A GLOSSARY OF SWAHILI TERMINOLOGIES

TERM       EQUIVALENT IN      EXPLANATION
                   KISWAHILI 

Global       Zingiro           Global = Zingiro because of circular or round shape.

Scanner    Tambazo        Scanner = Tambazao Due to its spreading effect.

Internet     Ungamano      Internet = ungamano because its connects people to 

                                      communicate.

Office      Ukurungwani    Office = Ukurungwani it is derived from mkurungwa

                                       meaning office from archiac.

Radio      Mwengoya       Mwengoya means radio from the word mwengo meaning 

                                      echo from its function an echo coming from far 

                                      mwengo wa kuya = mwengoya.

Computer  Ngamizi        Computer is represented by ngamizi from its function of 

                                    swallowing 'Miza' everything that its fed.

Mouse     Kitauzi          Mouse is represented from by kitauzi a tool that you use to 

                                   choose.

Fax        Pepesi           Fax is represented by pepesi from pepesa which means 

                                   'to blink'.

E-mail   Baruwa pepe    E-mail represented by baruwa pepe which means baruwa
                                     'a letter' coming like a lightning pepe in Kiamu is lightning.


Ray     Uka                  Ray represents uka in expression kumepambauka in Kiamu
                                     which means sun rays are out.


Picture Uyoo               Picture is represented by uyoo.


Science Ulimbe           Science is represented by ulimbe derived from the knowledge
                                  of ulimwengu 'world' and viumbe 'creatures'.


Psychology Ushunuzi  Psychology is represented by ushunuzi meaning to open up 

                                  or expose things inside.

By: Prof. Ahmed Sheikh Nabahany

Swahili consultant

RISSEA