I'm a hustler, baby

Feelin like making this blog on the lighter side, deeper thoughts maybe coming soon?

So many people I meet here can speak 2-3 languanges: 1) their tribal language 2) Swahili 3) English. I’ve learned alittle Kikuyo (the tribal language I’m around the most) alittle more Swahili, but I’m proud to say I feel I am fluent in Kenyan English. Yes, I do think Kenyan English is totally different from American English (especially in the villages) – ask my parents as it always takes me a few minutes to adjust back to an English they understand when they call. I’m hoping by the end of this blog you will be able to speak Kenya English too.

At first I was wondering why I was having so much trouble communicating with the people who could speak English. I’ve decided its because we speak two different languages. I adapted to the accent – which is kinda British/Candaian/something else I can’t describe as they pronounce “l” and “r” the exact same. I adapted to changing my questions from English grammar to Swahili grammar (ex/ “Thomas is where?” instead of “Where is Thomas?”), and use british words like rubbish. Learned other words like “shamba” which means garden in Swahili but everyone insists its an English word. Some changes can be quiet funny though and provide a lot of entertainment as I talk to people here.

For example I can honestly say, “I’m a hustler who just flashed someone and I’m going to look for hookers.” Haha, translation from Kenyan English “I’m a white person who can ride public buses by herself, I just called someone, and I’m going to look for street vendors selling second hand items.” Let’s see what else is there?

“You’re smart” – this has nothing to do with intelligence but means “you look nice”
And the answer to just about every question is “fine” or “good.” Even when I asked my friend how his day was after attending a funeral he said “good.”

I think that’s enough for today as I’m starting to remember the horror that grammar had in my past school days, especially AP Literature Grammar, except to end to say one of my favorite things here they say a lot, even in normal conversation, is “Praise God” and everyone responds “Amen.” Praise God.