Garissa town is the headquarter of Garissa county. Somali people dominate the area.
Since Kiswahili and English languages are to some extent strange to the town courtesy of the high-level illiteracy among the Somalis, Somali language is the main means of communication.
This has made difficult for the non-Somalis living or visiting the area to interact and chit-chat with them.
Thus, here are 8 Somali phrases you should know before visiting the Garissa town that would give you an avenue to blend well with these pastoralists.
1. Iskawaran
When a Somali guy tells you" iskawaran" , he or she just wants to know about your wellbeing or in other words, it is a greeting.
It is same as hi!
2. Fican
When your being greeted by a Somali person, the responses vary from one clan to another. But the most and the uniform response used mostly by almost all Somalis is this phrase 'fican'.
'Fican' is just like saying ' am good' or 'am okay.
3. Magacatha
When you a blessed with somali friend probably the first thing you will ask is the name.
Don't hesitate to know the name of your new friend by just asking him or her 'magacatha'.
4. Fadlan
As a human being, we depend on one another.
When you want to ask a Somali guy an aid, then you ought to say "fadlan" which literally means ' please '.
5. Wameqa beca
Somalis are expert of businesses.
When you want to buy something from a Somali business person you might want to know the price first, right!!!
Just say" wameqa beca' which means 'how much".
6. Kalay You want to call a Somali guy by telling them to come where you standing at, just by saying 'kalay' is enough which means "come here".
7. Ina ken
Is an informal way of saying , 'let us go"
8. Wankujeclaxay
Do You want to express you romantic love to a Somali person?
Don't hesitate by being fearful of receiving a whacking slap.
Just utter this phrase " wankujeclaxay " which means ' I love you so much".