"Answer either the first question or the second"

Translation: Jibu ama swali la kwanza au la pili

[SandWaNd]

Jibu swali la kwanza ama la pili is semantically correct as opposed to jibu ama swali la kwanza au la pili. Am I wrong?

[deactivated user]

I've seen "ama ... ama ..", "ama ... au", and "au ... au". But there wouldn't be anything wrong or hard to understand in just saying: "Jibu swali la kwanza au la pili."

Edit 11/2020: I remembered another variation I have seen. This is a questionable use of the Swahili word "aidha", but I have definitely seen sentences like "Jibu aidha swali la kwanza au la pili." I personally would not use this construction, because while "aidha" is a perfectly good Swahili word, I don't think its primary meaning is "either." Rather, it means furthermore/moreover/besides ...

[Angela.Muraya]

The 'ama' is not necessary at all.

[AGreatUserName]

I think both are correct

[Gitau_Maina]

"Jibu swali la kwanza ama la pili" and "Jibu swali la kwanza au la pili" sound correct to me.

Someone please explain why we need "ama" before "swali"

[Joanne325766]

The one before swali means either. Ama...au = Either...or

[LatetoLear]

Why is the inclusion of swali not acceptable????