Ghenglish is what I call it. Yes! Ghenglish, the Ghanaian version of the Queen’s English.
To any foreigner, it may sound outlandish and difficult to comprehend but to the Ghanaian, it is everyday English used in every conversation.
While this plethora of words, expressions and phrases are used understandably among Ghanaians and foreigners living in the country, they often leave first time visitors at sea.
After all, just as some words in the Queen’s English were either derived or borrowed from other languages, so have Ghanaians explored their linguistic creativity to come up with these phrases.
Infoboxx.com has been sampling some Ghenglish phrases and expressions.
“Can you hear the smell?”
That’s how some Ghanaians would ask you if they want to inquire whether you smell something. Perhaps, it is only in Ghana that one can ‘hear’ a ‘smell’. Funny huh? Well, wait till you walk with an average Ghanaian who would want to exhibit his grasp of the English language.
“I’m going to come”
Don’t get it twisted. The person actually means, “I will be right back”.
“I’m coming”
So you called this guy passing by and he responds, ‘I’m coming’, while still in motion. Don’t rack your brain; it’s not worth it. He meant, “I’ll be with you shortly”.
“Branch at the next junction”
In a country where landmarks serve better in giving directions than the compass, many Ghanaians use the expression “branch at the next junction” to mean “turn at the next junction”.
“It will start in 10 minutes time”
The programme is delayed, and the MC pleads, “It will start in 10 minutes time” instead of “It will start in 10 minutes”. It’s a Ghanaian thing!
“Sorry for left”
Ghanaians are certainly a courteous people. So much they would apologise for handing something to you with the left hand, “sorry for left”. It’s an economised version of “sorry for using my left hand”.
“Drop me here” or “I’ll drop here”
You hear this often in public transport – trotros and taxis. The passenger tells the driver, “drop me here” or I’ll drop here”. All what that means is “I will alight here”.
“Give me my balance”
Still on the public transport or at the shop, the chap after making payment requests, give me “my balance”. Balance is Ghenglish for “change”.
“Last price”
“What’s your last price?” You’ll often hear this while bargaining the price of some service or item. It could come from either party and means lowest price offer.
“Home-used”
This term is used in reference to second hand goods usually from Europe, America and Asia. For example, “home-used car” or “home-used electronic appliances”.
“Flash me”
And hey! You make a new friend in Ghana and ask for a cell phone number. You will hear expressions like “let me flash you so you store my number” or “I will flash you for you to call me”. Flash means missed call.
“Light off!”
You know you are in Ghana when the whole neighbourhood screams in unison - “light off!”. This is easy right? “Light-off!” is the synonym for blackout.
“Repeat again”
Another common Ghenglish phrase one would easily notice is “repeat again”. I’m sure you’re saying that’s tautology. Yes, it is and that’s Ghenglish for you.
I bet you are asking, is that all? Please add to the fun. Share your Ghenglish with us.
Culled :Infoboxxtv
