Ugandan English
(Found in the toilets in a local bar, one assumes they meant flush)
As I'm in gulu for 6 months working with lots of people who don't speak English, I've learned a bit of Acholi, although today I managed to ask a lady how much her child was, instead of how many children she had (Woops). Luckily there are still a fair amount of people who speak english. I've found Ugandan English to be a rare breed, and one that regularly entertains... this post doesn't really do it justice sadly.
'What' is used as a sentence connective like so.... The problem here is the what, the lack of oxen for ploughing. or We will need the what, the drinks for all the people.
Land wrangles.... means land dispute
Can you pick me..... means can you pick me up
I am footing.... I'm walking, and don't want a boda boda (motorbike taxi)
Saloon - means hairdressing salon
Baybers - barber shop
Question number next - next question (in a quiz)
Both eyebrows raised - means yes
They have moved out - means someone has gone out and will return later (me and henry were initially shocked when we thought our new neighbours were moving out already
And my personal favourite… can you flash me - actually meaning can you give me a prank call so I can save your number. (I don’t think it’ll ever be not awkward to ask someone this, but I guess thats the sacrifice of trying to be understood)
Take care all, cheers for reading
Dan