Maye babo

'Maye Babo', a phrase used in the isiZulu language, is used as an utterance that conveys surprise or dismay. The phrase is comparable to English exclamations such as 'Oh my!' or 'Alas'.^[1]

Other similar isiZulu sayings include 'Hhayi bo!' and 'Hawu!', which are also exclamations of disapproval and/or surprise.

The significance of such sayings is that they reflect something of the culture and language of the Zulu people. The language itself (isiZulu) is emphatic in nature and, traditionally, is accompanied by gestures, emphasizing the verbalised part of the language. The language is often highly flamboyant and, when accompanied by gestures, can often be mistaken as purely exaggerative. However, this is not the case as it is purely a reflection of the ardent traditions of the Zulu culture.

See also

• Interjection
• isiZulu
• Zulu

References

1. ^ G.R.Dent & C.L.S Nyembezi ,Scholar's Zulu Dictionary, (1969)