Language/Lingala/Vocabulary/Days-of-the-Week
Hi Lingala learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn the Lingala vocabulary for the days of the week. We will cover each day, and I will give you some cultural information and interesting facts about them. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use the days of the week in Lingala. Let's get started!
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Before we dive into the days of the week, let me remind you that learning a new language is more than just memorizing words. It is important to understand the culture and history behind the language, which will make your learning experience more enjoyable and valuable.
When it comes to Lingala, the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the days of the week have been heavily influenced by European languages such as French and Portuguese. However, the names of the days of the week in Lingala are unique and have a flavor of their own.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: English Lingala verbs, Lingala Vocabulary: Learn the words for common food items!, Body parts & Comprehension.
The Days of the Week[edit | edit source]
Here are the days of the week in Lingala, their pronunciation, and English translations:
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Lundi | /lundí/ | Monday |
| Mardi | /mardí/ | Tuesday |
| Mercredi | /mér-kudi/ | Wednesday |
| Jeudi | /jóodi/ | Thursday |
| Vendredi | /vandrédi/ | Friday |
| Samedi | /samédí/ | Saturday |
| Dimanche | /dimánshé/ | Sunday |
Cultural Information and Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
Lundi (Monday)[edit | edit source]
Lundi is the first day of the week in Lingala. It comes from the French word "lundi" which means "moon day". In many cultures, Monday is associated with the moon. In Lingala, the word for the moon is "mwezi".
Mardi (Tuesday)[edit | edit source]
Mardi means "Mars day" in French. Mars is the Roman god of war, and Tuesday is associated with bravery and strength. If you were born on a Tuesday, you are said to be "mardisien" in Lingala.
Mercredi (Wednesday)[edit | edit source]
Mercredi means "Mercury day" in French. Mercury is the Roman messenger god, associated with communication and eloquence. Wednesday is associated with communication and commerce. Interestingly, in many African cultures, Wednesday is seen as a neutral day, suited for making important decisions.
Jeudi (Thursday)[edit | edit source]
Jeudi means "Jupiter day" in French. Jupiter is the Roman king of the gods, associated with thunder and lightning. Thursday is associated with power and leadership. In many African cultures, Thursday is a day of prayer and worship, often associated with ancestral spirits.
Vendredi (Friday)[edit | edit source]
Vendredi means "Venus day" in French. Venus is the Roman goddess of love, associated with beauty and creativity. Friday is associated with love and beauty. Interestingly, in many African cultures, Friday was traditionally a day of preparation for the weekend, when people would gather to socialize, dance, and make music.
Samedi (Saturday)[edit | edit source]
Samedi comes from the French "samedi", which means "Sabbath day". Saturday is the day of rest in Christianity, and in Lingala, many people attend church on Saturdays. In African cultures, Saturdays are often associated with weddings, funerals, and traditional coming-of-age ceremonies.
Dimanche (Sunday)[edit | edit source]
Dimanche comes from the French word "dimanche", which means "day of the Lord". Sunday is the day of rest in Christianity, and in Lingala, many people attend church on Sundays. In many African cultures, Sundays are a day for family gatherings, sports, and outdoor activities.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Here is a dialogue to help you see the words in context:
- Person 1: Olingi koloba na biso mawa? (Do you want to talk to us tomorrow?)
- Person 2: Kende na lundi, na lingála ekomi lokola yo te. (Go on Monday, your Lingala is not yet good.)
In this example, Person 1 suggests talking the next day, and Person 2 responds that Monday would be better since the speaker's Lingala is not yet strong.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations on learning the Lingala vocabulary for the days of the week! To improve your Lingala Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! Don't forget to check out the Vocabulary section on Polyglot Club to learn even more words.
Remember, learning a new language is an ongoing process of exploration and discovery. Keep practicing and immersing yourself in the culture, and you will become more confident and fluent in Lingala.
Thank you for learning with me. Nzambe abéni yo! ('God bless you!' in Lingala)
➡ 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. 😎
Now that you've completed this lesson, don't stop learning! Check out these related topics: Domestic animals, Fire, Contractions & On the road.