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yanga

noun

/ˈjaŋɡa/

English Definition

A dance with a fast rhythm.

Etymology

  • (Possibly from or related to nyanga, from Mende (Sierra Leone) nyanga (“ostentation; showing off”). Possibly influenced by Spanish yanga (“carelessly; without necessity”). Compare Proto-Bantu *-yȧng- (“dance in joy”) and Kongo -yangalala (“be happy”).)

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