Home / Africa Blog / Learn the Lingo: Language by Location

Learn the Lingo: Language by Location

When travelling through foreign lands, you’re bound to experience language barriers which of course make it challenging to communicate and interact with the local people. Communicating with locals is important if you are genuinely wanting to learn more about the place you’re visiting and are eager to connect with them. Locals always have so much to teach visitors and one of the greatest gifts that comes with travelling is the ability to meet people from different walks of life.

Africa is a diverse continent made up of various cultures with a range of languages. Some African countries have more than one official language, for example, South Africa has eleven!
It’s worth learning a few simple words and greetings so that you are able to interact with the people you meet on your journey.

We want to help you Learn the ‘lingo’ of some African countries to ensure your journey is that much more exciting!

Himba Baby

 

Botswana

Meet the warm, welcoming people of Botswana, most of which are descendants of the San/Khoi.

Most spoken language: Setswana/Tswana (English is also widely spoken in Botswana)
Hello: Dumela
What is your name? Leina le gago ke mang?
My name is: Leina la me ke… (name)
How are you? Le kae?
I’m from.. Ke tswa ko … (place)
How much is this? E ke bokae?
Please: Tswêê-tswêê
Thank you: Ke a leboga
Yes: Ee
No: No
Goodbye: Tsamaya sentle

Explore Botswana on an African Overland Tour and experience the beauty of the landscape and wildlife.

 

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

Most spoken language: Swahili (most locals can speak English)
Hello: Hujambo
What is your name? Jina lako ni nani?
My name is: Jina langu ni …
How are you? Habari?
I’m from.. Natoka …(place)
How much is this? Hii ni bei gani?
Please: Tafadhali
Thank you: Asante
Yes: Ndiyo
No: Hapana
Goodbye: Kwaheri

Explore Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda on one of our East Africa Trips.

 

Mozambique

Most spoken language: Portuguese (English is second)
Hello: Olá! Tchau!
What is your name? Qual é o seu nome?
My name is: Me chamo…
How are you? Como vai?
I’m from.. Eu sou de…
How much is this? Quanto é este
Please: Por favor
Thank you: Muito Obrigado (if a man is speaking)
Muito Obrigada (if a woman is speaking)
Yes: Sim
No: Não
Goodbye: Adeus

Get to know the locals in Mozambique on one of our Mozambique Adventure Tours.

 

Namibia

Most spoken language: Afrikaans (English is second, followed by German)
Hello: Hallo
What is your name? Wat is jou naam?
My name is: My naam is..
How are you? Hoe Gaan Dit Met Jou?
I’m from.. Ek is van.. (place)
How much is this: Hoeveel Kos Dit?
Please: Asseblief
Thank you: Dankie
Yes: Ja
No: Nee
Goodbye: Totsiens

Discover Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes – visit Namibia!

 

South Africa

Most spoken language: Zulu (there are eleven official languages, with Afrikaans, English and Xhosa being the most spoken after Zulu)
Hello: Sawubona
What is your name? Ngubani igama lakho?
My name is: Igama lami ngu…
How are you? Unjani?
I’m from.. Ngiphuma e … (place)
How much is this? Kubiza malini?
Please: Ake
Thank you: Ngiyabonga kakhulu
Yes: Yebo
No: Kungekho
Goodbye: Sala kahle

Adventure through South Africa on one of our tours and enjoy the diversity of this beautiful country.

 

Zimbabwe

Most spoken language: Shona
Hello: Mhoro
What is your name? Unonzani?
My name is: Ndinonzi …
How are you? Wakadini zvako?
I’m from.. Ndinobva ku …
How much is this? Chinoita marii?
Please: Ndapota
Thank you: Waita zvako
Yes: Ehe
No: Aihwa
Goodbye: Sara Zvakanaka

Experience the Majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on one of our tours through this region.

 

About Leandra Slabbert

I don't think God intended for any of us to just be ordinary
Article by: Leandra Slabbert
on November 13, 2018
Filed under  Africa Blog • Botswana • Kenya • Mozambique • Namibia • Only in Africa • Tanzania • Uganda • Zimbabwe 
African Overland Tours Experts
  • First-hand experience
  • Advice and guidance
  • We're passionate travelers

Enquire Now

FEATURED POSTS

How many species of lions are there?

How many species of lions are there?

How many species of lions exist? There is actually only one species – the Panthera leo, however, there are several sub-species of lions which you may not know about. So when you head off on your...

Best time to visit Africa for Weather & Viewing

Best time to visit Africa for Weather & Viewing

When is the best time to visit Africa? If you’re planning to tour to Africa then it helps to know what the best time to visit Africa. Africa’s landscape is as diverse as it's expansive, with each...

The Top 10 Deadliest Animals in Africa

The Top 10 Deadliest Animals in Africa

When you’re travelling on a safari through Africa, chances are you’ll spot a rather large variety of animals – not all of which are really as adorable as they appear. Though these animals are hardly...

  • Blog categories

  • Contact us

    UK  +44 80 0098 8010

    USA  +1 888 815 2423

    AUS  +61 1800 768 149

    SA  +27 21 448 0997

    Email  info@africanoverlandtours.com

     

    Local Time in South Africa

    We’re Here To Help

    Having traveled extensively on all our routes in Africa we are able to narrow down the best options based on our experience and knowledge and guide you through the best possible options for your incredible African Overlanding experience.

    African Overland Tours is owned by Escape 4 Africa Travel.

    We are SATSA Bonded (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) and SATIB insured (Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers, providing financial protection with all monies paid

    We have a 24 hour emergency number.

    We offer a Price Beat Guarantee.

  • 0 Comments

    Submit a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *