translation / dictionary Lingala - English

to put right, to straighten
to soften

kosémbola
to stretch out, to stick out
to set up
to exhibit, to reveal
to explain

something that has been picked up (e.g. from the street)


semba bilokota
originally, a semba bilokota is someone who picks up things that
others have thrown away and for who they still have value (tu use, sell, recycle,...)
a rag-and-bone man in English
in the context of relations, it's used for someone who takes over a boyfriend or
girlfriend that someone else has rejected or abandoned.
in the context of church, it's used for God, because He picks up those who are
rejected or abandoned and gives them value and a new life.