Molweni! Sanibonani! Dumelang!

Hello to all of you, dear learners of African languages. Even though half the country is on strike, that isn't why we have been so tardy in producing this edition of The African Voice. We blame it on our trusty (?) old computer, which went along with the prevailing mood and finally downed tools, without even requesting mediation. It has since accepted a severance package. Also, Tessa has been away in Greece, meeting her partner's relatives and friends (with common or garden names like Aphrodite and Socrates). She had a lovely time there learning the Greek alphabet and how to flush a Greek loo (there are many, many ways, none of them predictable). She also loved reading the English translations on menus, particularly when she found a favourite eggplant dish described as "Fried aborigines".

There were many more hilarious mistakes, even on official signs, making Tessa feel a warm glow of recognition for the obviously global phenomenon of disregarding the services of editors and proofreaders. Earlier this year, Tessa stalked around Cape Town, checking out our very own African language signs ... read what she has to say about them.

SIGN OF THE TIMES?

AKUKHO TYWALA APHA
THERE IS NO ALCOHOL HERE

As by now seasoned learners you have no doubt noticed the many public signs and pamphlets to be found using African languages.

What a pity the creators of these signs so often don't get anyone to check the spelling, orthography, word order or even simple meaning of the translations.

Thandi Mpambo-Sibukwana, a highly respected Xhosa teacher at Wynberg Girls High, recently did some on-the-ground research with Tessa. Here are just a few examples of the chaotic state of institutional African language translating in the Western Cape:

• At the Afrikaans Language Monument in Paarl:
  English: You can book for picnics.
  Xhosa translation: Ungazisa incwadi xa ufuna ipikniki.
  Actual meaning of translation: You can bring a book when you want a picnic.

• In Site C, Khayelitsha:
  English: Save water.
  Xhosa translation: Bonga amanzi.
  Actual meaning of translation: Praise water.

• At St James tidal pool:
  English: No alcohol.
  Xhosa translation: Akukho tywala.
  Actual meaning of translation: There is no alcohol.

• Along the M5, near Parkwood:
  English: No hawking.
  Xhosa translation: Akuhanjwa apha.
  Actual meaning of translation: No walking here.

• At Site B Dispensary:
  English: Listen to the bell ring.
  Xhosa translation: Mamela ukuwa kwentsimbi.
  Actual meaning of translation: Listen to the bell fall.

• On a bottle of medicine:
  English: Pour two teaspoons.
  Xhosa translation: Jalela iitispuni zibe mbini.
  Actual meaning of translation: Frown at two teaspoons.

• Lotto advertisement:
  English: Take the chance.
  Xhosa translation: Tata machance.
  Actual meaning of translation: Father chances.

• On the title of a pamphlet on HIV/Aids:
  English: The disease of Aids.
  Xhosa translation: Isipho uGawulayo.
  Actual meaning of translation: The gift of Aids.
  (The misspelling of isifo disease into isipho gift couldn't be more inappropriate.)

It goes on and on. Myolisi Gophe, a journalist with the Weekend Argus wrote up the story (March 12, 2005) which seemed to cause quite a stir, since the Cape Times followed up with a report (March 16, 2005), in which a spokesman for the City of Cape Town admitted that there was a problem:

He did not deny that there were inconsistencies in translation across the former municipalities.

"The city couldn't condone glaring translation errors. If people pick up mistakes we would welcome them to report them to us."

As members of the African Voices team we would urge you to report any errors you may see. If you don't want to hassle to get through to your local authorities, just email us, and we'll do the fighting!

AFRICAN VOICES PHRASE CDS

We are delighted to announce that we have now produced a range of audio CDs:

• Everyday Xhosa Phrases - audio CD and booklet
• Everyday Zulu Phrases - audio CD and booklet
• Everyday Sotho Phrases - audio CD and booklet
• Everyday Tswana Phrases - audio CD and booklet

Each CD has over 500 phrases, all of which are also printed in a 32-page CD-insert booklet. Every phrase is spoken and printed in both English and the African language.

Please note:

• These are standard audio CDs for playback on conventional CD players, not CD-ROMs for use on computers. Unlike our other products, which are comprehensive language courses, these CDs merely offer sets of useful phrases.
• All voices used for the African languages are those of mother-tongue speakers.

Product Topics

Pronunciation
Greetings and pleasantries
Tswana subject markers
About Tswana/Zulu/Sotho/Xhosa and learning Tswana/Zulu/Sotho/Xhosa
Please, thanks, yes and no
Meeting people
Time for tea
Complimenting, congratulating, sympathizing and special occasions
Feelings
At the petrol station
On the phone
Shopping
Excuses
Restaurant eating
Weather
Directions
Public transport
Time, days, months
It's an emergency!
Questions
Questions relating to time
Questions relating to place
Questions about school/studies
Questions about or to people
Commands

EASTERN CAPE SCHOOLS

Tessa recently went to Willowvale kuGatyane in the Eastern Cape with academics from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. They were researching, amongst other things, schools and school attendance, and were alarmed at the physical condition of many of the schools. Professor Brett Inder of Monash University urged the community to set up a small NGO for the physical improvement of some of these schools. He has offered to raise funds in Australia, and African Voices intend to do the same in South Africa. The community responded energetically and have already opened a bank account in the name of NCEDULUNTU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.

Mrs Ntloko, a nurse from Willowvale with whom we have worked for several years, is heading up the NGO. We are confident she will do an excellent job.

Anyone with any fantastic fund raising ideas please contact African Voices. Apart from specific fund raising events, we are considering producing greeting cards to at least cover their bank charges! Again, any interest would be gratefully received.

TOPICS FOR THE AFRICAN VOICE?

We promise to come up with a more regular newsletter in future. If there are any specific topics you would like us to discuss, please let us know. We can't promise that we will always be able to oblige, but we will certainly try our best.

And while you are waiting for the next letter, why not stick up a few signs in an African language and English around your own home or workplace (making sure that they're correct, of course)?. It is a great way to learn an African language and will impress your neighbours - which is crucial!

Stay well! Salani kahle! Salani kakuhle! Salang hantle!