Chichewa

edit

Alternative forms

edit

Etymology

edit

From a reanalysis of Swahili askari as a plural form, probably via Yao (with possible interference from Swahili serikali (government)). The Swahili word derives from Arabic عَسْكَرِيّ (ʕaskariyy).

Pronunciation

edit

Noun

edit

msilikáli class 1 (plural asilikáli class 2)

  1. soldier

Usage notes

edit

This word is normally spelt with -ili-, despite -iri- being the standard orthography.