This word is derived from the Dutch word for lightning strikes. Since it’s also used in some other countries, this one’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s definitely the most used filler word in South Africa, and a versatile one as well. South Africans use this phrase for pretty much any situation, such as giving thanks, shouting praise or mourning. “Ach man, I have such a hangover from last night.” 3. This filler word is often used to express frustration, but it can also be used in pretty much any situation at the beginning of a sentence. It’s a unique word because it doesn’t just express surprise-it can also show excitement, disbelief or anger. The word is used across pretty much all of South Africa as well as in a few neighboring countries. This word originates from the Xhosa people in South Africa. ![]() The more you know about all the languages spoken in South Africa, the better you’ll do when you travel there! Uniquely South African English Words, Phrases and Slang 1. In addition to learning South African English, try learning more about Zulu, Xhosa or the Sotho languages. Many South African English words and slang are from the country’s other languages. ![]() It does.īut it’s also important to understand how diverse and rich South Africa is when it comes to language, as well as the complex history of English here as a colonial force. This doesn’t mean English doesn’t have a valid place in the country. The fact that English is the main language used in South African media and government announcements today when not everyone in South Africa even speaks the language shows the ongoing relationship between colonialist language and power in the country. Under apartheid, black South Africans were required to carry IDs, had very few rights, couldn’t use public facilities and were forced to speak Afrikaans in school. Apartheid (Afrikaans for “separateness”), similar to segregation in the U.S., was a racist policy that upheld white South African rule over the indigenous population from the 1940s to the late 1990s. South Africa was colonized by the Dutch in the 1600s and the British in the 1700s, which is why English and Afrikaans are spoken there. The history of the presence of Germanic languages like English and Afrikaans in South Africa is unfortunately not a happy one. However, English is understood by most South Africans in urban areas and you’ll hear English on South African TV and other media.
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