Today was my first full day in South Africa. Although everyone speaks English (and a whole bunch of other languages besides) there are some subtle differences which I'm going to have to learn.



For example, I visited my first shop today and was asked at the checkout "Do you want a packet?". I asked her to repeat and again I heard "Do you want a packet?". To save embarrassment I decided to go with "Oh, sorry, yes. Yes please." and upon receipt of the packet I'd learn what it was. Good plan.



Do you want a packet? = Would you like a bag to carrier bag for your shopping?



Next lesson. Traffic signals are not traffic lights or signals. They are robots. In South Africa it makes perfect sense to say something like "Go along the street until you've been past two robots, then turn right". Nobody panics.



Other things that have confused me today are:

Can you borrow me 50 cents?

This just means please give me 50 cents. Sometimes this is for change at a shop, and sometimes people just want a charitable donation.



Can I worry you?

You can try! This just means can I ask you a question.





I'll continue my cultural learnings and report back.