The verb used implies a "scattering." When the market "breaks," it means the official trading has ceased, and people are dispersing to their respective villages.
The past tense or completed state of "puhi" or "puli" (to break/scatter). Summary Table Description Language Dagbanli (Ghana) Direct Translation The market has broken / scattered Common Meaning The market day is over Metaphorical Use Finality, the end of an event or era Daa pula
In Dagbon culture, this phrase carries both a literal meaning regarding daily commerce and a deeper metaphorical significance within the community. 1. Literal Meaning and Usage The verb used implies a "scattering
This usually happens in the late afternoon or early evening. Saying "daa pula" serves as a signal that it is time to head home before dark. 2. Social and Metaphorical Context Daa pula
When someone says "daa pula" in a conversation, they may be implying that a particular matter is finished or that there is nothing more to be done or discussed.
The phrase (often written as daa puula ) is a common expression in Dagbanli (the language of the Dagomba people in Northern Ghana) that translates to "the market has broken" or "the market is over."