Language/Afar/Vocabulary/Health
Hi Afar learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about health-related words in Afar language complete with cultural information and interesting facts.
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Body parts & Food.
Common Health Issues[edit | edit source]
In Afar communities, just like other parts of the world, there are common health issues that people face. It's important to be able to talk about these issues and understand how to prevent and treat them. Here are some Afar words that will be helpful when discussing health issues:
| Afar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| bīltī | bi:l.ti: | fever |
| wādi | wa:di | headache |
| dhāmilā | dha:milaa | stomach ache |
| qarāda | qara:da | sore throat |
| dasāfa | dasa:fa | cough |
| sukūra | su:ku:ra | diarrhea |
| dārilā | daarilaa | injury |
Cultural Information[edit | edit source]
In traditional Afar medicine, medicinal plants and herbs are often used to cure various ailments. For example, the plant 'konifiri' is used to wash and cleanse open wounds to prevent infections. 'Gulit' is another plant used to treat diseases such as malaria.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Bīltītiin buuxiye. (I have a fever.)
- Person 2: Waxaay ka dhacaysaa? (What happened?)
- Person 1: Waxaan arkay xabsi oo aan arkay uu ila dhaqmo. (I slept outside and got cold.)
- Person 2: Kalkaan ayaa u baahnaa, kalkaan la iskashanqada. (You need warm clothes, you need to cover yourself.)
Doctor's Visit[edit | edit source]
When going to the doctor, it's important to be able to express your symptoms and understand the diagnosis and treatment. Here are some Afar words that will be helpful during a doctor's visit:
| Afar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| qarāda gereysaa | qara:da geresaa | check-up |
| qorramsa | qorramsa | examination |
| dhakhtarka | dhakhtarka | doctor |
| cawo | ca:wo | medicine |
| farthag midig | farthag midig | prescription |
| kusumta | kusu:mta | injection |
| la', kulul | la', ku:lul | hospital |
Cultural Information[edit | edit source]
In the Afar culture, it's common to seek advice from traditional healers if someone is ill. Traditional healers have a deep knowledge of medicinal herbs and can provide relief for many ailments.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Waxaan u baahanahay caawa haddii ay ku suganyihiin meelaha laga qaadayo dhakhtarka. (I need medicine if they send you to the doctor.)
- Person 2: Haa, kiina badanoo cawo. Qorramsakaygu wuxuu ka baarayaa gudahaaga. (Yes, we have a lot of medicine. The examination will cover everything.)
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining good health. Knowing how to take care of oneself and how to avoid common illnesses is crucial. Here are some Afar words that will be helpful when discussing health prevention:
| Afar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| kulul | ku:lul | hygiene |
| bos, sītī | bos, si:tii | wash, shower |
| libāfa | liba:fa | soap |
| dhaxasha | dhaxa:sha | exercise |
| dazumāla | dazuma:la | nutrition |
Cultural Information[edit | edit source]
In the Afar culture, good hygiene practices are emphasized, especially when it comes to hand washing. It's believed that washing hands regularly can prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, traditional foods such as 'foorsee' and 'fāgāyun' (made from sorghum or maize) are a staple in the Afar diet and are a good source of nutrition.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Waa maxey kululka ugu muhiimsan ee suubbanaha? (What is the most important hygiene practice at home?)
- Person 2: Kululka qoyska dhaxaa. Baddanahaaga, cuntooyinkaaga, iyo ansixiyahaaga waad ku biirin kartaa. (Family hygiene is important. You should include your clothes, food, and utensils.)
To improve your Afar Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Using Social Media to Assess Health from Afar - Scientific American
- English Words that Sound Offensive in Other Languages - AFAR