K&M-Botswana

When we moved to KwaZulu-Natal a little over three years ago my two boys and I thought the accent sounded so funny and unfamiliar. If I spoke to anyone on the phone I had to ask them to repeat themselves three times before just pretending to understand and saying “Oh! Yes. Thanks”. Usually that was enough to end the conversation. (WHEW!)

Kieran, my eldest, would ask me how they pronounced a word in “South African English” and then how to say it as an American. 10 times out of 10 he would choose to say it the American way. But now that he has lived in this country longer than he lived in the States, his allegiance has changed too. It was a slow change, but the first time I realized what a little African I had was at a child’s birthday party…

Hot Dogs (sounds American, eh?) were on the menu and the kids were thrilled! I was offering ketchup to all the kiddos—”Ketchup anyone?” I asked. I had NO IDEA such a simple question would stir such emotion and embarrassment from my son!!! “MUM!!!” he exclaimed…It’s TOE-MAW-TOE SOWSE! (Tomato Sauce) NOT KETCHUP!!! He nervously turned to his buddies to make sure they were on his side of the vegetable debate….

Aahhh Alas!

I’ve had quite a few fun and eye-opening experiences living in South Africa and hope to share them with you on this blog. I’d always love to see your comments and if you’ve experienced some cross-culturalisms, please share!

Cheers for now,

M

Republic of South Africa