Say WHAT?
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
You are amazing:-) …..really you are - not just a pretty face, not just a marvelous Mom with endless patience, not just a sexy fun loving wife (yeehaa), not just a genius to put this blog together, but such a great friend, an encourager, someone with such empathy for others, with a real heart, you are a real winner Mel, a shining light for all to enjoy x x we are going to miss all of you so much - the slides at Gar’s 40th was just another reminder x x
Comment by Essy Groom — September 8, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Wow! I really don’t have anything additional to add. She took the words right out of my mouth! You are absolutely amazing. Although I am pretty happy that we’ll be back on the same continent. Yay grooms!
Comment by Jen — September 10, 2008 @ 3:15 am
Absolutely adorable!!! Can’t wait to hear more. Love ya guys, Wees
Comment by Wees — September 21, 2008 @ 1:55 am
Hi, discriminative posts there
through’s recompense the intriguing information
Comment by vajedo — May 24, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Good afternoon! Professional Escort information there. outside sex men. Your Kyivska prostitute Rybka. You can visit my blog.
Comment by vajedo — May 31, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
Hi, Congratulations to the site owner for this marvelous work you’ve done. It has lots of useful and interesting data.
Comment by batoPoomithab — June 4, 2009 @ 11:03 pm
Hi, Congratulations to the site owner for this marvelous work you’ve done. It has lots of useful and interesting data. You work is realy good!
Comment by viagra boy cheap — June 7, 2009 @ 6:08 am
Here I am, I am able to entertain you in my Kiev apartment in the center or visit you anywhere in Kiev.. Sexy Kiev Girl. Young Kiev lady will be able to entertain you in her Kiev apartment in the center or visit you anywhere in Kiev. Look how I look.
Comment by Pupskievua — June 17, 2009 @ 8:03 am
?????, ??? ? ????. ??? «?????? ????». ??????. ???????????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????????? ????????? ? ?????? ??????, ? ?????? ???????, ????????? ????? ? ??????, ???????? ?? ??????? ?????????????? ?????.
Comment by Bhmebelcomua — July 1, 2009 @ 2:59 am