Jonathan in Fall River, Wisconsin, says when he worked in Zambia he met many people named Bornface, supposedly because they were born face-up. In The African Book of Names, Ashkari Johnson Hodari explains that it’s common throughout sub-Saharan...
Of all the ways to propose to your girlfriend, one way to do it is by tattooing her name and the words Will you marry me? above your knee. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Tattoo Proposal” If you’re listening to A Way with Words...
Obama n.— «America’s 2008 presidential election loomed large over Ghana’s poll. Supporters of the two main parties talked of their dreams for an “Obama”—here meaning a first-round win—and analysts hoped that the loser would follow Sen. John...
Rawlings’ necklace n.— «When Rawlings was in charge, the economy hit rock bottom. The period is called the “Rawlings necklace” after the way starved Ghanaians’ collarbones became visible.» —“The reality of Ghana’s independence” by Kwaku Sakyi...
KLM n.— «It is also in Toronto that you see KLM airplanes taxiing right in the middle of town. In the evening they go to sleep in their hangers, like any other aircraft, just that they are quite different. Apparently, KLM is the term for youngsters...
pobber n.— «Police personnel from Ghana and Nairobi are repeatedly accused of collaborating with criminals, often lending or leasing their own arms and clothing, enabling what are often referred to as “pobbers” (police-robbers).» —“Nairobi is most...