kiswahili

I'm trying to learn some swahili while I'm here so that I'm not totally dependent on Josh and Renee to speak all of the time. So far I've learned a few words mostly greetings. Here's what I know so far...

Jambo-hello
asante/asante sana-thank you, thank you very much
dada-sister
bwana-sir
mama-madam but not that formal
twiga-giraffe
Habari...-as far as I can tell anything starting with this means basically, "What's your news?"
salama-peaceful a good answer to the above question
nzuri-good, the standard answer to 99% of questions beginning with Habari
mbili- two
simba-lion, yes, really
rafiki-friend, yes, again, really
maharagi-my new favorite dish of kidney-like beans with vegetables sauteed into a soup like consistency. It's delicious! ( Nikolai, I never thought I would say this to you but I really want to eat beans when i get home, in the form of maharagi, of course)
...I think that's all now. There are a few words that pop out every now and then by surprise but I think that's the adrenaline rush I get in the market kicking in.

Greeting are very important and make up most of the conversation between people. It's very important to greet someone properly if you wish to be repected or to get anywhere with people.

Lala salama-goodnight