Lumela / Dumela

Lumela in Lesotho and Dumela in South Africa are the Sesotho greeting. Literally, the word means "agree," though it isn't clear what the greeted person is required to agree with. Lumela is singular and lumelang is plural, or respectful what addressed to one person. Which of the responses in this quiz are inappropriate?

1. Lumela (Hello)
   
Lumela
Ke lapile


2. U phela joang? (How are you?)
   
Hantle
Sala hantle


3. Lebitso laka ke Thabiso (My name's Thabiso)
   
Oena?
Ke thabela ho u tseba


4. Khotso (Hello -- literally "peace")
   
Khotso
Ke hantle


5. Tsamaea hantle (Goodbye -- literally "go well")
   
Robala hantle
Lumela


6. Ke phela hantle, uena? (I'm fine, and you?)
   
Sala hantle
Le 'na ke phela hantle


7. Nka u thusa? (May I help you?)
   
E, kea leboha
E, tsamaea hantle


8. Le phela joang? (How are you?)
   
Rea phela, uena?
Kea phela, uena?


9. Sala hantle (Goodbye -- literally "stay well")
   
Tsamaea hantle
Ke lapile


10. Thutiso ena e felile (This quiz is over)
    
Kea leboha
Lebitso laka ke Rethabile

Practise these over and over until you feel comfortable using them. Most folks learn through books and the internet, without the benefit of talking to people. So use the means at your disposal well, or, what the hell, go to Lesotho for a holiday next time. Remember that in Lesoth, "li" is /dee/ and "lu" is /doo/. Here are two links to visit:

-- http://premiumwanadoo.com/sotho
-- http://www.achairslife.com