Family
In Lango culture, family relationships are foundational to social structure and identity, and the language reflects this through various slangs and nicknames used to express affection, respect, and roles within the family. These terms can be specific to familial roles, characteristics, or even playful or affectionate nicknames based on personal traits or stories. Here are examples of how family members might be referred to within the Lango cultural context:
For examples;-
| Lango | English | Meaning |
| Apwony | Teacher | Used for family members who are considered wise and knowledgeable, often guiding others in decisions or teaching life skills. |
| Atin | Child | A term of endearment for children, but it can also be affectionately used for younger siblings or cousins within the family. |
| Adit, adwong | Elder | A respectful term for older family members, acknowledging their status and wisdom within the family hierarchy. |
| Anyaka, awobi | Girl, boy | Affectionate terms for daughters and sons, respectively, emphasizing their roles within the family. |
| Ateka | Hero, warrior | Sometimes used for family members who have shown great strength, resilience, or have overcome significant challenges, symbolizing respect and admiration. |
| Mama, baba | Mother, father | This term talks about the head of family being father and mother to children. |
| Aba-adwong, atat | Grandfather, grandmother | This term tells the young one to about the grand father and mother in the family. |
| Angec | Experienced | For the elderly or someone within the family who is seen as a source of wisdom and experience, often consulted for advice. |
| Olong | Walker | A playful nickname for toddlers or family members known for their distinctive walk or for being particularly active or restless. |
| Anyero | Laugher | For family members known for their joyfulness or laughter, contributing to the happiness of the household. |
| Rwot | Chief, leader | Sometimes used within the family to refer to the head of the household or someone who assumes a leadership role in family matters. |
| Ogwok | Protector | For family members who are always looking out for others, offering protection and safety, whether physically or emotionally. |
| Owot | Traveller | Given to family members known for their love of travel or those who often move for work or adventure, symbolizing their adventurous spirit. |
| Akuc | Peacemaker | Reserved for the one who resolves disputes and brings harmony to the family, often mediating in disagreements and fostering understanding. |
| Akidi, Okidi | Rock | A term of admiration for family members who provide unwavering support and strength, often the backbone of the family during tough times. |
| Acar | Light | For those who bring positivity and light into the family, often uplifting spirits and inspiring hope. |
| Ayik | Planner | Nicknamed for the organized and forward-thinking family member, always planning events, managing schedules, or strategizing for the family’s future. |
| Aceko | Storyteller | For the family member known for their storytelling abilities, whether recounting family histories or entertaining with tales. |
| Oling, Aling | Quietness | For those in the family who are more reserved or introspective, offering a calming presence and thoughtful insights. |
| Acok | Gatherer | For family members who love bringing everyone together, whether for meals, celebrations, or simply to spend time as a family. |
| Acuk | Encourager | A person who has the ability to give another person support, confidence or hope in their actions or themselves. |
| Acang | Healer | For those in the family who have a nurturing touch, often the first to care for sick family members or offer emotional support. |
| Ayom yic | Joyful | Similar to "Nyero," for family members whose presence and actions always seem to bring joy and happiness to the household. |
| Adiro | Innovator | For the creative or inventive family member, always coming up with new ideas, solutions, or projects. |
| Agwoka | Guardian | A term for elders or parents, symbolizing their role as guardians of family traditions, values, and well-being. |
| Ami tam | Advisor | For the wise family member whose advice is sought after in times of decision, acting as a counselor to others. |
| Anywal | Parent | This term refers to a person who has given birth already. |
| Nero, waya | Uncle, aunt | These are the most respected people in the family for the young ones because they can get direct help from them. |
Custom Nicknames:
Families often develop their own unique nicknames for members based on personal traits, habits, or inside jokes. These are highly individual and serve to strengthen family bonds.
| Lango | English | Meaning |
| Awangemola | Silver eyes | A person with metal-rimmed eye. |
| Nyaci | Hair arcs | Well groomed person. |
| Otoke, Atoke | Occipital | A person whose head has a long occipital. |
| Cogo | Bones | A person who is the last born in the family. |
| Agoro | Weakness, lainess | A person who is weak or lazy in the family. |
| Adoge ryo | Two-mouthed | A person who is found of rumour mongering. |
| Okere | Baby | A person who is childish. |
| Oluma | Huge man | A man who has a big body or very important person in the family. |
| Omukaman | Youths | A youth who is old enough to pay tax. |
It's important to note that the use of these terms can vary significantly among families, influenced by personal preferences, relationships, and individual family culture.