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:

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

2nd competition - not open to South Africans!




What is this flower? Prize in September for first correct answer, which must include the isiXhosa name as well (hint).
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4 comments:

  1. KempJune 3, 2009 at 12:11 AM

    I like those riddles ;-)

    Agave - Sisal?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mark TurpinJune 3, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Hallo Kemp - nice try!

    ReplyDelete
  3. HannekeJune 3, 2009 at 1:25 PM

    ...and here's the winner ;)

    Aloe > Ikhala

    Is that right?

    : )

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mark TurpinJune 4, 2009 at 1:23 AM

    Nice one Hanneke! Well done! (the hint was also in my reply to Kemp of course...)

    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.