Jambo!

Jambo! (jam-buh!) is a Swahili greeting or salutation with an exclamation mark. It is similar in meaning to the English word Hello!.

Specifically, Jambo is a Swahili language class 5-6 word which are part of the "collectives" or dialogic actions among groups of people. Jambo primarily means 'affair.' The English word "affair" not used in the sexual connotation, but in the commercial, professional, public or personal business definition.

Etymologically it is from amba (-amba) from to say, ultimately from etyl. It is a cognate with Zulu. Secondary meanings include as dealing with a thing, issue or matter.

The spoken word "Jambo" was once used as a greeting among traders of the Swahili coast of southeast Africa. While less formal, it is in widespread use in East Africa and beyond. While similar to the English word Hello, it really meant to come and settle ones affairs in the business sense. It was used by traders from India, China and other lands before the Portuguese Vasco da Gama visited the area in 1498. It is in current use.

During the European "Scramble for Africa" which brought a period of "Imperialisim" and East African European colonialism, the Swahili word "Bwana" was used to refer to the Europeans. Briefly the word today refers to as "Mister" or big boss or an important person and occasionally used in a derogatory manner. But the historical reality it was simply "Master." The British dictionary or older English usage refers the word "Master" as a male person who is in charge of others or of a task. In many ways in East Africa the combined phrase "Jambo Bwana!" (Hello, Master!) became viewed as "Hello, Slave Driver" or "Hello, Slave Master" by those seeking independence especially in Colonial East Africa.

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