The first rule of living anywhere, is to learn the fun slang words. Right? After all, there are some words that just slip into everyday lingo and next thing you know, it becomes part of your vocabulary. With Swahili, to start learning this language seemed almost like walking on water....it might have something to do with the fact that the last two languages I attempted to tackle were Russian and German....but the learning is still at a slow pace ("pole, pole" means slow, and basically works for everyhing here). I'm not really enrolled in any Migro Klubschule intensive course.
Right, I digress. The point is, it's rather hard to figure out what is "official" and what is "slang," as they all seem to rather meld together. For example, As you're wandering down the street, you can be greeted in any of the numerous ways, and the response is the corresponding word to however they greeted you. For "Mambo" you have plenty of options: "Poa," or "saffi," or "freshi." But if they ask you "Habari?" (what's up?) You HAVE to say "nzuri" (good). You would think this would give you a headache, trying to learn all the responses, but for some reason or another it comes rather naturally. Goodness knows every person on the street will call out to you, almost as if they are testing you to see if you can actually say something in Swahili. When you pass the test, you get a nod of the head. That's when you know you have passed lesson one. Well done grasshopper!
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