The South African Language

South Africans have very peculiar ways of speaking. Not only do we have 11 official languages, we sometimes use three at the same time and easily switch between the languages we are able to speak. And as Marloes and Suzanne can testify, sometimes the words don’t relate at all to what you think it might be... (check the meaning of 'robot' in the topic on traffic!). We’ve even added interesting words to the English language! Some of the favourites:

  • Howzit = How are you?
  • Just now = I’ll see you just now – this could be 5 minutes or an hour later OR you can be told 'I’ll see you right now or now-now'
  • Lekker = nice
  • Koki (pen) = a felt tip pen
  • Naartjie = a tangerine, a citrus fruit (now also a kids clothing label)
  • Pavement = the sidewalk
  • Biltong, Trek, .... etc!
check out these links to learn more:

Monday, May 25, 2009

Where in South Africa was this picture taken?


Hi colleagues,

I thought to create a bit of a challenge to help you learn about South Africa. All of this, because I could not resist taking this picture when I passed by....!

This picture was taken just outside a small town somewhere in South Africa. The first person who email me with the correct name of this town, will receive a small prize upon arrival in SA (a cd of an SA artist).

So start emailing! The results will be published here.

Greetings:-) Andrea

Tip: This town is known for having the highest bird specie diversity in the whole world....
Posted by at

5 comments:

  1. KempMay 26, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    First try: Volksrust?

    bye, Kemp

    ReplyDelete
  2. KempMay 26, 2009 at 6:57 AM

    Correction: Wakkerstroom! eh?

    ReplyDelete
  3. MaaikeMay 27, 2009 at 3:52 AM

    Wakerstroom wakkerstroom wakkerstroom wakkerstroom! But I'm afraid Kemp beat me to it :-( Is there a price for the runner-up, Andrea? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. MaaikeMay 27, 2009 at 3:56 AM

    By the way: a vuvuzela is a lepatata, obviously :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Andrea van der MerweMay 27, 2009 at 7:07 AM

    hi guys! You are far too clever.... Or your use of Google and Wikipedia is exceptional! Well done for being so 'awake' Kemp. Wakkerstroom is the correct answer... Sorry Maaike, you will have to be first on the next competition. I will clearly have to up the level of the game...

    Thanks for playing! Greetings. A

    ReplyDelete

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Trust the driver...?

Trust the driver...?
If you’re going on a field trip or game drive, please be sure to have an intelligent driver with you... not one that keeps spinning the wheel while you’re already stuck.