke, v. ivazya mutima, tenQuiet, a. Be quiet, talala, tedeka.
kanya, ikala ve, (stop shouting) teke
Pry, v. lingila, lolezya.
akawele. Be quiet! chete ! chelele !
Public, a. -a wantu wonse.
talaleni I (Give over, stop !) isilike '
Publicly, adv. pantanze, pa meso,Act in a quiet (calm, gentle) way,
pa wantu wonse, ponse.
nakilila.
Puff, v. (pant) pema, (blow at)
Quite, adv. kantu.
pepela.
Rabbit,
n. kalulu (wa-kl).
Pull, v. kula. Pull away (rescue)
Race, v. (running) kangana (or,
tokezya.
P u m p k i n , n. ichipuzi (ivi-pl). yezyana) uluwilo.
Rafter, n. (roof-pole) ulusonta
Punish, v. chenjezya.
Be Pure, v. (clean, white) wula. (nsontd), insonla (—).
R a g , n. insamu (—). Rags and
Make pure, purify, wulizya.
tatters, insamu zyeka.
Purity, n. ukuwuta.
Rage, n. inkanza, tikali.
Purpose, n. (intention) mutima,
Rain, n. imvula, (sudden burst)
(plan) amano. O n purpose, umumbo,
imvula yawazya, (heavy) amaloch'i,
mumutima.
(light) imilochi, (drizzling) fuwe.
Purse, n. See Pocket.
Pursue, v. (follow) konka, (drive
away) wutuzya.
( - ) •
RAINBOW
12 2
RESCUE
Rainy season, amainza. First rains,Redeem, v. ombola, luwula.
imiwundo. Wettest time, akawe- Redeemer, n. nduwalwa (wa-nl).
Reed, n. it ete (ama-tl).
ngele. v. loka, nya, (sudden) wazya.
Refuge, n. uwutukilo. Take reRainbow, n. uwuta wa ku Leza.
fuge, wutukila,fisama.
Raise, v. (lift) inula, nyaviula,
sumbula, imya, (increase) kuzya, Refuse, v. kana, kanizya, tana.
Regret, v. (show regret, ask
wikila.
pardon) papata, (feel sorry about)
Ransom, v. ombola, luwula.
mdnama.
Be Rare, v. chepa, avya, avizya.
Regulate, v. wamizya, sanzya.
Rascal, n. pompwe (wa-p.).
Rat, n. (house) koswe (wa-kl), Reject, v. (with disgust, &c.) tupizya, sula, (throw away) luwya.
(field) imbwewa (—).
Rather, adv. (a little) panini, Rejoice, v. temwa, seka, yangala,
(preferably), e. g. I had rather go, sangala.
chawama kwenda, nkotemwa kwenda. Relate, v. sosa, wizya.
Relations, n. (kinsmen) umuntu
Ravage, v. wifya, teka.
Ravine, n. ichilindi (ivi-ll).wa chifulo, mune (wane). See
Family.
R a w , a. -wisi.
Release, v. (let out) zuila, (unRazor, n. ichiweo (iviwed).
Reach, v.fika, iyila, izila. tie) kakula, (let go) leka, fumya.
Relish, n. umunane, (gravy)
Read, v. penda (count).
Real, a. (true, genuine) -ine.timuto (imi-to).
Remain, v. (i)kala, syala.
Really and truly, ukwine kantu—
also expressed by ukondi (or, u- Remainder, Remains, n. ichamondi), i. e. where I am, in me, atsyala (ivya-s., that which is left).
heart, uko-n-li, and so on for other Remark, n. akewo (utuwo).
Remember, v. iwuzya, iziwizya.
Persons, ukoli, ukotuli, Sec,—also
by adding -ine after another adjec- Remind, v. wuzya, wuzyizya.
Remorse, n. Feel remorse, mdtive ; awantu, awenji wene, very
nama.
many people, ichintu ichine chine,
Remove, v.foimya, twala, (w)ula.
a very good thing.
Repair, v. wamya, (join) lunda.
Reap, v. See Harvest.
Rear, v. (bring tip) tela, (set up)Repay, v. welezya, wezya.
Repeat, v. chita pamba (or, pambi
imilika.
Beason, n. (intellect) amano, na pambi, or kawili kawili), patika.
(cause, argument) ichifukwa, umu- Repent, v. (acknowledge by asklandu. For what reason ? chifu-ing pardon) papata, (by sadness,
sorrow) mdnama, langaluka.
kwandu ? mulandunzi ?
Receive, v. poka, (w)ula, (with Reply, v. yasuka, sosa, wizya.
Report, n. (common talk) ilyasi
both hands) pembelela.
(ama-l.), amakani, (an account,
Reckon, v. (count) penda.
story) ichisimikizyo (ivi-sl).
Recognize, v. iziwila.
Recommend, v. (praise) lumba, Reproach, Reprove, v. kalipila,
tuka n-e-nsele.
(advise) -pa amano, wonya.
Reconcile, v. (pacify) yanya. Be Request, v. lomba, papata. (See
Ask, Beg.)
reconciled, yana, temwana.
Require, v. (want) fwaya, (urReconnoitre, v. lingila, lolezya.
Recover, v. (get back) wezya, gently) fwayizya. (See Command,
welezya, (get well) pola. RecoverNeed.)
Rescue, v. (get back) wezya, (from
consciousness, zizimuka.
Red, a. (bright, rich) -asweta. danger) poka, pokezya, pulumuzya,
RESENT
123
RUBBISH
(from drowning) awula, zuula, (from mpete (—), ichipete, akapete—accordfire) ipula.
ing to size, Sec A large finger-ring,
Resent, v. kalipila, wazya mtima.akalinda minwe (utu-l.).
Resentment, n. ichifundo (mu- Be Ripe, v. pya.
mutima).
Rise, v. inuka, (stand up) ima,
Reserve, n. (food for another (increase) kula, (as sun) cha, tula,
meal) ichimbala.
(as river, at source) tula, (in flood)
Be Resigned, v. (calm, com- (y)ula.
forted) talala, tekanya.
River, n. umuznana (imi-m.).
Resist, v. kanga, pinga, lezya, Road, n. inzila (—), umuseu
kana.
(imi-seu). M a k e (clear) a road,
Be Resolute, v. limba, kosa.
sewa museu.
Resolve, n. (plan, purpose)
Roar, v. uluma, lila.
amano.
Roast, v. ocha.
Respect, n. muchinzi. Show reR o b , v. (violently) poka, (steal
spect to, be respectful, chindika,from) iwila, (cheat) chenjezya,ptmza.
chindikizya, lambila.
Rock, n. ichimwala (ivi-mi-ala).
Rest, v. lata, ikala ve, twizya Rogue, n. (thief)pompwe (wa-pl).
(after work).
Roll, v. (roll up), vungd, peteka.
Rest, n. The rest (remainder),
Roof, n. umutenje (imi-t.) (made
ichasyala (ivya-sl), (persons) wasyala.
of grass (izani), fastened to crossThe rest of them, wanao (i. e. wane sticks (amango), resting on poles
woo).
(nsontdj). Thatch a roof, vimba.
Resting-place, n. pa kutwizya,
R o o m , n. (compartment of native
pa kidala.
hut, sometimes screened off) ichiRetire, Retreat, v. wela, -ya pinda (ivi-pl). (See House.)
panuma, (run away) wutuka.
Root, n. (of tree, underground)
Return, v. (go, come back) wela, umusila (imi-sl), (lower part of tree,
(give, send back) wezya, welezya. above ground) isamba (ama-sl).
Revelry, n. ukukolwa.
Rope, n. (bark strip) uluzizi
Reverence, n. muchinzi wine. (nzizi), (rolled or twisted) ichikungo
Show reverence, chindikizya, papa-(ivi-kl), (of hemp) umwando (imi-a.).
tila, lambilila.
Rot, v. be (go) rotten, (w)ola.
Revive, v. (from unconsciousness,
R o u n d , a. be round (circular)
1 shock) zizimuka, wuka.
vulungana, (on all sides of) zingauka.
Reward, n. (for work) ichilambu. G o round (of motion), zingauka,
Rhinoceros,
n. ichipembele zingaluka, (make a circuit) pindu(awa-pl).
luka.^ Turn (make go) round, zingaRib, n. uluwavu (mbavu).
Rich, adj. -a chuma. A rich man, uzya, zingaluzya. Mark out a round
Rice, n. (plant and grain) im- hut, sika ng'anda.
umwine wa chuma.
Riches, n. ichuma chinji, uwu- Rouse, v. (from sleep) wuzya,
(feelings) yazya mutima, wazya.
woni uwinji.
His feelings are roused, mutima
Right, a. (good, just, correct, &c.)
-(i)ne, -a wine, -a wino, awama.wafuma.
See Good. Put (set) right, wamya, R o w , n. (side by side) umutande
(imi-tl), (infile)umulongo (imi-ll).
wamizya.
R u b , v. (with cloth) wezya, (with
Rind, n. ichipapa (ivi-pl).
Ring, n, umupete (imi-pl), alsooil).sua, (polish) kuza, (file) tula.
Rubber, n. (india-rubber) mupila.
Rubbish, n. ivu (sweepings, & c ) .
RUBBISH-HEAP
124
SEED
Rubbish-heap, n. ichizyalaSauce, n. umuto (imi-td).
Saucy, a. -amia, i. e. -a imia.
(ivi-zl).
Savage, a. -kali, -a nkanza.
Be R u d e , v. pepula, (treat with
, Save, y.poka,pokezya,pulumuzya,
contempt) (y)angula.
(from drowning) awula, zuula, (from
Ruin, v. onaula, wijya.
Ruler, n. infumu. (See Chief.) a trap) panuzya, wombezya, (from
R u m o u r , n. (common talk) ilyasifire) ipntla.
Saviour, n. umupulumuzi (awa(ama-ll).
R u n , v. (y)enda uluwilo, wutuka,p.).
womba. Run away fast, wutukizya,
Say, v. sosa, (y)ewa, ti.
Running, a. adv. uluwilo.
Saying, n. ichewo (ivyewd), akewo
Rush, v. endezya, wutukizya. (utuwo).
Rush off (escape) vulumuka.
Scald, v. ocha, pizya.
Rust, v. indalawa. Remove rust,
Scar, n. ichiwala (ivi-wl).
kuza.
Be Scarce, v. chepa, avya, le
Sack, n. (matting bag) itumba
Scare, v. (frighten) tinya, (birds,
(ama-tl).
Sec, by shouts) amila.
Sacred, a. (of something offered to Scatter, v. mwazya, tawanya,
the spirit of a person) -a chiwanda. (y)anika, palanganya, (seed) kuwila,
Sacrifice, n. See Offering.
kuwa.
Be Sad, v. mdnama, langaluka,
Scold, v. tuka n-e-nsele, kalipila.
zingwa.
Scorch, v. ocha,pizya, (of the sun)
Safety, n. (general well-being) zualizya.
mutende, musuma, wino.
Scorn, v. (y)angula, pepula.
Sake, n. For the sake of, ichi- Scorpion, n. akamini (utu-ml).
fukwa cha, umulandu wa.
Scrape out, v. (clean out) komba.
Sale, a. ukusita. Goods for sale, Scratch, v. (to relieve) fwena, (to
amakwewo.
hurt) Una ichala.
Saliva, n. amate.
Scream, v. lizya. (See Cry.)
Salt, n. umuchele. A grass from
Screen, n. (in native hut) ichiwhich salt is made, ichichele—alsopiku {im-pl), (of verandah) icheche
a grass-plot.
(ama-chl).
Salute, n. (by gentle clapping)
S c u m , n. amafulo (S. ifulo,
ulupi, ukomb-o-lupi. v. (by clapping)
bubble).
omb-o-lupi (omba ulupi), omba manja Search, v. fwaya, lolezya, (hunt
(or mumanja), (by prostration) che- after) wamba.
lela pansi, lambila. See Greet.
Season, n. W e t season, amainza.
S a m e , a. -mo (one, alike). Be Cold season, umwela. H o t season,
the same (like), linga, lingana. A H uluzua, ichaka. Beginning of rains,
the same, pamo, chimo na chimo. imiwundo. v. lunga, wamizya.
Just the very same man, ngu ummo
Seasoning, n. umunane (imi-nl).
ve.
Seat, n. (native stool) • ichipuna
Sand, n. umusenga (imi-sl). A (ivi-pl).
grain of sand, akamusenga (utumi-s.). Second, a. -a kawili.
Sap, n. amenzi (no S.).
Secret, a. -a upo, -a kufisa. A
Sarcasm, n. ichinwa (ivi-nwa). secret (private matter), uupo (amaSatisfy, v. (please) wamila, upd).. It is a secret, ewa upo.
temwezya, temezwa, (with food, &c.) See, v. (w)ona, sometimes wena,
kutizya. Be satisfied, temwa, (with M d . -ene.
food) (i)kuta.
Seed, n. uwuto (mbuto).
SEIZE
SHOULDER
Seize, v. (i)kala, (by stealth) Sham, v. wepa, wepezya. Sham
*epeka.
sickness, wepezya kulwala, Iwala
Self, a. -ine. I myself, newo uwufi. n. uwufi.
nemwine, mwine wanji, you yourself,
S h a m e , n. insoni.
wewo wemwine, he himself, mwine
Shape, n. u/nutindi(imi-tl), umuwakwe, w e ourselves, fwewofwewene, sinku (imi-sl).
Sec. Reflexive in Verbs, i. e. I hurt Share, v. inkanya, (together)
myself, naichena.
awana, (Act.) awanya. n. inkana
Be Selfish, v. tana.
Sharp, a. Be sharp (of edge, or
Selfishness, n. uwutani, akaso,
point), -twa, (intelligent) chenjela.
(as to food) uwuwa.
Sharpen, v. (metal) nola, (wood,
Sell, v. sita (also, buy).
&c.) songola.
Send, v. (employ) luma. Send
Shave, v. wea (misisi).
after (to catch up), londola. Send
She, pr. See H e .
a.wa.y, fumya, tanifya.
Sheath, n. ichuwo (chuwo), ichiSense, n. amano (no S.). H e lost
tuwo (ivi-t.), igonelo (ama-gl), ichihis senses, amano yamupela. Refiso (ivi-fl).
cover the senses, zizimuka.
Shed, n. (open) insaka (ama-sl),
Be Sensible, v. (sharp, clever)
ing'omi (—). See H u t .
chenjela.
Sheep, n. imbelele (—).
Separate, v. (from each other)
Shell, n. (of egg, nut, &c.) ichilekana, (Act.) patula. a. (alone)
papa (ivi-pl).
-eka.
Shelter, n. (of boughs and grass)
Serpent, n. inzoka (—).
umusasa (imi-sl), (refuge) uwutihilo.
Servant, n. umwina (awend).
Shield, n. ing'ulu (—).
Serve, v. (as servant) tumikila,
Shine, v. (as sun, moon) wala,
tumikwa, (be serviceable) wamila.
(brightly) walizya, (asfire,lamp)
Set, v. (place) wika, teka, (a
sanika,yaka, (as glass, &c.) wakama.
trap) tea, (as sun) wa. Set in order,
Shiver, v. tutuma, sakama.
longa, wamizya. Set up, inula,
Shock, v. (give a shock to)
imilika. Set out, ima.
kangizya.
Settle, v. (a dispute) eluzya,
Shoe, n. (sandal) ulukwavilo
pingula, (resolve) fwaya, (reside)
(n-kl).
(i)kala.
Shoot, v. (fire a gun) lizya nfuti,
Seven, a. -sano na-wili—also
(an arrow) poza mufwi, (hit) lasa,
ichilowa (in Old-Wisa).
(kill) ipaya, (put out buds) tumba,
Severe, a. -kali.
soka. n. (sucker, tendril) umusisi
Sew, v. wila.
(imi-sl).
Sexual, a. Sexual organs, (male)
Shop, n. ichipala(ivi-p.),pakusita.
imbolo (—), ichikala (ivi-kl), (female)
Open a shop, wika ichipala. Shop
indufu (—). Have sexual intergoods, amakwewo.
course, tomba. Sexual sin, uchende,
Short, a. -ipi, -nini (small). A
ichitole.
short road, inzila eipi, or, ya pepi.
Shade, Shadow, n. ichilele, ichiBe short (lacking, deficient), chepa.
ntelelwe,ichinzingwa (ivi-nl), (shade,
Stop short, imilila, (come to an end)
ghost of a person) ichinzingwa.
pela, pelewela.
Shake, v. (Act.) sukanya, (a tree)
Shorten, v. ipifya.
pukumula, (clothes) kunta, kupula,
Shoulder, n. ukuwea (amawed).
(head) puka, vinya, (Nt. tremble)
O n the shoulder, pa kuwea, kamiea.
tutuma, sakama.
Shake oneself,
v. twika,pita pa kuzvea.
pukumuka.
SHOUT
126
SMILE
Shout, n. akawele (utu-wl). dress) sikulu, sikulu wesu, kaionga
Shouts (shouting, uproar), ichiwawa, (chief).
Sister, n. uwesu (awesu)—also
umungwe.
(See Cry.) v. lizya,
(with joy) wawila, (at, to scare away brother, kinsman.
Sit, v. (i)kala. Sit close to (be
birds, &c.) amila.
S h o w , v. langa, langizya, (byin attendance), pala?na. Sit on eggs,
amani. Sit on the haunches
pointing) sonta, sontezya. Show m elalila
!
(squat), zunzama.
ndange! unangizye!
Six, a. -sano na -mo.
Shower, n. (of rain) imilochi.
Size, n. umusinku (imi-sl),
Shrub, n. ichimpuza (ivi-ml).
Shrug, v. (the shoulder) sunsa ukulu.
Skeleton, h. amafupa aeka.
(ukuzvea).
Shut, v. (as door) izala, Ap. Skewer, n. umusakula (imi-sl).
izaila, (half-shut) chinga, (the eyes) Skill, n. amano. Have skill,
chenjela.
ziwata.
Skin, n. impapa (—), (any outer
Shyness, n. insoni.
Sick, a. A sick person, umulwele integument, skin, shell, rind, sheathleaf, &c.) ichipapa (ivi-pl), (dressed,
(awa-ll), walwala. Be sick, (ill)
twala, (weak, invalid) naka, (vomit)leather) inkanda, (for carrying child
on back) ichipapo (ivi-pl). v.penda,
luka.
Sickness, n. ulwele (ama-ll), fundula, (clean off with knife)
konda.
ukulwala.
Sky, n. ku mulu,
makumbi
Side, n. (as opp. to front, back)
uluwali (mbali), imbali (—). This (clouds), (whole upper region)
(that) side, ndu luwali. W h a t side ?umulu, leza.
Be Slack, v. (relaxed) naka.
uluwali Iwilalwi? O n all sides,
Slander, v. wepa, wepezya, sosa,
mbali zyonse. Side (other side, this
uwufi.
side, of river, Seel), isilya (ama-sl).
Slap, v. puma ulupi.
Be on one side (awry, out of centre),
Slave, n. umuzya (awa-zya), (big,
pungama.
Sift, v. (grain, by tossing)pepeta, grown) ichizya (ivizya), (male) kalume (akalume), (female) ichi-tunpeta. Siftfine,sewa.. v
tulu (ivi-t.). Slave stick, ikongwa
Sight, n. (seeing) ukuwona.
(ama-kl).
Sign, n. ichiziwilo (ivi-zl). M a k
e
Slavery, n. uuzya.
signs to, cheula, chewizya.
Be Silent, v. te sosa, talala, Sleep, n. utulo (Plur., no Sing.).
(i)kala chelele, silika. Be silent!v. lata utulo, (lightly, doze) sipula.
Slide, Slip, v. te'lela.
chelele! talaleni!
Slow, Slowly, adv. wino, wino
Silly, a. -apusa. Be (act, speak
wino.
as) silly, pusa, pusika.
Small, a. -nini, -che. Be too
Sin, n. ukuwipa, ichawipa.
Since, conj. (inasmuch as) ichi- small, chepa. Get smaller, pungula.
fukwa. ' From the time when' is often Smallness is often expressed by the
expressed by the verb fuma, go from. Diminutive prefix aka- (utu-).
Small-pox, n. inkanga.
Since I was born until to-day, nafuSmear, v. (with plaster, mud,
mako kuvyalwa na lelo.
&c.) mata, (with oil) sua.
Sing, v. imba.
Smell, v. (badly) nuka, vunda,
Single, a. -mo, -eka.
Sink, v. (in water) iwila. Sink (nice) nunkila, nunka kwine, (Act.)
nusya.
down, wa, pona, sendama.
Smile, v. seka.
Sir, n. (title of respectful ad-
SMITH
12 7
SPIRIT
Smith, n. umufuzi (awa-fl). Do
Sorrow, n. ukulila, indandaulo,
smith's work, fula.
ichifundo (cha mutima).
S m o k e , n. uwusi, ichusi. v. (a
Be Sorry, v. (show grief) lila,
pipe) pepa, (give out smoke) fuma dandaula, mdnama, (express regret,
ask pardon) papata.
uwusi.
Smooth, a. -alingana, atelela, Sort, n. (kind, quality) umutindi
alungama.
(imi-t.). W h a t sort of — ? -nzi,
Snake, n. inzoka (—).
-ndu ? O f a different sort, -mbi. Of
Snatch, v. anguka.
same sort, -nakwe.
Sneer, n. (sarcasm) ichinwa (ivi- Soul, n. umuzimu (imi-zl). W h e n
nwa).
the life of the body (umutima)
Sneeze, umpassu (imi-pl). v. comes to an end, the soul (umuzimu)
pasula.
continues to exist as a spirit. (See
Snoring, n. iminkonono (S. umu- Spirit.)
nk., a snore).
Soup, n. umuto (itnito).
Snuff, n. ufwaka wa kunusya.
Be Sour (acid, bitter, &c.) lowa.
Snuff-box, intekwe (—). v. nusya. Turn sour, ferment, sasa.
So, adv. conj. (thus) mvi, mvyo.
Source, n. intulo (—).
S o w , v. (seed in holes) komela,
It is just so, ni mvyo ve. It is not
so, te mvyo ve, mwandi. A n d so kampa, (broadcast) kuwa, kuwila,
(in narrative), epo, ekuti, nomba. wazya.
Soak, v. zuika, nazya (soften).
Spare, v. (let off, pardon) leka,
Social, a. Have social inter- lekela.
course, yana (be on friendly terms),
Speak, v. sosa, Ap. sosela, Cs.
pempulana (visit each other).
sosya, Int. sosezya, (y)ewa, ti, izya.
Society, n. (people living to- Speak to (address), sosya.
gether, village) muzi (mizi), (circle Spear, n. (heavy, hunting) ifumo
of relations and friends) ichi- (ama-fl), (light, war) umukondo
fulo.
(imi-k.), (forfish)umusumbu(imi-sl).
Be Soft, v. naka, (melt) sungu- The spear-head is ichilimi; ferule
lika, (smooth) lungama.
of blade, ing'omelela; spike at buttSoil, n. (earth, clay) iwumba, ivu,end, chocho; its ferule, inkusa. v.
(ground) umusili.
Spear fish, sopa inswi.
Be Solid, v. uma (hard).
Speckled, a. -a mawanga.
S o m e , a. (a little) panini, (a
Speech, n. (power of speech,
part, a share) inkana—often ex- speaking) ukusosa, ukwewo, (words)
pressed by -ko, -po after the verb. ivyewo. See Sound, Cry.
Give m e some, umpeko, nimpako.
Spell, n. (Native magic) put a
Son, n. (as offspring) umwana spell on, lowa. Remove a spell,
(awana), (not daughter) umwana lolola. (Native medicine) uluwuko,
mulume, (in relation to parents) uwanga. Treat by spell or charm,
inume (—).
wuka.
Song, n. uluimbo (nimbo).
Spider, n. tandabuwe.
Soon, adv. nomba, kangu, (not
Spike, n. (of native hoe) i'suka
yet) panuma, pambi.
(ama-sl), (of spear-butt) chocho
Soot, n. imifito.
(wa-chl).
Soothe, v. teka, sekezya.
Spill, v. ita.
Sore, n. ichiwenga (ivi - wl). Spinster, n. (young woman, not
Sores, eruptive disease, impele.
yet a mother) umusimbi (awa-s.—
S o r g h u m , n. amasaka, (a grain) also, bachelor).
isaka.
Spirit, n. umuzimi (imi-zl). (It
SPIT
128
STOP
Stammering, n. ichibwibwi.
appears that the soul (umuzimu) of
Stamp,, v. nyanta, nyantawila.
a m a n after death is supposed to
continue in existence as a chiwanda, n. (mark, brand) ichiziwilo (iyi-zl).
not always maleficent, but active and Stand, v. ima, imila, imilila.
Star, ulutanda (ntanda).
capable of doing harm, so needing
Start, n. (begin to go) ima, (with
propitiation, or as an umupassi (also
called ichinzingwa, i. e. shade, or fright, &c.) situka, zizimuka.
Starve, v. (get thin) onda, (die)
ghost), at rest and harmless.)
Spit, n. (skewer) umusakulo -fwa ku nzala.
(imi-s.), (toasting-stick) umupano State, n. (condition) ichikalo.
Stay, v. (i)kala, (stay behind, be
(imi-pl). See also Saliva (spittle).
Split, Split up, v. panda, pan- left) syala, syalila, (wait) linda, lindila.
ditla, (Nt.) pandaika.
Steal, v. iwa, poka, chita upoSpoil, v. onaula, wifya.
Steal upon, nyamila, peSpoon, n. (ladle) ichande (ivy- mpwe.
ande), (small) akachande (luviande).peka.
Steam, n. uwusi, ichuu (i. e.
Spot, n. (coloured patch, stripe,
or mark) iwanga (ama-wl), iwala smoke).
Be Steep, v. imilila.
(ama-wl).
Stem, n. See Stalk.
Spotted, a. (also speckled,
Step, n. (of ladder) ulupami
striped) -a mawanga, -a mawala.
Sprain, v. sezya, alula. Be (mpami).
Stick, n. akachiti (uliti), (knobsprained, sela, aluka, naka.
Spread, v. (out, extend) tanda, kerry) nkdmolo (—), nkoli (—), (for
(smooth, as mat) palama, anza, stirring) umunayo (imi-nl).
(about, here and there) palanganya, Stick, v. (be sticky) lambatila,
(be fixed) katwa. Stick upright,
(clothes to dry) (y)anika.
Spring, n. (of water, source of imilika. Stick (knife) in belt, vwala
Stick (spear, Sec) in
river) in tulo (izintulo), (season, umuluwunda.
beginning of rains) imiwundo. Hot ground, simpa.
Be Still, v. talala, (i)kala chelele.
spring, kalimulilo (awa-kl). v.
(leap) chiluka, (up, as water, sun)Stand still, imilila.
Sting, n. (of bee, &c.) uluola
tuta, (on, as lion) walika.
Sprinkle, v. ita, mwazya (a- (mbola). v. wawa, suma.
Stink, v. vunda, nunka.
menzi).
Stir, v. (food) naya, (feeling)
Sprout, v. (grow) mela, ima,
(with bloom) tumba, (with leaves) yazya mutima. Stick to stir food
with, umunayo (imi-nl).
soka.
Stockade, n. ilinga (ama-ll). (See
Spy, v. lingila, lolezya.
Squat, v. (on heels) zunzama, (on Fence.)
Stomach, n. ivumo, (bowels)
ground) (i)kala pansi.
mala.
Squeeze, v.fina, kama.
Stone, n. iwe (ama-we), (for fireStab, v. tunkula, lasa.
Stage, n. (platform, upper story), place) iweza (ama-w.), (small,
gravel) utuwenkesi.
ichitewa (ivi-tl).
Stool, n. ichipuna (ivi-pl).
Stagger, v. punguzimika.
Stoop, v. inama.
Stalk, n. (of maize or sorghum)
ulupete (ama-pl^, ichipete (ivi-pl), Stop, v. (stand still) imilila,
(of millet) imbua (—), impimbile (stay, remain) (i)kala, syala, (leave
off) leka, (make stop) lezya, imi(—). v. (game) nyamila.
Stall, n. See Shop, Cattle.
lika, pinga. Stop a blow (or pafhj
STOREHOUSE
129
SURROUND
^ n ^ T 0 3 / ) ' chinS«3 chinzya.pusa, te kwat-a-mano. A stupid fool,
ichipua {cha muntu).
Stop up (hole, & c .), chilika.
Subject, n. (dependent on chief)
Storehouse, n. (for grairi) uwu.
umulandu (awa-ll), imfulo (—).
talla (ama-t.).
'
Storm, n. (rain) imvula, (wind) Submit, v. (be beaten) vilwa,
kangwa, (accept terms) vumila, kata
impepo, (hurricane) ichikuka (ivi-kl).
molu, (ask pardon) papata.
Story, n. ichisimikizyo (ivi-sl).
Substance, n. (thing) ichintu
Stout, a. -kulu. A stout (fat)
man, umuputu, umukulupa muwili. (ivintu), (material, fabric) umwili.
Be Straight, v. oloka, (in place, Suburb, n. imbali zya muzi.
Succeed, v. (prosper) syuka, (as
line) lungama. Make straight, olola.
Set straight (in place), lungamika. heir) plana.
Strain, v. (try hard) yezya, yeze-Success, n. isyuko, ukwenda wino.
Suck, v. (as child), onka. Give
tya, (as filter) vwizya, sansa.
Strainer, n. ulusanso (nsanso).suck, suckle, onsya.
Suffer, v. (allow) vumila, leka,
Stranger, n. (traveller) umu(be in pain) chenwa.
iwendo (ama-ll). (Not of the counSufficient, a. Have sufficient of,
try) te umwine wa chalo.
Strangle, v. kama (or,find)pa kuta. Be sufficient (ample), (y)ula.
Not be sufficient, chepa.
mukosi.
Sugar - cane, n. ichisankonde
Stray, v. luwa.
Stream, n. akamana (utu-ml). (ivi-sl).
Strength, n. (bodily) ukukosa, Suicide, n. ukuipaya mwine.
Suit, v. wamila, linga. Not suit,
ivizo.
wipila.
Stretch, v. (out, put out) tambalika, (smooth) vungulula, tanda,
Sulkiness, n. imia.
(straight) olola, (tight) tinta, tinS u m m e r (hot season) uluzua,
tizya.
ichaka.
Strike, v. puma, nona, (rap, tap)Sun, n. akazua. Sun's light and
kunta, (with weapon, wound) lasa,
heat, uluzua, ukuwala. Sunrise,
(with axe, hoe, &c.) koma.
akazua kucha (or, kutula). Sunset,
String, n. ichingwe (ivingwe).
akazua kuwa.
(See Cord.) Make string by rolling
Superintend, v. wamizya, kuluon leg, posa. Put on string, tunga.mizya.
Strip, v. (bark) funda, fundula, Superior, a. (in position, above)
komola, (undress) vwula, (flesh from
-kulu, -a kumulu, (very good) -(i)tie
bones) tanta, tantizya.
kantu.
Stripe, n. (band of colour) iwanga Support, v. (help) avwa, (prop
(ama-wl). Striped calico, nsaluya
up) sintilizya.
misango.
Sure, a. (trustworthy) -ine.
Stroll, v. tandala.
Be Surety, v. luwula.
Strong, a. -a ivizo, -akosa, (firm,
Surpass, v. chila.
hard) -auma, (of good substance) Surprise, v. (come on suddenly)
•apika.
pepeka, (cause surprise) kanga, kanStruggle, v. Iwa, kangana.
gizya. A surprise (wonder), ickilota
Stumble, v. ipunula (over a (ivi-ll), ichipa. Common expression
stone, ku iwe).
of surprise, wona yangu !
Stump, n. (of tree) ichizingitiSurrender, v. See Submit.
w, H.
(ivi-zl),
(of branch) isongo (ama-sl).
I Surround, v. (be round) zinBt Stunted, tuza.
gauka, zinguluka, (put round) zinStupid, a. -pusa. Be stupid, gauzya.
SWAGGER
130
THICKET
Swagger, n. ichizaza. v. zaza. Tax, n. umusonko. Pay tax, sonka.
Swahili, n. (man) umnasara, mu-Collect tax, sonkezya.
lungwa, (language) chinasara, chi-Teach, v. langa, wizya, sambizya.
Tear, n. (from eye) umusozi
lungwana.
(imi-sl). v. panda. Be torn to
Swallow, v. mila.
rags, pandika, pandaika.
S w a m p , v. amatipa.
Swear, v. (take oath) lapa, la- Teat, n. insota (—).
Teaze, v. chuzya (suzya), tendeka.
Hla, (curse) lapizya.
Tell, v. (inform) izya, izizya,
Sweat, n. ichiwe, matukuta.
(relate, a story) simikizya, sosa.
Sweep, v. (clean) zola, zola iwu.
Sweep a house, zola mung'anda. Tell tales of, songezya wewelela.
Be Sweet, v. (to taste) sonsa,Tell lies about, wepela. Tell a lie,
(pleasant) wama, (to smell) nun- sosa uwufi.
Temper, n. umutima.
kila.
Be Temperate, v. (in food) te
Swell, v. imba, (breasts with
milk) saka. Be swelled out, vi-lizya.
Tempt, v. (coax) pembeza, ila,
mbilwa.
cheula, (with deceit) wepa, chenjezya,
Swelling, n. (inflammatory) ichi(make trial of) yezya.
pute (ivi-pl).
Swim, v. samba, sambila. Swim Ten, a. ikumi (ama-kl).
with (i. e. conveying something), Tend, v. (incline) temwa.
Be Tender, v. (soft, yielding)
sambizya, (if a short distance)
naka.
samvya.
Test, v. yezya.
Swing, v. (Act.) sininda.
Than, conj. (in comparisons) kuli,
Switch, n. akachiti (ufuti).
Sword, n. ulupanga (ama-pl). pali. H e is greater than I, mukulu
kuli newo.
Sympathy, n. ukumvwana.
Thank, v. (by prostration and
Tail, n. umuchia (imi-chl). W a g
clapping) lambila, (express approval)
the tail, zunzya muchia.
lumba. Thank you! natemwa!
Take, v. (w)ula, twala, pita
chawama !
(carry), poka (receive). Take out,
That, a. -Iya, (ngulya, mbalya,
fumya. Take off clothes, vwula.
njilya, ichilya, Seel), -no. con
Take down (decorations, fittings,
ukuti.
& c ) sdmula.
Thatch, v. vimba. Take off
Talk, n. usosi, ilyasi (ama-ll),
thatch, vimbula.
amakani. v. simika ilyasi, pinga
Theft, n. upompwe, ukuiwa.
makani, sosa, sosana.
Their, a. -awo.
Talkative, a. -a mulomo, -a
Then, adv. (of time) Hi, ilyo, elyo
kusosa.
(in narrative, continuative) epo, eko,
Tall, a. -tali.
move, Sec.
Tame, v. (domesticate) teka.
There, adv. mpalya, mpano, mpo,
Tangle, n. Be in a tangle,
kulya, (n)kuno, nko, nku, mmu, emu,
kakana.
umo, Sec.
Tap, v. (knock gently) kunta,
Therefore, conj. ichifukwa icho,
kuntela.
chifukwancho.
Taste, v. sonda.
They, pr. wawo (of persons).
Tattoo, n. (tribal, marks, &c.)
Thick, a. putu, -kulu uputu.
nembo. v. lemba.
Thicket, n. ichiwumbu (ivi-wl),
Taunt, v. pepula, seka.
ichiwindi.
Thickness, n. uputu.
THIEF
131
TORCH
Thief, n. pompwe (wa-p.). H e is kakizya, (draw tight) iintizya. Be
a thief, ulewa (i. e. ulaiwa).
tight (drawn tight), tintika.
Thigh, n. ichiwelo (ivi-wl), also Till, conj. prp. Sometimes exichizo (limb).
pressed by na. Till to-day, na lelo.
Thin, a. -nini (uputu) -che. Be Till now, na nomba. Till the end
thin (emaciated), onda.
of the next month, miezi ifwepo
Thing, n. ichintu (ivintu).
iwili.
Think, v. (think of, about) nasila, Time, n. (no general expression),
kumbuka, kumbukila, (say to, or, in (leisure) insita. A long time, nsiku
oneself) -ti, (anxiously brood over)ziinji, pakulu, likulu. A short time,
langaluka. I think so (I daresay, panini, linini. At what time? (on
possibly) kansi, yangula.
what day) akazuanzi? nsikundu?
Thirst, n. ichipemba.
(at what time of day, what o'clock)
Be Thirsty, v. -li na chipemba, akazua siani? In reply, time is
lala chipemba. I a m thirsty, ndinaindicated by pointing and saying,
chipemba, ndele chipemba.
akazuamvi, i. e. the sun thus. For
This, pr. ngu (nga, nji, nchi, mvi,times of day, see D a y .
Seel). This man, ngu muntu. This
Tip, n. (point) akalomo (utu-ll),
thing, nchi chintu.
isonga (ama-sl). (See End.)
Thong, n. (of hide) ulusinga
On Tiptoe, adv. kakumo.
(nsinga).
Tire, v. lema, kanga, (utterly
Thorn, n. umuunga (imi-unga), exhaust) nazya. Be tired, naka.
umunga (imingd).
To, prp. ku, pa, also kuli, pali, (in
Thought, n. (deep, anxious) ulu- some cases) kwa.
langaluko (ama-ll). (See Think.)
Toast, v. ocha, (on stick) panika.
Thoughtlessly, adv. waka, te Stick for toasting, umupano (imi-pl).
umumbo.
Tobacco, n. fwaka (—, —plant
Thread, n.v.usalu
(of cloth), v. and leaves), (flowers and seed) injeli.
Threaten,
tinya.
Three, a. -tatu.
Toe, n. ichikumo (ivi-k., also,
Throat, n. (inner)
umumilo thumb), akakumo (ulu-kl).
(imi-ml), (outer) umukosi (imi-kl). Together, adv. pamo.
Place
Throb, v. tutuma.
together (all in a heap, in a mass),
Through, adv. prp. mu kati (ka),kumbanya, kambatanya.
pa kati (ka).
Token, n. (sign, indication) ichiT h r o w , v. ponya, poza, (forcibly) ziwilo (ivi-zl).
ponezya. Throw away,poza, luwuzya. To-morrow, n. mailo (also
Throw about (scatter), mwazya, yesterday)To-morrow morning,
ondaula, funtaula.
mailo wacha. D a y after to-morrow,
Thrust, v. sukula.
mazo (also, day before yesterday).
T h u m b , n. ichikumo (ivi-k.—alsoThird day after, mazo utali.
toe).Tongue, n. ilimi (ama-ll).
Thunder, n. leza.
Too, adv. (in addition) na, -po,
Thus, adv. (in this way) mvi, (overmuch) kantu, pakulu, pa
mvyo, ncho.
kuchila.
Thwart, v. kanga. See Hinder,
Tooth, n. ilino (ameno, i. e.
Prevent.
amaino). Grinder-tooth, ichiponzi
Tie, v. kaka, (a knot) fundikilila,
(ivi-pl).
(make by tying) (i)maka.
T o p , n. (of hill) umutwe. O n the
I 1top (of), ku mulu (wa), pa muln
Tight, a. Make tight, (tie tight)
(wa).
Torch, n. (of grass, &c.) umwenji
TORMENT
132
UGLY
A m a n of what tribe? umuntu
(imi-enji), (lighted stick) ichisinga
wandu ?
(ivi-sl).
Tribute, n. (native, to chief)
Torment, Torture, y. chenezya.
umtulo (imi-tl), (to European ) umsonTortoise, n. infulwe (—).
Totter, v. (reel, stagger) pungu- ko. Pay tribute, tula, sonka.
Trick, n. muchenjezi. Play a trick,
zimika.
Touch, v. (withfingers)tonfya, chenjela, (on a person) chenjezya.
Trickle, v. vwa.
(to call attention) sunka, (lay hand
Trigger, n. (of gun) wuta.
on) kata, (come in contact with)
Trip up, v. (stumble) ipunula.
kuma, (touch each other) kumana,
Trot, v. sensela.
(just touch, graze) kuntya.
Trouble, v. tendeka, sauzya,
Be Tough, v. utna.
chuzya, wifya.
T o w n , n. umuzi (imi-zi).
True, a. -(i)ne. True report,
Trace, Track, n. (trail) umukula,
(animal's path) ikunko (ama-kl), ilyasi line, vyewo vine. Yes, it is
quite true, a-a ichine kantu.
inkunku (—).
Trade, n. ukusita. v. sitana. Truly, adv. ukwine, chine.
Trunk, n. (of tree) insinde (—),
Articles of trade, amakwewo.
(of elephant) umulembe (imi-l.),
Train, v. (domesticate) leka. (See
ichitamba (ivi-t.).
Teach.)
Trample, v. nyanta, nyantawila, Trust, v. (believe, accept) vumila,
nyantizya.
umvwa.
Translate, v. (y)alula (i. e. Trustworthy,
Truthful, a.
change).
-(i)ne.
Trap, n. (spring and noose) ichi- Try, v. (endeavour, test) yezya,
tembo (ivi-t.), (falling) ichifu, (for
(as judge) sosa mulandu.
fish) uluanga (ama-ll), umono. v. Tsetse, n. akanzembe (utu-nl).
tea.
Tuft, n. (crest, top-knot) inzela
Travel, v. (y)enda, iya, chita
Tumble, v. wa, pona.
ulwendo.
Turn, v. (change, alter, change
Traveller, n. umulwendo (awa-ll). position, &c.) aluka, sanguka, (Act.)
Treachery, n. ukuwepa, uwufi.
alula, aluzya. Turn round, zingaTread on, v. nyanta.
luka, pinduluka, (Act.) zingaluzya.
Treatment, n. (medical, native) Turn over (upside down, inside out),
ukuwuka.
alula.
Tree, n. ichiti (iviti—also stem, Tusk, n. (of elephant) inyanga
branch, stick), (dead, fallen) ichisinga
(ama-nl), (as article of trade) inzovu
(ivi-sl). Tree-trunk, stump, insinde
Twelve, a. ikumi na -wili.
T w e n t y , a. amakumi awili.
Tremble, v. tutuma, sakama.
Trench, n. tunkonkola (imi-kl), Twice, adv. liwili, kawili.
Twilight, n. (evening) usiku
ichilindi (ivi-ll).
waila, (morning) usiku wacha.
Trespass, v. chila mupaka.
Trial, n. (suffering) ttkusauka, Twins, n. wantembwa. .
(testing) ukuyezya, (legal) umulandu Twist, v. pola.
T w o , a. -wili.
(imi-ll). Place of trial, court,
( - ) •
insaka (—). Hold a trial, sosaUdder, n. iwele (ama-wl).
mulandu. Decide a trial, pingula Ugly, a. -awipa. H e has an ugly
mulandu, (y)eluzya.
face, wawipa pa meso.
Tribe, n. umkowa (imi-kl).
Member of tribe, umkowa (awa-kl).
ULCER
13 3
n
WAKE
Ulcer, n. ichiwengu (ivi-wl). Be Useful, v. wamila.
Umbrella, n. ilambo (ama-ll). \ Useless, a. -a waka.
Be Unable, v. See Able, Can.'.
Vaccinate, v. lemba umuti wa
He is unable to speak, utezi kusosa,
nkanga, lembela nkanga.
i. e. tttaizi. Be quite unable (beaten
Valley, n. ichikoka (ivi-kl).
by a task), vilwa, kangwa.
Valuable, a. Something of market
Unawares, adv. (unintentionally)
te umumbo, (secretly) ku upo. Comevalue, ukwewo (ama-k.).
Vapour, n. ichusi.
on (seize) unawares, pepeka.
Various, a. (different) imitindi
Be Uncertain, v. (feel doubt)
imbi (or, iyinji).
kaika.
Vein, n. insipa (—).
Uncle, n. (on father's side) wawo
Verandah, n. (round native hut)
(wawawo), (on mother's side)
ulukolo (amakolo, nkolo)—sometimes
umwizyo (wa-ml).
enclosed by a screen, icheche.
Uncover, v. vunukula.
Very, adv. kantu, ukwine, chine,
Under, adv. prp. pansi (ya).
Underground, adv. pa musili, wine. Very much, pakulu, ukwine
kantu. A very long time past, kale
muli musili.
Understand, v. umvwa, izi, wine. Often expressed by a. -ine
following another adjective, e. g.
iziwa.
awenji wene, very many people,—
Undertake, v. vumila.
ichinini chine, a very small thing.
Undo, v. (a bundle) kakula.
Vessel, n. (for holding liquids),
Undress, v. vwula.
Unfasten, v. kakula, (a lock)see Cooking - pot, Pitcher ; (for
dipping) inkombe (—), (for carrying
fungula.
Unfold, Unroll, v. petelula. water on journey) ichipanda (ivi-pl).
Unintentionally, adv. te umumbo. Vex, v. tendeka, chuzya.
Victim, n. Make a victim of
Unique, a. -eka, -mo.
(inform against), kwewelela.
Unite, v. (join) lunda, (Nt., meet)
Village, n. umuzi (imizi).
kumana.
Universal, a. -apanonse, -a wantuViolence, n. (outrage) ichipwata
(ivi-pl), (fury) nkanza, (crime) ukuwonse.
wifiya, umulomo.
Universe, n. ivintu vyonse, chalo
Be Visible, v. (w)oneka.
chonse, pansi na pamulu.
Unpack, v. (untie) kakula, (take Visit, v. (go to see) pempula.
Pay a morning visit, chelela.
out contents) longola.
Voice, n. inkonde (—), iziwi
Unripe, a. -wisi.
(ama-zl), ukusosa.
Until, conj. See Till.
Up, Upon, adv. prp. ku (or, pa) Voluntarily, adv. ummutima,
nmlu (wa). Set up, imilika. G oumumbo.
Vomit, v. luka.
up (a hill), lumbila. See Rise,
Lift, Ascend, &c. U p stream, ku Wag, v. (the tail) zunzya, vinya.
Wages, n. ichilambu (ivi-ll).
mulu wa mumana.
Waistband, n. ilamba (ama-ll).
Be Upright, v. imilila.
Wait, v. linda, lindilila, (stop
Uproar, n. iohiwawa.
behind) (i)kala, syala. Wait for me
Upset, v, alula.
Urine, n. imisu. Pass urine, yonder! nindako nko (i.e. ni-lindako), nindilileko! Lie in wait for,
sunda, nya.
fisamila.
Tjs, rye. fwewo.
rjse, v. tuma, tumizya, (apply as W a k e , v. wuka, (Act.) wusya.
tool) (w)ula.
WALK
134
WHISTLE
W e a n , v. sumula, Nt. sumuka.
Walk, v. (go on foot) enda ku
Wear, v. (clothes, weapons)
molu. Go for a walk, tandala.
Wall, n. (of mud house) ichi-vwala, (a wallet) ktrweka, (last)
kokola.
wumba (ivi-wl), (walls without roof)
Be Weary, n. naka, lemewa,
ichipupa (ivi-pl), the top part, close
kangwa.
to roof-poles, ichiliwa. See Fence,
Weave, v. luka.
Stockade.
Wallet, n. itumba (ama-t.). SeeW e b , n. (of spider) ichitando
(ivi-tl).
Bag.
W a n t , v. fwaya, (be without) te Wedding, n. uufi, ukuupa.
kwata, (wish, intend) fwaya, temwa, W e e p , v. lila misozi.
Weigh, v. penda, (calculate)
-ti. Be wanting, chepa, avya.
W a r , n. inkondo (—), vita (—).linganya.
Welcome, v. sekelela, ita.
W a r d off, v. sola.
Well, n. ichisima (ivi-sl). adv.
Be "Warm, v. wangama, (Act.)
wangamika. W a r m oneself at the wino, ukwine. a. (in sound state)
-a musama. Get well, pola. Very
fire, ota mulilo.
Warning, n. iwizyo (ama-wl). well! chawama I ukwine kantu !
Be Warped, v. (twisted, crooked) W h a t , pr. Hani? chindu (also
chindo, chinzi) vindo? A question
potama.
Be W a r y , v. isunga, chenjela. is often introduced by nga. What is
Wash, v. (body, vessels, &c.) this ? nga-chi chindo ? What, what
kind, of what sort, -ndu, -nzi,—
samba, (clothes, by beating) lupula,
usually affixed to, and pronounced as
kunta.
Waste, v. luwya waka, luwuzya,part of, a noun. What is the matter 1
mulandunzi? what is the reason!
poza.
chifukwandu ?
Watch, v. (observe) lolezya,
Wheel, n. injinga (—).
(guard) sunga, linda.
W h e n , pr. (in questions) lilali?
Watchman, n. ichilindila (ivi-ll),
ulindila (wa-ll). A watchman's(at what hour, what o'clock) akazua
platform, ichilewa (ivi-tl), (withsiani?
hut (on what day) akazuanzi?
conj. z7z', mpo, epo, upu.
on it) izambala (—).
Where, pr. kwani ? kwilakwi?
Water, n. amenzi. Draw water,
kwi? Where is he? uli kwilakwi?
tapa amenzi, (with the hand) tapula.
Where are you going? ukoyakwi?
Water-hole,ichisima (ivi-sl). Waterconj. mpa, apo, epo.
jar, umutondo (imi-tl), nongo (—).
W a v e , n. itamba (ama-tl). v. Whether, conj. Whether—orj
yangula —yangula, (if, whether)
(abont) vinya, (up and down, shake
ngati, kuli.
as clothes) kunta, kupula, (as fan)
pupula, (as leaves, branches) pukana.Whetstone, n. ichinolo (ivi-nl).
Which, a. -ndu, -ngi, Ma-i (e. g.
W a x , n. ipula (ama-pl).
W a y , n. (path) inzila (—),wilawi, lilali, elae, Sec). Which
(means, plan) amano. (Every one) day wilLhe come ? akoiza usikundu?
to go his own way (as he likes), (See What.) Which, as Relative,
is not separately expressed.
ukuytnda ichende-chende.
W e , pr. fwewo, tu- (with a verb). While, conj. umu, umo, mu.
Whirlwind, n. kankungwi, ichiAnd we, nafwe. W e are here,
kuka (ivi-kl).
nifwawo.
Whisper, v. teketezya^
Be W e a k , v. (feeble, relaxed)
Whistle, n. umulozi (imi-ll). v.
naka, vunaika. Weaken, nazya.
Wealth, n. ichuma, uwuwoni. lizya mulozi.
WHITE
135
YAWN
With, prp. na, ku.
White, a. -awuta. Be white,
Be Without, v. te kwata.
wuta, (bright, shining) swela.
Wither, v. uma,fwa.
Whiteness, n. uwuta, ukuwuta.
W h o , pr. nani ? W h o are you ? Within, adv. prp. mu kati (ka).
niwe nani ? W h o
are those ? Witness, n. imboni (—, person
niwani (i.e. niwa nani) mbalya? and evidence). Be a witness of,
W h o is this ? nga nam ngu ? W h o , wonezya.
W o m a n , n. umwanakazi (aw-al),
as Relative, is not separately exumkazi.
pressed.
Whole, a. -a musama, -onse. W o m b , n. ivumo (ama-vl).
The whole (all, every part), ichonde Wonder, v. kangwa, zimviwa.
It is a wonder, chakanga, ni chilota,
chonse.
ni ichipa.
Whose, a. -a nini?
W h y , pr. chindu, chindo, nindu,W o o d , n. ichiti. Pieces of wood,
nindo, ngapo ? W h y is it that — ?iviti. Firewood, inkuni.
nga vinzi — ? nindo pakuti — ? Wool, n. amasako (of animals).
Word, n. ineno (ama-nl), (speech,
(For what reason ?) chifukwanzi?
Wicked, a. -awipa, -wi. See expression) ichewo (ivyewo)? akewo
(utwewo), (sound) inkonde (—),
Bad.
Be Wide, v. (asriver,country) iziwi (ama-il).
Work, n. umulimo (imi-ll), inchit
sanama.
(—). v. chita mulimo.
W i d o w , Widower, n. ichokolo
World, n. ichalo. (See Uni(ivyokolo).
Wife, n. umkazi (wa-kl). Wifeverse. )
Worry, v. tendeka, chuzya, wifya
of — , umkazi wa — , umka — . A
chief's wives, awasano, wakamfumu. Worship, v. See Reverence.
Worst, a. See Best, Most.
Wild, a. (in wild state) -a muWorthless,a. -a waka, -ayanguka.
chonde.
W o u n d , n. ichiwenga (ivi-w.).
Wilderness, n. ichonde.
Will, n. (resolve) umutima, v. lasa.
Wrestle, v. kangana, yezyana,
(plan) amano.
Be Willing, v. vumila, temwa. Iwa.
W i n , v. (excel) chila, (be first)Be Wretched, v. sauka, kululuka.
Wring, v. kama, (twist) pola.
tanjila.
W i n d , n. impepo (—), (gale) ichi-Wrist, n. akakonko (utu-k.—also
ankle).
kuka (ivi-kl). v. (asriver)petekana,
chita vijuntu, potama, (roll up)Write, v. lemba.
Writing, ulembo (nembo, ndembo,
vunga, peteka.
W i n d o w , n. (hole in wall of hut) ama-ll).
Be Wrong, v. (bad, mistaken, &c.)
umupezi (imi-pl).
wipa. D o wrong, wipa, Int. wipizya,
Wing, n. ipindo (ama-pl), ipapiko,
Cs. wifya, Int. wifizya.
ipiko.
Yard, n. (open or enclosed)
Winter, n. (cold season) umwela.
uluanza (ama-l., amanza), (for
Wipe, v. wezya.
cattle) ichiwaya (ivi-wl), (measure,
Wisdom, n. amano ainji.
of calico) ulupande (amafil). HalfWise, a. -a mano, -akwata amano.
yard, umkono (imi-kl). T w o yards
Wish, v. fwaya, temwa.
(fathom) umukwamba (imi-kl).
Witch, Wizard, n. indozi (izi-nl),
Y a w n , n. umwao (imiad), v,
umulozi (awa-ll), (famous) ichilozi,
aula mwao.
(inferior) akatozi.
Witchcraft, n. ukuloa, utozi.
YEAR
i,
ZIGZAG
verb), (plur.) mwewo, mu- (with
Year, n. umwaka (imiaka), chaka
(viakd). Last year, ngulya mwaka. verb).
Spend a whole year at a place, alula. Young, a. -nini.
Your, a. -owe.
Yes, adv. a-a, inde.
Youth,n. umulumbwana (awa-ll).
Yesterday, n. mailo (also tot
morrow). Day before yesterday,
mazo. Third day before, mazo
Zebra, n. ichimbwele (wa-chl),
utali.
imbizi.
Yolk, n. (contents of egg) umZigzag, n. ivHuntu. Go (be)
sunguzi (imi-sl).
zigzag, potama.
You, pr. (sing.) wewo, u- (with
Oxford : Printed at the Clarendon Press by H O R A C E H A R T , M.A.