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A ‘game’ refers to anything used for play, such as a toy or doll, or an activity meant for entertainment or as a pastime. Its plural form is ‘games’. When we say, ‘a child plays’, it means they are engaging in activities for fun and distraction.

The term refers to the game itself, and the objects used for playing.

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Games and Their Terminologies in Sudan

Traditional Sudanese games come in many forms, ranging from chasing and speed-based games such as tag sak-sak, hide and seek korkat or dasdas, daisy in the dell alfat alfat. These games often involve a ‘finish line’ or a specific location referred to as al-miys, which serves as the safe zone players must reach to win. The term al-tish is used for the player who lags behind or performs the weakest, often becoming ‘it’ in the next round. Other games involving precision and strategy include marbles billi and kambalat similar to piggy in the middle. Some games have different names depending on the region they come from but they often share similar rules. For instance, sakkaj bakkaj, a game played across Sudan is also known as tik trak, kobri, adi, sola, and al-daghal. Needless to say whatever the name, children all over Sudan always have a great time playing these games.

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●      Shilail: A traditional game where an object like, a bone or stone is hidden to be found.

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●      Al-Tarha: A game that involves grabbing and running away with a length of cloth or object.

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●      Joz, Loz, Koz, Moz: A paper game played by 4 or more.

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Cover picture © Amani Basheer, Obaid, Recording Intangible Cultural Heritage workshop.