another language learned

I never thought I’d learn another language, never mind at 50 when I learned Haitian Creole.

And that was that. Or so I thought. During my 5 months here I have learned yet another language and some dialect. Some small dialect, I have to say, just a couple of phrases which make the team here laugh. Kuku, no I’d never heard of it either.  Oh yes and I can say thank you in Swahili too.

Anyway, my new language: African English. It may not be on any recognised list, but I can assure you it is a language. Of course the words are the same, but the vocabulary is much smaller and one word can mean a whole paragraph if I were to explain it.

Like many languages there are also ‘hidden’ meanings. A person would bring / introduce / talk about their sister. Simply meaning a female they are acquainted with, or even a random female they happen to be talking to with a third party. Oh and it means a female sibling too. Brother has the same diverse range of definitions, but has a lovely additional connotation. Sadly alluding to the rampant corruption here.

Variations on, “Have you brought your brother?”. Meaning if you want to proceed / work / continue your work / get healthcare (in a state run facility) / pass the checkpoint / get a permit etc etc, then appreciate me with cash.

My favourite though is ‘follower’ meaning younger sibling. Love that.