Ever thought it strange that someone could be ‘busy waiting’? Ever wondered why calling a loved one ‘bokkie’ is considered a term of endearment, or perhaps where the word ‘gogga’ comes from, or what an ‘indaba’ actually is? If you have, then Eish, but is it English? is just the book for you. Humorous and engaging, Eish is book that takes delight in the nuances and quirks of South African English, and that explores the influence of Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa on the etymology of words in our country. It also examines ideas of correctness and the social implications of language – but in such a light-hearted fashion that no one is going to end up having a cadenza!
Reviewed by Megan, Gardens
Eish!!!
Megan on Wed, 14/12/2011 - 13:19Ever thought it strange that someone could be ‘busy waiting’? Ever wondered why calling a loved one ‘bokkie’ is considered a term of endearment, or perhaps where the word ‘gogga’ comes from, or what an ‘indaba’ actually is? If you have, then Eish, but is it English? is just the book for you. Humorous and engaging, Eish is book that takes delight in the nuances and quirks of South African English, and that explores the influence of Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa on the etymology of words in our country. It also examines ideas of correctness and the social implications of language – but in such a light-hearted fashion that no one is going to end up having a cadenza!
Reviewed by Megan, Gardens