Table of contentsLEARN ACHOLI13 / 20

Intermediate · 70 minutes

Body, health, and wellbeing

Describe the body, feelings, symptoms, and basic health needs.

By the end of this chapter

  1. Name major body parts
  2. Describe how you feel
  3. Ask for appropriate help
SPEAK

Acholi language in this chapter

Study the Acholi first, then read across for the meaning. Say every line aloud and use it in a complete exchange.

Body and symptoms

ngutchest
kor emthigh
tyenlegs
lokorothroat
iyamy stomach
wiyamy head
wangamy eyes
abar wicheadache
amwoda yicstomach pain

Ask about wellbeing

Iwinyo arem kakwene?Where do you feel pain?
Iwinyo nining kombedi?How do you feel now?
Ngo ma tye ka remo komi?What is hurting you?
Wek ateri i ot yat.Let me take you to the hospital.
Apwoyo konya.Thank you for helping me.

Source: Peace Corps Acholi Language Manual. Short selections are organized here for study; use the full manual for audio-linked drills, grammar notes, and extended dialogues.

13.1

Know your body—nge komi

Learn body vocabulary in groups: head and face, torso, arms and hands, legs and feet. Pair each noun with a useful complete sentence.

Practice

Create a labeled body diagram and verify every term with a fluent speaker.

13.2

Communicating a health need

Practice explaining where something hurts, when it began, and whether it is improving. For real healthcare situations, request a qualified interpreter when accuracy matters.

Practice

Role-play describing three simple, non-emergency symptoms.

Learn with care

These spellings follow the Peace Corps Acholi Language Manual. Pronunciation, spelling, and usage can vary by speaker and region, so confirm public-facing language with fluent Acholi speakers.

Open the full language manual