As any language learner knows, listening to music is a fun way to enage with the dhaqan (culture) of the language! Somali music is very much based on a rich tradition of poetry and storytelling but learners may find older music more difficult to understand due to the complexity of the language used. Here is a list of common words that often appears in Somali music below – when you next listen to Somali songs, see if you can catch these words!
- Calaf – fate or destiny
- Nacab – enemy
- Diid – refusal
- Naafta – the soul
- Caashaq – deep love
- Jaceyl – more common word for love
- Qalbi – from Arabic, my heart
- Nolosha – life
- Dumar – women
- Cashar – lesson
- Aroos – wedding/groom
- Aroosad – bride
- Guur – marriage
- Nasiib – fortune
- Boogtii – wound
- Xayati – literally from Arabic meaning my life
- Miraha – the fruits
Bonus words – here are three words associated with music!
- fanka – the art
- codka – the voice
- hees – song
Learning Somali can be challenging – so why not listen to some music to truly feel the language? You can learn more about the melody and the rhythm of Somali, even if you don’t understand many words at first. Check out traditional songs (Uur Hooyo by Hudeidi), patriotic songs such as Soomaaliyeey Toosoo and Qolobaa Calankeed (past and present national anthems of Somalia) and more newer songs from singers such as Nimco Happy, Awaale Adan, Aar Maanta, Kiin Jamac, Sakariye Kobciye and many other singers!
Nabad gelyo, waan is arki doonaa mar dhow!
Without knowledge there is no light
Iftiin Learns 
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