Learning English: AGAIN

While I thought I had mastered the art of English I have recently learned that I am mistaken. While South Africa has 11 official languages most people I work with on a daily basis speak English yet, I still struggle to understand what they are saying. They emphasize different syllables and I have made a fool of myself several times as I was lost in translation (in my own language....is that possible?!)

My boss and I were driving to a meeting the other day and he told me to turn left at the robot. I laughed at his joke and continued driving. Five minutes later he told me I missed the robot. I just ignored him thinking he was trying to be funny again...haha. A second later he told me "turn around, you MISSED the turn". I turned around. Oh and by the way every time you guys make a turn in your car think about the amazing role of power steering….it takes all of my effort to turn the damn car. Again he told me to turn at the robot. I finally turned to him and explained that I didn’t understand the joke. He laughed hysterically again, something that happens to me often here. He then pointed at the light in front of me and said turn. I finally got it, apparently a robot is a traffic light.

Here are some other fun things I have learned:

Serviette – Napkins

Napkins – sanitary napkins (don't want to mess this one up)

Boot – Trunk

Cubby Hole – Glove Box

Truck – Semi-Truck

Braai - BBQ

I will continue to add to these as they come up...ENJOY!