A few hours ago we dropped Dr. Terry Hall and Nurse Joey Colaizzi off at the airport. We have enjoyed entertaining friends from BFC and the USA for the last two and one half weeks.
At times we believe we are getting a handle on the Swazi Culture. Other times we know we still have an awful lot to learn.
The language barrier is not that big. Many want to practice and converse in English. Others are most happy when we greet in siSwati. Some common greetings and responses are:
Greeting ------ Sawubona
Response ------ Yebo Sawubona
How are you? ----- Unjani
I am fine ------- Ngiyaphila
Their English is often just about as confusing:
A is pronounced --- ah
E is pronounced --- long a
I is pronounced --- long e
O is pronounced --- long o
U is pronounced --- oo
Just like in England there is the bonnet, the boot, slip, serviette and many others to get used to. A bonnet you do not wear on your head, a boot does not go on your feet and a slip you do not wear either.
Will is Weell and Karis is Kahrees. Some call us Mr. Weell and Mrs. Weell as Stemen is to hard to say. But most often we are called Babe and Make (K is a G in their language). Are you totally confused? Well --- sorry about that.
Have a great day in the Lord. We will.
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1 comment:
Most people are kind about the weakness in our language skills, and are pleased that we try. I enjoy listening to the BBC over night and listening to all the accents.
Of course they love you. Language skills or no, You have the Light of Christ shining out of your eyes. One of the things I miss about being in the west is the lack of accents in the midwest.
We are praying for you.
Love,
Jayne
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