Introduction to the Temne People by Foday Kunda

Introduction to the Temne People

By Brother Foday Kunda

DNA Tested African Descendants Facebook Group

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.

From  https://www.facebook.com/LetsLearnOurLanguages/posts/525685350820510?notif_t=notify_me

To learn more about Temne and join fellow DNA Tested Descendants of Sierra Leone, please join us on facebook  http://ow.ly/nZVIP .