Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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.

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