Africa has a rich linguistic diversity and different regions and ethnic groups have different ways of expressing their blessings. Below are a few common African languages that say “Happy Birthday”:
1. Swahili, widely spoken in East Africa “Hongera kwa siku ya kuzali”.
– “Hongera kwa siku ya kuzaliwa!” (Translation: Congratulations on your birth day!)
– Or simply: “Furaha ya siku ya kuzaliwa!” (Happy Birthday!)
2. Hausa (West Africa, e.g. Nigeria, Niger)
– “Barka da ranar haihuwa!”
3. Amharic (official language of Ethiopia)
– “Melkam lidet!” መልካም ልደት!
4. Zulu (Zulu, South Africa)
– “Usuku olumnandi lokuzalwa!”
– or simplified to: “Happy birthday!” (influenced by English)
5. Yoruba (Western Nigeria)
– “O ku ojo ibi!” (Happy birthday!)
6. Arabic (North Africa, e.g. Egypt, Morocco)
– “Eid milad saeed!” عيد ميلاد سعيد
Other language tips:
– South African Khosa (Xhosa): “Usuku lokuzalwa olumnandi!”
– Congolese Lingala: “Mbotama elamu!”
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