HUJAMBO”
Hujambo literally means ” do you have a thing troubling you ? “. It’s like ask in other words, Are you alright ? Or do you have anything troubling you ? ( In any way; physically, mentally, emotionally, healthy wise etc. )
CONTEXT of Using ” Hujambo “
1. Hujambo is versatile greeting. It can be used in official or business setting without sounding as unprofessional communication .
2. It’s still social. It still carry in it , a sense of care from a person greeting you using it just like “mambo”.
3. It’s modest. Even a young one can greet an elder with this one. But they need to start with “shikamoo” before this one. We will learn about ‘shikamoo’ in the coming lessons. In short this greeting, it’s accepted over all age groups.
4. It’s native . When you use this one, it easily vibes with local. It’s received with respect.
Note : If you have nothing troubling you, the response is only one, SIJAMBO
Conversation Example;
( Sadiki and Chitemo, two locals greeting one another ? )
SADIKI : Hujambo Chitemo?
/
Dont you have anything troubling you Chitemo ? OR In other words, are you all well ?
CHITEMO : Sijambo Sadiki, Habari za siku ?
/
I don’t have anything troubling OR I am all well Sadiki, how was all these days ?
SADIKI : Njema kabisa Chitemo, namshukuru Mungu.
/
They were all nice Chitemo, I thank God.
CHITEMO : Vizuri sana Sadiki, baadae tukutane mghawani pale tuzungumze kwa urefu rafiki yangu.
/
Very nice Sadiki, let’s meet at the restaurant later, we will have a big time to talk about my friend.
Conversation continues….
Remember this; Hujambo greeting is more modest age-wise, and it’s versatile that it can be used at different official and non official setting without disrupt communication code of the place.
photo ©visit natives
