Zambian English

Zambia is a land of many tribes and thus many languages. At least (I hear different numbers) 70 different languages are recognized in the country. I have been very impressed by the number of languages most Zambians know. White Zambians usually speak English, Afrikaans (many of them have South African heritage), and some Nyanja. Black Zambians usually speak English (if they have been to secondary school), Nyanja, Bemba, and at least one other tribal language. Nyanja is not a tribal language, but is a trade language commonly used in Zambia, particularly around Lusaka and regions to the East.

I am ashamed to report that I have only learned a few words of Nyanja, since it has been easy for me to operate in English in most places. However, I do think I am getting a good handle on Zambian English, which is very different than what we speak on the west coast of the US. Zambian English appears to be different for a combination of reasons. Some have to do with indigenous Zambian culture and language influences, and others due to the influence of Britain, their former colonizer. Below I list a variety of Zambian English words and phrases, along with comments on their meaning and (if I know it) origin. Enjoy!

Category 1 – Those Brits sure taught the Zambians how to spell funny.
In Zambia, it’s centre and not center, colour and not color.

Category 2 – Those Brits sure taught the Zambians how to talk funny.
In Zambia it’s “in hospital” instead of “in the hospital” and “go to university” instead of “going to the university”, and everyone here takes a holiday instead of a vacation. Also I wear trousers instead of pants or slacks. And the laptop that one of the lab managers and I attempted to fix isn’t broken, it’s buggered.

Category 3 – The local cultural influences.
Traffic lights here are called robots, reportedly because they were such a strange phenomenon when they first appeared that the locals thought they were robots. Also a shop keeper says “the biscuits are finished” instead of “I am out of biscuits”. I am guessing that this comes from the experience of shortages not being in the control of the shop keeper, whether or not that currently is the case.

Category 4 – Other language and cultural influences
I’m not as sure about the origin of these phrases, but they are commonly used. I am guessing that the phrases translate more directly from Afrikaans, Nyanja or some tribal language, which is why they seem odd to my English speaking ear. Some of the phrases also have to do with Zambian customs and manners. They are listed below, followed by their translation into American English.
“Is it” or “Sure!” Translation – “Is that so?”
“Mmm” Translation – “yes”
“Me, I am going to win” Translation – “I am going to win this game”
“Please Madam, I am asking you for 1000.” Translation – “May I please have 1000 kwacha.”
“It’s ok” Translation – “It’s not ok, but I’ll probably live.”