As Ghana rises as a peak tourism hub, see 10 slangs that make you sound Ghanaian
Named on CNN's list of countries you should visit in 2019, Ghana is the new hottest tourism destination in Africa.
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Ghana has 7 major languages that are widely spoken. Twi, Ga, Fanti, Ewe, Dangbe, Hausa, English and Pidgin all play a role in forming the slangs that are used by the regular Ghanaian.
Knowing and understanding how to use slangs allow you control situations, especially if you are actually a tourist.
Here are 10 slangs you should learn before going to Ghana.
1. Chale
Chale (pronounced "cha-leh") has become quite wide-spread in West Africa so much so that one can guess its contextual meaning without much ado. However, it means "friend" and can be used as an interjection.
2. Akwaaba
Akwaaba, a very popular Twi saying, means "welcome". In response, say "medaase" (pronounced ‘me-daa-si‘) which means "thank you".
3. Dumsor
You might hear Ghanaians complaining about Dumsor. Don't be worried, there's no person named such. Dumsor is basically the phenomenon of unstable/unreliable electricity. Electricity going off (‘dum’) and coming back on (‘sor’) without warning forms the undesirable concept of Dumsor, so if that happens while you're around, you're also allowed to complain about Dumsor.
4. Obroni
Like Nigeria's Oyibo, "Obroni" (plural is "abrofo") is a term used to describe or address a white person.
5. Trosky/Tro Tro
"Trotro", or "trosky", is a multi-passenger van or mini bus very common on the streets of Ghana. If you want to use public transport, you'll probably be boarding a trotro.
6. Ewomu
In the south west parts of Nigeria, when you want to get down from a bus, you say "Owa!" However, when you want to get down from a trosky at your stop in Ghana, you say "ewomu" to the conductor, literally meaning "it is inside" in Twi.
7. Eye red
Eye red is used to describe a greedy or selfish person.
8. Akpeteshie
Akpeteshie is a strong liquor or spirit made from palm fruit or sugar cane. It is locally distilled and sometimes referred to as "apio" or "kill me quick". So, if you need a shot of something strong, ask for akpeteshie.
9. Jot
A stranger might ask you if you have "jot", which means they're asking if you have a cigarette.
10. Oyiwa
If someone tells you Oyiwa, they mean "there you are".
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