Oshwiee
The English phrase "good evening" is translated into Ga as Oshwiee.
Oshwiee is used as a greeting specifically during the evening hours.
Meaning: greeting said in the evening (intj)
Did you know?
- An evening greeting can be a way to signal that one is 'entering' the communal space of the home, acting as a verbal permission to join the group.
- In many Ga communities, an evening greeting is incomplete without an accompanying subtle nod or a slight bow of the head to show respect to the listener.
- Because Ga is a tonal language, even a slight mistake in the melody of the greeting can make the phrase sound like a question or a command rather than a wish for 'goodness'.
Examples in context
- Oshwiee, mɛɛ.Good evening, mother.
Example conversation
Tetteh arrives at Ramatu's house in the evening.
- TettehOshwiee, Ramatu.Good evening, Ramatu.
- RamatuOshwiee, Tetteh.Good evening, Tetteh.
- TettehTɛɛ, mii nyɛ.Yes, I am here.
- RamatuVaa, ba mii.Please, come inside.
