Greetings from the Hills

'Wibam ma'?

This is the traditional term for greetings use by my people living in the hills of Manipur and Nagaland. It can be translated as '(Are you) doing fine/well'? This greeting reflects the concern people have for each other. Well-being of one and all is of utmost importance for my hill tribe. This greeting is always uttered with a pleasant countenance and a feeling of love and concern. At a time when the world is fighting COVID-19 pandemic, a good greeting can make somebody's day. So I greet you (with a smile and concern) 'WIBAM MA'?

Another common way of greeting among my people is the use of the phrase 'tei tiu tang de malo'?, which means 'have you eaten food (rice in our case)'. This greeting is deeply rooted to the traditional and cultural way of living of my people. Once a friend commented about this greeting that 'our people are more concern about your stomach than your health or well-being'. Well it seems to be true. I have heard numerous stories about scarcity of food faced by my people back in the days. My mom used to narrate stories of lack of food in the family when they were young. So to know whether someone has eaten or not is a question filled with greatest care. My people have lived an agrarian lifestyle, many still does. One cannot work in the field on an empty stomach, so people are indeed concerned about your stomach. This greeting is usually used in informal settings. When you answer positively to this greeting, the one greeting you will know that you will be fine. When you answer negatively, you will be invited or offered food. In an agrarian society like mine, to have a full stomach is of great importance and to know whether someone has full or empty stomach comes with a display of great love and concern. 

'De lam tad ralo', meaning 'where are you going' is another common informal way of greeting of my people. It has nothing to do with invading your privacy but more to do with knowing your whereabouts if any untoward incident happens to you. People usually goes to field, forest, river, etc. in search of food and there is always an element of danger lurking around. So it is always good to let someone know of your going. This greeting serve as a GPS for my people.