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For those whose tastes extend to the linguistic, Mozambique Island / Ilha de Moçambique offers a distinct dialectic morsel: Enahara. Enahara – derived from Mahkuwa, the country’s most widely spoken indigenous language – is prevalent in Nampula province and centres on Mozambique’s former capital.

Enahara is a coastal dialect in northern Mozambique spoken primarily on Ilha de Moçambique. However, Ilha is a small place and not home to so many speakers, leaving the link as largely symbiotic. But the language still evokes powerful images. Hearing Enahara transports the listener to the island’s wide-open Rua dos Combatentes. From there, the remote viewer may bask in glorious sea views. In the distance, one may see Fort São Sebastião maintain its vigil from the island’s north. And on the southern tip, the fort’s sibilant counterpart, Cobra Island, solemnly stands guard. All around, the tropical heat casts a delightful shimmer as Ilha’s fragrant, storied past reveals itself.

(Language Editor: Our Xangana primer should prove useful, too.)

African History

Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site placed this former trade centre as an African icon. Goan, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese and French visitors all left their mark. The spirits left by such disparate influences show themselves in the Portuguese colonial-era buildings, splendid mosques and grand churches. All around, the island gives off a distinct air, at once crumbling and bucolic. Out to sea, a cool breeze gently aids the dhow fishing boats as they ebb in the shallow water. And as the remote viewer casts their glance further afield, they may note that the island creates a bubble through which time inexorably passes, but ever so slowly.

It is here that the dialect comes to the fore. The kinetic, warm rhythm reflects its island setting and brings a sense of timelessness; centuries of this African landmark’s sun-baked history remain encoded within the lilt of Enahara.

(Mozambique Editor: As with our Xangana primer, we won’t pretend it’s anywhere near definitive. It isn’t, and it’s probably riddled with holes. Instead, think of this primer as the result of trying to understand Ilha as much as possible. That said, if anybody gets help from it, let us all rejoice, for we’ve done something right. Xangana primer.)

Unleash the Enahara

English Enahara

I Miano

You Vano

He / She / It Ala

Yes Ayo

No Nada

I’m fine Salam

Thank you Koshukuru

Goodbye Korua

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My name is… Nzinanakalti…

Nice to meet you Eukitzivela / Oodsuwela

Good morning Mosheleliwa

Good afternoon Mashkomulu

Good evening Mokeleliwa

How much? Enhalakavi?

Sorry Okiswamiki

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Bald Ntari

I am bald Miano kiana ntari

I like to learn Miano okisivela otsuwela

I like your nose Miano okisivela epulau