Beginners isiXhosa

Today I had an email from one of the other volunteers asking for phrases we use at the clinic, as she is trying to make a Xhosa phrasebook for volunteers that come and go, which I thought was such a good idea! When we got here we floundered around and got laughed at a lot, and knowing just a few basic words and phrases would have helped.

I'm sure emily has already given you the first lesson, but here's a little more isiXhosa, mostly words that I've found really important. (Spelling is my own personal phonetics)

1. Ndilambile - I'm hungry! Yes that is number one on my list, as food is a large part of my life. And as I'm waiting for dinner to cook right now, it's even more on my mind than usual.
2. Hamba eh festile ni amayheza - go to the pharmacy. The number of people that come to us when they should be at the pharmacy is crazy! Wednesdays and thursdays (Zithulele clinic days) we get flooded with patients in the wrong place.
3. Upambeni wena - you crazy! A particularly important phrase when talking to Asanda, one of the best councillors and translators you will ever meet. She is so funny, but also really nice and will always help you expand your vocab.
4. Kushushu namhlanje - it's hot today. It's rained for the past week and everything is muddy, so that's more of an optimistic phrase now than it normally is.
5. Zimbini gabini ingamini - take 2 twice a day. Only applies when your dispencing medicine, but I love saying it. IsiXhosa is quite a fun language at times.
6. Mgcomgcomi - mosquito! Often accompanied by swear words, but I don't need to teach you those now. A mosquito net is essential down here.

I actually know a lot more, which surprises me, but that's it for now. People here are always so impressed when you know a little isiXhosa; they smile and often laugh at you, but it's good fun. Today I said bless you in isiXhosa and everyone in the room laughed at me, but then I was told I have a good brain (they needed sign language for that one) so I'm certain I said the right words.

I've only made one real mistake, and that was misusing 'wamkelekile' - welcome. I used it as a reply to thankyou, as we do in english, but here it's only used in the context of 'welcome to my home/office etc'. I was laughed, more than usual, and now only use it when appropriate. 

It's a learning experience, but one I'm enjoying.