Introduction to the Temne People
By Brother Foday Kunda
Brother Foday learned via DNA testing that he is Temne of
Sierra Leone. He has provided the
following overview.
1. The name of the ethnic group is Temne.
2. Some alternate names are Temne Banta and Themne.
3. The name “Temne” comes from the root word “otem” which means,
“old man”. Loosely translated, it means
that the Temne nation shall grow old and live forever.
4. The Language spoken is Temne.
5. They are mainly in North and Western Sierra Leone also
found in Guinea.
6. By oral Tradition
the Temne claim to originate in Futa Jalon.
7. The only writings
found about Temnes are from Colonialists and Missionaries.
8. Most Temnes are
Muslim but day to day life is brought about in secret societies. The Poro for the men and the Bundu and Digba
for the women..
9. The traditional
clothing is a wrapper, Boubou, head wear and some wear additional regalia that
is seen when they do there rituals in there secret societies.
10. A few Temne phrases are Seke Tope ah - hello how are
you...
MoeMoe- Thank You .
11. Traditionally they eat rice with sauce, cassava leaf,
sweat potato leaves, etc.
12. Sierra Leoneans in Indiana
www.oslin.com .
More Temne Phrases
1. Topeh sekeh. ..........Hello/how are you?
2. N'deerai sekeh.........Good morning
3. M'peari sekeh. ..........Good afternoon
4. Panemoe. Hi (when passing by after an earlier contact)
5. Orwaw. .....................Goodbye
6. Mandeerao. .................Good night
7. Mam-pearao. ................Have a nice day
8. S'nkaneh. ......................See you.
Example:
1. Kothor topeh sekeh..... Hello brother, how are you?
2. Ya n'deerai sekeh! ........ Good morning mother.
3. Sokor m'peari sekeh! ..... Good afternoon uncle.
4. Thara mandeerao! ......... Good night sister.
5. Mam-Pearao n'theneh! ..... Have a nice day aunt.
To learn more about Temne and join fellow
DNA Tested Descendants of Sierra Leone, please join us on facebook
http://ow.ly/nZVIP .
