South Africanisms

There are 11 official languages in South Africa. Many of these are regional and culturally based. The most spoken languages are English, Afrikaans, Korza and Zulu. But like many countries, some expressions are a mish mash of elements.

Having been able to work with a couple of local groups over the last month, I have been exposed to a lot of interesting phrases and expressions. I have even started throwing a few of them into my own conversations. So far, no one has fallen over laughing or gotten really offended with any of my uses. Below are a few of my favourite expressions.

'Braai' - this is Afrikaan for BBQ. However, it is made with hard wood only. No gas or charcoal. It takes hours to get the fire and embers just right, which gives everyone plenty of time to socialize. Everyone brings their own food, but generally one person is in charge of cooking. Lamb chops, vors (sausage), chicken and braai sandwiches (onion, tomato, chutney and cheese) are the most popular choices with lots of braai spice. Yum!
'Make a plan' - this means 'you need to decide' but it also includes the sense that you need to take charge, stop messing about.
'You must just ...' - this is used as when you want to give your advice or suggestion. In Canada, we would say 'you should'. The South African style offers more confidence to the listener.
'Are you winning?' - you use this to ask how someone is getting on with a task.
'Did you come right?' - is a way of asking if everything worked ok when someone finishes a task.
'Yaw' - this is an expression of disbelief or surprise. You extend the sound and use a deeper voice for more impact.
'Is it' - this is used by a listener to acknowledge their understanding and encourage the speaker to carry on. In North America we would use 'uh huh' in a similar way.
'Shame' - you use this expression to indicate compassion for a situation or issue. It is generally used for small problems.
'See you now' - means that you are on your way.
'Bucky' - is a pickup truck

Here is an example of a conversation where you would hear these expressions:
Pete: Should we braai tonight?
Tracy: Yawww. But shame, we haven't any wood.
Pete: Is it.
Tracy: We must just make a plan.
Pete: I can take the bucky to the petrol station to collect some.
Tracy: Is it.
Pete: See you now.
When Pete returns with the wood and gets the fire started.
Tracy: Did you come right?
Pete: Yes.
Tracy: Are you winning?
Pete: We'll be eating soon.

As I get ready to leave South Africa, I will really miss all my new good friends. But I hope to honour them all by teaching my Canadian friends the art of a good braai! Yaw!