WHY THE WASP HAS A TINY WAIST
(As told by Waja Ngnalbu on 21st February, 2020 in Chamba, Ghana)
Introduction
Story
"Do you know why the wasp has such a tiny waist?" asks Waja.
"We don't know; tell us; why?" audience respond variously.
Waja then continues as follows:
Likpakpaln transcription |
English translation |
---|---|
Chorus |
|
M faa mbiin ee |
I've let out a loud cry |
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. (2x) |
[But] the world stands aloof; he stands aloof. (2x) |
Gum gum gum gum (hits ligangaln) |
|
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Tou tilouti (blows liwul) |
|
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Chakta chakta (dances with the tibaln around his ankles) |
|
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Chorus |
|
M faa mbiin ee |
I've let out a loud cry |
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwaaa. |
[But] the world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
As he drew closer to his in-law's house, he intensified his singing, drumming, and dancing:
M faa mbiin ee |
I've let out a loud cry |
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. (2x) |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof.(2x) |
Tou tilouti |
Tou tilouti (blows liwul) |
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Gum gum gum gum |
Gum gum gum gum (hits ligangaln) |
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Chakta chakta |
Chakta chakta (dances with tibaln) |
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Gang galaang ga (hits dawul) |
|
Garwa si ee, ki u si ee garwa. |
The world stands aloof; he stands aloof. |
Note
A glossary of Likpakpaln words and phrases
bo:
chakta chakta:
gang galaang ga:
gum gum gum gum:
kiloŋ:
kinachuŋ:
ligangaln:
Likpakpaln:
liwul:
maa tiin gur, ki gur, ki gur, ki m muun, ki muun ke n-yaajatiib aapoagbem na:
njeen:
nkpaawiin:
tibaln:
tiin tiin kolb:
tinachinchen:
tou tilouti:
uduun: