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 from to say, ultimately from etyl. It is a cognate with Zulu. Secondary meanings include as dealing with a thing, issue or matter.
First use
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 in use to the English word "hello," it really meant to come and settle one's affairs in the business sense. It was used by traders from India, China and other lands before the PortugueseVasco da Gama visited the area in 1498. It is in current use.
Colonial use
During the European "Scramble for Africa" which brought a period of Imperialism and East African European colonialism, the Swahili word "" 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 of 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!" became viewed as "Hello, Slave Driver" or "Hello, Slave Master" by those seeking independence especially in Colonial East Africa.
Post Colonial use
After independence and over a half century of Independence, many still use the word "Jambo!" And some enterprising East Africans use the old imperialist welcoming phrase "Jambo Bwana!" as a welcome greeting seeking tourist dollars. "Jambo Bwana!", is also notably one of the best internationally known Kenyan hotel pop songs. That welcoming song, with some local variations including the informal name of the "Jambo! Jambo!", is sometimes used to greet visitors to Kenya. Today, more traditional greeting or welcoming terms are encouraged for tourists to better understand and to relate to the local people. For example: In Tanzania and for the Swahili language, there are many tourist guides and educational pages which provide common phrases. Below are four basic ways in Swahili to say "Hello!" and a basic polite reply after the dash. 1. Hujambo - more correct than Jambo! – Sijambo 2. Habari? – nzuri 3. U hali gani? – njema 4. Shikamoo – marahaba
Surname use
"Jambo" is also used as a surname in Southern Africa particularly in Zimbabwe. For instance . Some other notable people who use Jambo as a surname include Zhaimu Jambo a former football player who hails from Harare.
Other uses
The word jambo has found its way into different cultures and languages. For example, the word jamboree. This is the Swahili word jambo used in English, as a borrowed foreign word, with the ending -ree. The word "jamboree" is used primarily by the Scouting program before the first Boy ScoutJamboree in 1920. The word has also come to mean "a lavish or boisterous celebration or party."
