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Language
The local language is ChiNyanja (also called to ChiChewa) - which is spoken through most of Zambia and Malawi. Although English is Zambia’s “official” second language, most patients know only a few words. However, almost all of the hospital’s staff speak excellent English, and in clinics or on the wards they will translate for you. But learning a few words will earn you a lot of respect, and make ward rounds much quicker - especially in Paediatrics, where a few stock phrases get you a long way.
Handy words/phrases are...
how are you? - Muli bwanji? (reply: Bwino; [Muli] Bwanji? - I’m fine; how are you?)
thank you - zikomo
I’m sorry/sad to hear that - Pepani
hospital - chipatala
doctor - dokotala
Clinical words/phrases...
diarrhoea - tulula
vomiting - sanza
cough - kosamola
breathless - befu
fever -
eating - kudya
drinking - kumwa
pain -
chest - chifuwa
fit/seizure -
medicine - mankhwala
lie down - gonani
sit up - okani
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