Beginner · 45 minutes
Greetings and respect
Greet one person or a group appropriately throughout the day.By the end of this chapter
- Greet by time of day
- Distinguish singular and plural forms
- Use respectful forms of address
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.
A complete greeting
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.
Time, number, and respect
Acholi greetings reflect the time of day, whether you are speaking to one person or several people, and the relationship between speakers. Greeting is an important expression of respect and belonging.
Before speaking, identify three things: morning, afternoon, or evening; one person or a group; peer, younger person, or elder.
Core greeting patterns
Use these forms as a starting point and confirm pronunciation with a fluent speaker. In the examples, ladit respectfully addresses an elder.
Practice a four-line exchange: greeting, response, ‘and you?’, and response.
Greetings in community
Formal greetings are especially appropriate when greeting someone for the first time that day or when speaking with elders and respected community members.
Greet three people of different ages. Ask each person to correct one part of your pronunciation.
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