Yvla, The word "Toubabo" does not refer to European. It is for people with "white skin". Remember that there are also Nigger Europeans, some of whom are still struggling to achieve that name. However, any of the words with an "O" at the end will do. Cheers Prince ----- Original Message ----- From: Ylva Hernlund To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Sunday, April 09, 2000 10:55 PM Subject: spelling query Greetings, I am hoping that one of the brilliant brains out there can come to my aid with a Mandinka spelling query: Is there a preferred/"official" spelling of the word for European? I have seen the following: tubab, tubabo, tubaab, tubaabo, toubab, toubaab, toubabo, toubaabo!! also, if anyone would happen to know which of these spellings is correct for Malian Bamana ("Bambara"). any advice is greatly appreciated by this humble student of Mandinka. Thank you, Ylva Hernlund ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------