Here is a list of some of the Setswana words/terms I’ve used in the books.

Botswana – is the country, the people are called the Batswana – (singular Motswana) and the main language Spoken is Setswana though there are four or five  minor languages spoken in other parts of the country.

Setswana:Nkuku  (or nkôkô depending on geographical context)

English – Grandmother

Setswana: Mma (or mme)

English –  Mother/lady/woman/Mrs/miss –  used as a term of respect when addressing parents i.e. Mma-Lucy (Lucy’s mother) – in the Setswana culture once a woman or man have children or are married, it is disrespectful to address them by their first name.

Setswana:Rra

English – Father/Mr/man/gentleman – depending on context

Like the word mma, rra can also be used as a term of respect when addressing parents i.e. RraLucy (Lucy’s father – should be the name of the eldest child)

Setswana: Mosadimogolo

English – Old lady/woman

Setswana: Chomi /mmata/tsala

English – Friend

Setswana: Dumela/dumelang

English – Good morning/afternoon/evening/hello/hi

 

English – Please

Can also be used to show emphasis – You are so beautiful (Setswana – O montle tlhe mma)

Setswana:Tankie (from Afrikaans) or ke itumetse

English – Thank you

Setswana: Botho

English – Manners

Setswana: Kgotla

English – Village meeting/administration place, normally where the chief meets with village elders to discuss village issues – The kgotla is also used as a customary court where minor offences from stock theft to marriage wrecking are brought by idividuals to seek adjudication – this system does not require legal representation – the chief and village elders form the adjudication panel.

Setswana :Moruti (singular)

English – Pastor

Setswana: Baruti (Plural)

English – Pastors