Swahili Corner: Covid Safety in Swahili

This winter quarter, Prof. Peter Mwangi’s Swahili students translated Covid-19 safety signs around Northwestern University’s campus from English to Swahili.

Mask required on campus grounds sign. There are some symbols about wearing a mask and distancing that are not terribly obvious.

Popote chuoni Barakoa + umbali wa futi sita baina ya watu. Tuko kwa hili pamoja. Translated by Peace and Florence.

"We're N this together" is printed on a large purple mask stretched across the Northwestern University welcome arch. The viral apocolypse is tackier than you thought it would be.

Tuko kwa hili pamoja. Translated by Peace and Florence.

"Masks are required for entry to campus" signage. Meh.

Barakoa zahitajika kuingia chuoni. Tuko kwa hili pamoja. Translated by Peace and Florence.

"Maintain a phyiscal distance of At Least 6 Feet. More depressing outdoor signage. The purple sign, outlined in red, looks garish against winter's unrelenting gray sky.

Dumisha umbali wa angalau futi sita kati yako na mwenzako. Tuko kwa hili pamoja. Translated by Peace and Florence

"Clean Hands" sign features instructions on how to wash your hands, with a woman happily washing her hands in the sink with soap and water. It's never to late to learn.

Osha mikono, tunza afya yako. Osha mikono yako kwa maji yanayotiririka kwa sekunde ishirini. Osha mikono, CDC. Maisha ni salama ukiwa na mikono safi. Translated by Leila and Nina.

"Covid Testing Entrance" sign on an automatic door. It's uglier than you imagine, but there's no mistaking that this is a Covid testing entrance."

Mlango wa vipimo vya COVID. Translated by Teddy and Leila.

"South Testing Entry, Appointment Only" sign with arrow pointing right hangs in the hallway of the most limminal of spaces.

Eneo la kupima la kusini. Miadi tu. Translated by Teddy and Leila.

"Limited Faculty Hours" printed in white on a purple background. It's a tasteful sign.

Masaa ya jengo yamepunguzwa. Jumapili – Jumamosi. saa kumi na mbili kamili asubuhi hadi saa tatu kamili usiku (12:00 asubuhi – 3:00 usiku). Translated by Ben and Nyanjala.

"Restroom Guidelines" with a whole list of ways to behave in the bathroom, with some bonus Covid tips. Humanity could have used this 100 years ago.

Miongozo ya msalani. Epuka kuingia wakati mtu mwingine anapotoka. Dumisha umbali wa futi 6 kati yako na mwenzako unaposubiri kuingia. Nawa mikono yako, kwa kutumia sabuni na maji, kwa angalau sekunde 20. Tumia jaa la takataka la jumla kutupilia mbali barakoa zisizo za hospitali, glavu, na tishu. Translated by Ben and Nyanjala.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply