Forgotten Sudanese Lexical Words in Written Language (19)

Abdel Moneim Ajab Al-Faya on 'Adah' (Pool): In the Sudanese dialect, 'Adah' refers to a pond, puddle, or the water channels feeding them (Kordofan). It is a lexical term. Lisan al-Arab says: 'The Adah: a pool. Ibn Sida: The Adah is stagnant water from rain or other sources. Al-Tahdhib: Adah is a small pool and is the water course connected to a pool... The plural is 'Adat and 'Iḍa', like 'Akam and 'Ikam.' In our dialect, the plural is 'Aday and 'Uḍiyat. 'Uḍiyah, the diminutive of 'Adah, is a town in West Kordofan, and 'Aday (plural) are villages west of Um Rawaba. 'Adah is mentioned in the poetry of Al-Mutanabbi... 'Adah' is compared to a shield for its shine. It is similar to the words of Zuhair describing a shield. Tananhuh (Clearing the throat): This is a well-known term. Lisan al-Arab states: 'The Nahih is a sound a man repeats in his chest. Tananhuh and Nahnaha are like Nahih.' Tanbal (Short/Stout): In our dialect, this refers to a short, stout person. It can also mean a slow, dim-witted person. They say: 'This is a Tanbal.' It is also used for a bloated animal carcass or a local type of thick-bellied pot. Tanbol is the name of a town in Gezira, East of the Nile. Lisan al-Arab defines Tanbal as a short man, with the plural Tanabeel. Hasha (Liver/Inner self): Well-known and lexical. Women say to someone whose child has suffered harm: 'May God cool her Hasha.' Lisan al-Arab defines Hasha as everything below the diaphragm, including the liver and spleen. Sharqa (Choking): Used in Sudanese dialect when one chokes on water or saliva. They say: 'May it be a good Sharqa,' believing someone is remembering the person who choked. Lisan al-Arab defines it as choking on water or saliva, similar to choking on food. Raqraq (Glistening/Teaming): In Sudanese dialect, 'his eyes raqraqa' means they have welled up with water or tears. Lisan al-Arab states that anything with a glimmer or shine is 'Raqraq.' In our speech, 'Raqraq al-shams' refers to sunlight filtering through shade, also called 'Khilal' (Kordofan). Zamam (Nose ring/Rein): In the Sudanese dialect, this is used for camels or bulls, and also as a decorative nose ring for women. Lisan al-Arab defines it as that which is used to restrain or bind. Al-Mutanabbi uses it to describe a bridle or a sandal strap. Masalla (Needle): A large, smooth sewing needle used for sewing sacks (Jowals). Lisan al-Arab identifies it as a large needle. Murud (Feverish): Lexical term for someone with a fever. It was widely used in Sudanese dialects until the 1970s and 80s, often called 'Wurda' or 'Wurdi'. It declined due to modern education and media. Al-Jauhari says in Al-Sihah: 'One is said to be Murud if the fever takes him at a specific time.' Minqash (Tweezers): Well-known in Sudanese dialect for removing thorns from the foot, often attached to the knife carried on the arm. Lisan al-Arab defines the verb 'Naqasha' as removing a thorn. Mash (Wiping): In our speech, 'Mash' means to wipe something clean with one's hand. It also refers to using a stone or stick for cleansing after defecation. Mish (Marrow): Refers to the fatty substance in porous bones that is sucked and chewed. Lisan al-Arab mentions 'Mushash' as marrow. Nabq (Jujube): The fruit of the Sidr tree, as also defined in the lexicon. Abdel Moneim Ajab Al-Faya, September 22, 2026. The post Forgotten Sudanese Lexical Words in Written Language (19) appeared first on Sudanile.