Bibi is a shortened corruption of ‘habibi’
Masallah, or what God has willed:
– when Zeynel uses it in reference to Ayse, he meant it in a polite, respectful way, positively acknowledging her personality and her family’s affection for her.
– when grandma uses it, it’s to celebrate the birth of the neighbour’s child.
↓ Transcript
Zeynel looks up at Selim with concern, and asks, “Is anything the matter?”
Selim smiles, chuckling. “No. Just Ayşe being Ayşe. Once you know her, you will love her.”
The aunt sips a cup of tea. She says in agreement, “As we do..”
Upon hearing this, Zeynel relaxes. “Oh, haha, maşallah.” He says this phrase in a tone of polite appreciation.
Everyone at the table continues their discussion. It is an intense one, with Zeynel clarifying and illuminating an eager audience, that it is a few minutes before someone notices a neighbour standing by the window. The little neighbour girl looks concerned, almost worried, but too shy to interrupt.
The grandmother is the one to spot her. She turns to her son-in-law, Selim, and nudges at him. “Habibi, look outside.”
Now everyone’s attention is turned to the little girl. Selim says to her, “Oh, Yasmin. What brings you here?”
The little girl finally speaks in an unsure and worried voice. “I’m so sorry to bother you all right now, but… my anne. Her baby… it’s…”
Everyone except Zeynel erupts in delight. “Maşallah!” “It’s today!” They have been expecting the birth of their neighbour’s latest child for some time now.
Selim smiles, chuckling. “No. Just Ayşe being Ayşe. Once you know her, you will love her.”
The aunt sips a cup of tea. She says in agreement, “As we do..”
Upon hearing this, Zeynel relaxes. “Oh, haha, maşallah.” He says this phrase in a tone of polite appreciation.
Everyone at the table continues their discussion. It is an intense one, with Zeynel clarifying and illuminating an eager audience, that it is a few minutes before someone notices a neighbour standing by the window. The little neighbour girl looks concerned, almost worried, but too shy to interrupt.
The grandmother is the one to spot her. She turns to her son-in-law, Selim, and nudges at him. “Habibi, look outside.”
Now everyone’s attention is turned to the little girl. Selim says to her, “Oh, Yasmin. What brings you here?”
The little girl finally speaks in an unsure and worried voice. “I’m so sorry to bother you all right now, but… my anne. Her baby… it’s…”
Everyone except Zeynel erupts in delight. “Maşallah!” “It’s today!” They have been expecting the birth of their neighbour’s latest child for some time now.
