Discover essential Dagbani phrases, pronunciation tips, and cultural insights for your travels in Northern Ghana. Learn greetings, numbers, directions, and more in this rich Gur language.
Featured Image Suggestion: A vibrant photo of Dagbon culture—a festival, traditional musicians, or the landscape around Tamale.
Introduction to the Dagbani Language
Dagbani (also called Dagbanli by its people) is the primary language of the Dagombas (Dagbamba) of the historic Dagbon Kingdom in Ghana. It belongs to the Mabia (Gur) language family, spoken by over 16 ethnic groups across Northern Ghana, Togo, and Burkina Faso. With over 3.5 million speakers in Ghana, it is a vital language of the north.
It is mutually intelligible with languages like Mampruli and Nanunli. While it has three main dialect variations (Eastern, Northern, Western), they do not hinder communication. Today, Dagbani is studied from primary school through to the university level in Ghana.
Dagbani has two main types or dialects: Eastern Dagbani (Nayahali) and Western Dagbani (Tomosili). A third eastern dialect, Nanunli, is also mentioned. These dialects are mutually intelligible and are centered around the traditional capital of Yendi and the administrative capital of Tamale, respectively.
- Eastern Dagbani (Nayahali): Centered around Yendi.
- Western Dagbani (Tomosili): Centered around Tamale.
- Nanunli: An additional eastern dialect spoken around Bimbilla
Pronunciation Guide
Getting the sounds right is the first step to being understood. Here’s a quick reference.
Vowels
Dagbani has seven vowel sounds.
| Letter | Pronunciation (Like in English…) |
|---|---|
| a | “a” as in “father” |
| e | “e” as in “bet” |
| i | “ee” as in “see” |
| o | “o” as in “or” |
| u | “u” as in “rule” |
| ɔ | “aw” as in “law” |
| ɛ | “e” as in “get” (more open) |
Consonants
Some consonants are familiar, while others are unique.
b, ch, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, sh, t, v, w, y, z
Pay special attention to these:
- gb (like a simultaneous ‘g’ and ‘b’, common in West African languages)
- kp (like a simultaneous ‘k’ and ‘p’)
- ŋ (like “ng” in “sing”) – Written as ‘ŋ’ or ‘ng’
- ŋm (nasal ‘m’ sound)
- ny (like “ny” in “canyon”)
- ɣ (a guttural sound, like the French ‘r’)
Essential Dagbani Phrasebook
Basics & Greetings
| English | Dagbani (Formal) | Dagbani (Informal/Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Hello. | N doo. / N kpɛma. | N doo. |
| How are you? | Ka di be wula? | Ka wula? |
| Fine, thank you. | M mali alaafei, m paɣiya. | Alaafei, m paɣiya. |
| What is your name? | A yuli? | — |
| My name is __. | N yuli booni __. | N yuli __. |
| Nice to meet you. | Di niŋ ma suhupiɛli pam ni n ni nyaa ŋɔ. | — |
| Please. | Dimi suɣulo. | — |
| Thank you. | M puhiya ka paɣi. | N paɣiya. |
| You’re welcome. | Naawuni deemi suhugu. | Abaa. |
| Yes. | ɛ | Mm. |
| No. | Aayi. | Ai. |
| Excuse me. (attention) | Gaafara. | — |
| I’m sorry. | N tumi taali. / Gaafara. | — |
| Goodbye. | Naawuni ni sɔŋ. | Bai bai. |
| Good morning. | Dasiba. | — |
| Good afternoon/evening. | Antire. | — |
| Good night. | Aninwula. | — |
Common Signs
| OPEN | CLOSED | ENTRANCE | EXIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUSH | PULL | TOILET (Baanjira) | FORBIDDEN |
| MEN | WOMEN |
Numbers (Namba)
Mastering numbers is key for markets and transport.
- 1 Ndam
- 2 Ayi
- 3 Ata
- 4 Anahi
- 5 Anu
- 6 Ayobu
- 7 Apɔin
- 8 Anii
- 9 Awɔi
- 10 Pia
- 20 Pishi
- 30 Pihita
- 100 Kɔbiga
- 1,000 Tuhili
Useful Phrases for Travelers
Directions & Transportation
- How do I get to ? – Wula ka n-yɛn chaŋ ?
- Turn left/right. – Ŋmaligim nuzaa / nudirigu.
- Left/Right – Nuzaa / Nudirigu.
- Where is the bus station? – Ya polo ka boosu teesa be?
- Where is the toilet? – Ya polo ka baanjira be?
- How much is a ticket to ? – Ala n nyɛ tiɣiti zaŋ chaŋ ?
Shopping & Dining
- How much is this? – Ala n nyɛ ŋɔ?
- That’s too expensive. – Di yiɣisila pam.
- Thank you, I don’t want it. – M paɣiya, n bi bɔri li.
- I want . – M bori .
- Water – Kom
- Please, help me. – Dimi suɣulo, sɔŋmi ma.
In Case of Emergency
- Help! – Sɔŋmi ya ma!
- I’m sick. – M bɛri mi.
- I need a doctor. – N bori la dɔɣite.
- I’m lost. – N tumla n soli. / M barigi mi.
- Stop! Thief! – Zani ma! Tayiɣa!
- I’ll call the police. – N yɛn bol’la polisi.
Days of the Week
- Sunday – Alahari
- Monday – Atani
- Tuesday – Atalaata
- Wednesday – Alaaba
- Thursday – Alaamish
- Friday – Alizumah
- Saturday – Asibiri
A Note for Travelers & Learners
This phrasebook is a starting point. The best way to learn is to engage with the friendly locals of Northern Ghana. Don’t be afraid to try; a simple “Dasiba” (Good morning) or “M paɣiya” (Thank you) will be met with warm smiles and encouragement.
This Dagbani phrasebook is a growing resource. Are you a speaker or learner? Help us expand it! Please contribute corrections, additional phrases, or audio pronunciations in the comments below to support cultural exchange and travel.
Categories: [Language Guides], [Ghana Travel], [African Cultures]
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