Kenyan English

Because I’m teaching English, I’m extremely aware of the difference between British and American English. Sometimes the wording of my fellow teachers and students is interesting because it’s a direct translation of Kiswahili into English and isn’t really grammatically correct. I’ve been marking compositions, so I’ve jotted down a few that I thought you might find interesting.

We experienced some slight hiccups today. = We’ve had some problems today.

My body was removing smoke. = It was so cold I could see my breath.

We ate to our satisfaction. = We had plenty to eat.

He coughed the engine. = He started the car.

He added value. = He improved himself, his skills, or his work
.
Slowly by slowly we footed. = We walked slowly.

We slept late. = We went to bed late.

She fished out the person who shouted. = She found out which person shouted.

She had all her basic needs. = She had everything she needed.

I had no otherwise. = I had no choice.

Somehowly = Some how

The chairs are available for hire. = You can rent the chairs.