Learn Somali Language Podcast

In today's episode, I'll introduce you to five new verbs with their infinitive meanings ("to + verb"): Keenid - to bring or bringing Buugaas keen - bring that Cunid - to eat or eating Wax maad cuntay wali? - Have you eaten yet?Akhrin - to read Maxaad arkinaysaa? - What are you reading?Akhri - read Qabo - to catch - Soo qabo kubada - Go catch the ball Jooji - stop - Jooji qaylada - Stop yelling Joogso - stop/stand up Joogso halkaas - Stop right there Thank you for listening, and until next time, take care!

In this episode, we embarked on a journey through Somali culture, exploring its wisdom through a collection of insightful proverbs. We began by acknowledging the significant role of women in shaping success, highlighting the proverb "Rag haween ayaa kala hor mariya," which emphasizes the invaluable contributions of women as mothers, wives, and mentors to men's achievements. Transitioning to the theme of exploration and learning, we reflected on the saying "War la qabo xiiso ma leh," which encourages curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge beyond familiar boundaries. Moving on to social etiquette, we discussed the proverb "Aroos lagama raago, lagumana raago," stressing the importance of moderation and respect in attending social gatherings like weddings.

We (Somalis) are well recognized for our love for poetry, as you surely already know. And this poem is a typical example of how poetry are turned into songs. Hadraawi, a well-known figure among Somalis, is credited with writing this song. This song is about a woman who wants to convince a man she loves but is told she can't. Songs and poetry are so written to raise awareness of this situation and to encourage people to spend their time with those they love or admire rather than having their feelings rejected or ignored. I also want to point out that when you translate songs or poems from one language to another, the original meaning and sweetness are lost.

Since the poet uses words that are highly appropriate and hardly ever utilized by everyday people, it would be difficult to interpret word for word. Thus, translating the stanzas: lines of the poem as a whole rather than word by word would be simple.

This song was also written by Hadraawi (may Allah have mercy on him). It's nicely put together, and mothers do deserve uncodnitional love and care. FYI: The song is longer than this. Hooyooy la'aantaa Aduunyadu hubaashii Habeen kama baxdeenoo Iftin lama heleenoo Without you, mommy certainly the world would be in total darkness There will be no light Dadku uma hayaameen Xiddig hawd ka lulatoo Sida haad ma fuuleen Dayax heego joogoo Hubka laguma tureen Hawo laguma gaadheen Cirka hirar ka muuqdoo People would have not gone Above the moon Like birds they wouldn’t climb The star lighting up in the sky Wouldn’thave been accomplish by thought Weapon would not be thrown At the sky waves, Ruux aad hagaysiyo usha mid aad u haysaa hilin toosan weligii, ka habaabi mayee Hooyoy addoomuhu Halkay maanta joogaan Adigow horseedoo Undoubtedly, one guided by your perfect devotion would never stray from the straight road. Mommy, where the where is today, Surely have paved the path The number of heroes you have carried, held close to you, and fed them is uncountable and incalculable When You give birth to a warrior, Oh Mother, when your daring kid amazes and inspires others! You are remembered

We're focusing on a poem by renowned Somali poet Hadraawi in today's episode. Recently, Hadraawi passed away. May Allah grant him mercy. He was essentially the Somali people's Shakespeare, as I mentioned in the episode I am aware that poems can be challenging since poets must carefully select the words that best describe the situation they are describing. Therefore, don't worry if you stumble over a few words like I did. Dhalashada afkaygiyo Dhigashada fartaydaan Kaga baxay dhibaatoon Hawlihii ku dhaafee, Iyadaa dhaqaalaha Dhidibbada u aastoo Dheelliga u diiddaye, Dhulka wadajirkiisee Iyadaa dhammeesee. Through the fixing of its spelling my language is delivered: my difficulties done with, I'm freed from every hindrance. Settling the orthography’s our economy's foundation; it defends against all defects in the oneness of our nation - it underwrites and it defines.