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Do you speak South African?

Do you speak South African?

When I first moved to the UK, I used a lot of South Africa expressions, which got me some funny looks at first. I was relating these stories of miscommunication to a friend of mine a few weeks ago, and as she was in hysterics about all the seemingly strange (to a UK ear) vocabulary which I was using, I thought I would share a few of these with you. After a decade of living the UK my language has changed a fair bit, with my “Ja’s” changing to “yeahs”, and I talk about texting rather than smsing.

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“I will be there just now”

Translation: I will be there later. Like much later. It may even be tomorrow. Basically an unknown amount of time.

“I will be there now”

Translation: This does not actually mean immediately. The translation is quite close to “I will be there later today” or “soonish”. But definitely not at this very moment.

I will be there now now”

Translation: See you sooner than ‘now’. Still not immediately. Perhaps at some point today.

** There is no South African speak for immediately. African time does not allow for anything to happen immediately**

“Shame”

A filler word used in just about every situation. You got a new puppy? Shame, it’s so sweet! You brother is in hospital, shame man!

“Ag”

Translation: Oh man. Also a filler word. Perhaps when you have used “Shame” one too many times. Pronounced ach

“Ja well no fine”

Translation: Ok then, that’s how it has to be. An expression of resignation.

“See you later”

In the UK, this one particularly confused me, since in South Africa, “see you later” actually means I will see you at some point later today. In the UK, this just means goodbye.

“Robot”

Traffic light.

** at this point my friend nearly spat out her tea she was laughing so much**

“Braai”

Translation: Barbecue.

And lastly, my UK born cousins’ favourite, “Padkos”

Food for the road. There’s no real British equivalent for this to my knowledge.

I am sure you have some more lekker words which you would like to add to this list, feel free to tag me on Facebook with your favourites.

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Ag, shame man, check out this lekker photo from back in 2009… Ja well no fine, see you just now. 

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