Bwana is a Swahili word which is used in an equivalent way to several English language forms of address. ''Bwana'' is used for "Sir" and for "Mr.", (written Bwana Jones or Bw. Jones). ''Bwana'' is also used for "Lord"; for example, in a Bible verse where Jesus is referred to as The Lord. In context, ''Bwana'' may have other meanings. In some countries it is occasionally used between female equals; if a woman is asked how ''Bwana'' is, it is understood that one is inquiring after her husband. In countries where Swahili is commonly spoken, ''Bwana'' may be heard as a term of respect even if the conversation is being conducted in English. == Western misconception == The word ''Bwana'' was often used in Western Film and books, notably in Tarzan stories, almost exclusively by subordinate Africans when addressing Caucasian men. The following is an example of the way the word "Bwana" was used in a Tarzan story: :''"Do you know where your master has gone?" he asked the black.'' :''"Yes, Bwana," replied the boy. "He has gone to the other camp beside the big afi that flows far toward the setting sun.'' :''"Can you take me to him?" demanded Baynes.'' :''The boy nodded affirmatively. Here he saw a method of revenging himself upon his hated Bwana and at the same time of escaping the wrath of the Big Bwana whom all were positive would first follow after the northerly safari.'' — The Son of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs, published 1915. Because of this, audiences assumed that the word must have a meaning along the lines of "master", ''massa'' or "Great White Hunter" and that modern usage would be considered offensive or derogatory — this is untrue. In stories located in the British Raj, the titles sahib and mensahib are used for similar effect. Men's social titles
Matt, I like your additions esp. re the Tarzan stories, but I'm confused by some. I used 'Caucasians' because 'Bwana' was applied to Americans as well. : Ah, good point; I've changed it back to Caucasians. Why 'often used as'? Is there another Swahili word for 'Mr.'? User:Quill : Oh, I see...I was reading the "often" in the sense of "''Bwana'' often means ''Mr'', though sometimes it means something else", rather than "''Mr'' can often be translated by ''Bwana''"; perhaps we need to express this better?User:Matt Crypto 08:25, 21 Sep 2004 (UTC) Okay, I gotcha now. I didn't write that well; it's really 'Bwana' often (usually) means 'Sir', though it is also the translation for 'Mr.' and sometimes means something else. It's a bit tricky, because Bwana is a fluid word and traditionally can mean a range of polite addresses and terms from 'master' to 'husband' (when used in context). Otherwise, it is taken to mean 'Sir', and as far as I know, 'Mr.' when used with a person's name (first or last) is always translated as 'Bwana'. Hmmm...how to get this across...? User:Quill 11:19, 21 Sep 2004 (UTC)
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
Words begining with Bwana:
Bwana
Bwana
Bwana_club
Bwana_Devil
Bwana
Bwana is a Swahili word which is used in an equivalent way to several English language forms of address. ''Bwana'' is used for "Sir" and for "Mr.", (written Bwana Jones or Bw. Jones). ''Bwana'' is also used for "Lord"; for example, in a Bible verse where Jesus is referred to as The Lord. In context, ''Bwana'' may have other meanings. In some countries it is occasionally used between female equals; if a woman is asked how ''Bwana'' is, it is understood that one is inquiring after her husband. In countries where Swahili is commonly spoken, ''Bwana'' may be heard as a term of respect even if the conversation is being conducted in English. == Western misconception == The word ''Bwana'' was often used in Western Film and books, notably in Tarzan stories, almost exclusively by subordinate Africans when addressing Caucasian men. The following is an example of the way the word "Bwana" was used in a Tarzan story: :''"Do you know where your master has gone?" he asked the black.'' :''"Yes, Bwana," replied the boy. "He has gone to the other camp beside the big afi that flows far toward the setting sun.'' :''"Can you take me to him?" demanded Baynes.'' :''The boy nodded affirmatively. Here he saw a method of revenging himself upon his hated Bwana and at the same time of escaping the wrath of the Big Bwana whom all were positive would first follow after the northerly safari.'' — The Son of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs, published 1915. Because of this, audiences assumed that the word must have a meaning along the lines of "master", ''massa'' or "Great White Hunter" and that modern usage would be considered offensive or derogatory — this is untrue. In stories located in the British Raj, the titles sahib and mensahib are used for similar effect. Men's social titles
Bwana
Matt, I like your additions esp. re the Tarzan stories, but I'm confused by some. I used 'Caucasians' because 'Bwana' was applied to Americans as well. : Ah, good point; I've changed it back to Caucasians. Why 'often used as'? Is there another Swahili word for 'Mr.'? User:Quill : Oh, I see...I was reading the "often" in the sense of "''Bwana'' often means ''Mr'', though sometimes it means something else", rather than "''Mr'' can often be translated by ''Bwana''"; perhaps we need to express this better?User:Matt Crypto 08:25, 21 Sep 2004 (UTC) Okay, I gotcha now. I didn't write that well; it's really 'Bwana' often (usually) means 'Sir', though it is also the translation for 'Mr.' and sometimes means something else. It's a bit tricky, because Bwana is a fluid word and traditionally can mean a range of polite addresses and terms from 'master' to 'husband' (when used in context). Otherwise, it is taken to mean 'Sir', and as far as I know, 'Mr.' when used with a person's name (first or last) is always translated as 'Bwana'. Hmmm...how to get this across...? User:Quill 11:19, 21 Sep 2004 (UTC)
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
B
BA | BC | BD | BE | BF | BG | BH | BI | BJ | BK | BL | BM | BN | BO | BP | BR | BS | BT | BU | BW | BX | BY | BZ |Words begining with Bwana:
Bwana
Bwana
Bwana_club
Bwana_Devil
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