Language/Pulaar/Vocabulary/Family
Hi Pulaar learners! 😊
In this lesson, we'll be learning about family in Pulaar language. Family is one of the most important institutions in African society, where the extended family is very common. Let's dive in!
Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Fruits, How to say Good Bye & Colors.
Family Members[edit | edit source]
In Pulaar, family members are important to know for communication and cultural understanding. Here below are the most common ones:
| Pulaar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jabbii | [dʒabbii] | Father |
| Ñakki | [ɲakki] | Mother |
| Ñeeñu | [ɲeeɲu] | Husband |
| Jowituu | [dʒowituu] | Wife |
| Wutti | [wutti] | Son |
| Debbi | [debbi] | Daughter |
| Faggoyaa | [faɡɡoya:] | Grandfather |
| Moyoo | [moyoo] | Grandmother |
| Ndam | [ndam] | Uncle (father's brother) |
| Benna | [benna] | Aunt (father's sister) |
| Uure | [uure] | Uncle (mother's brother) |
| Gummoo | [ɡummoo] | Aunt (mother's sister) |
| Yaraattee | [jaɾa:te:] | Cousin (male) |
| Timmittee | [timmi:te:] | Cousin (female) |
Family Vocabulary in Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Let's see how to use these words in dialogue:
- Person 1: Alaa xariteen ñeeñu? (How is your husband?)
- Person 2: Ina nii miñiraa ñeeñu. (He is doing well.)
- Person 1: Faggoyaa walla moyoo jammaa? (Are grandfather and grandmother home?)
- Person 2: Eey jammaa. (Yes, they are home.)
- Person 1: Ndaɗɗii ñakki ndee? (Where is your mother?)
- Person 2: Mann naatiima e sinnaade ndimɗi. (She is in the kitchen cooking.)
Extended Family[edit | edit source]
In African cultures, the extended family often plays a significant role in one's life. In Pulaar culture, this is no different. Let's take a look at the vocabulary used to describe members of the extended family.
| Pulaar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jappoo | [dʒappoo] | Father's brother |
| Aafoo | [a:foo] | Father's sister |
| Jom | [dʒom] | Mother's brother |
| Ginne | [ginne] | Mother's sister |
| Koor | [ko:r] | Cousin (extended family member) |
Extended Family Vocabulary in Dialogue[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Mi jappoo lii? (Where is your father's brother?)
- Person 2: Waɗi nguurdu alaa ɓamtaare. (He went to the market to buy groceries.)
- Person 1: Awa ñaa baaba ginnoo? (How is your mother's sister?)
- Person 2: Mo ciyaa haa ko heewɓe. (She is doing good, she just had a baby.)
Fun Facts[edit | edit source]
- In Pulaar culture, it is considered impolite to refer to an elder by their name, and instead, they are addressed using a respectful title. For example, a grandfather can be called "Faggoyaa" and a grandmother "Moyoo". - Pulaar speakers can be found in several African countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. - Pulaar is a tonal language, which means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone in which it is spoken.
If you want to learn more Pulaar vocabulary, check out our Vocabulary page or find native speakers on Polyglot Club and ask them any questions!
Sources[edit | edit source]
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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎