The Hello South Africa Phrasebook
This nifty pocket-sized book contains around 600 English phrases; each translated into South Africa’s 10 other official languages (for those who don’t know what they are go here).
Most English speakers will be able to travel the length and breadth of our beautiful land and interact with many people in English very easily. This is due to the fact that the majority of people here can speak some level of English, often at a very high standard even if it is not their first language. Road signs, airport and train station directional boards and information sign posts are almost always in English.
However when travelling it is always polite and can be fun to attempt to speak the first language of the people with whom you interact and learning a couple of phrases in another tongue is all part of the fun of foreign travel.
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So why not buy a copy of this booklet and try get your tongue around some of the clicks, guttural g''s and other interesting sounds required to speak some of our alternate languages - the pronunciation guide at the beginning of each section will help.
The phrasebook also includes a brief history of South Africa and its colourful linguistic heritage, as well as language distribution maps, indicating where each language is spoken and where the phrasebook is likely to be needed – this will help you not to greet a Pedi speaker in Xhosa!
In addition, you’ll find tips and hints about everything from finding a good restaurant to catching a taxi. The languages are listed alphabetically and colour-coded for easy access.
The Hello South Africa Phrasebook was developed by graphic designer Mark Macdonald and voice and English pronunciation coach, Michelle Macdonald. Contributions were also made by relevant South African experts.
“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry or savour their songs.” Nelson Mandela, A Long Walk to Freedom
For orders and further information, go to www.hellosouthafrica.co.za – also available at most leading book stores.