Côte d’Ivoire· easy
faire palabre
“to make palaver”
Meaning
To have a lengthy discussion
Explanation
Refers to holding a traditional African assembly where community matters are discussed at length to reach consensus or resolve disputes.
Example
Les anciens du village se sont réunis pour faire palabre sur l'attribution des terres.
The village elders gathered to hold a council about the allocation of land.
Origin
From Portuguese 'palavra' (word) via Spanish 'palabra,' originally a traders' term for negotiating with African communities. In French it came to mean the traditional assemblies held under the 'arbre à palabres' (palaver tree).
Where
Côte d’Ivoire
Senegal
Mali
Burkina Faso
Source
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