You learn something new every day

 After a being a teacher at Emafini Primary School for a week, you could say that I have begun to pick up on some Xhosa. (Note the emphasis on the word some.) I have forty three patient teachers in my class who frequently remind me of their names and translate for me. As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I have encountered difficulties when requesting band-aids, directions, and food. While waiting for our students to finish their exam, Lindsey and I conjured up this list:

"Must I write this exam?"

Think about place value. The ones-place is called units.
Reviewing content is known as revising.
Grading is called marking, and points are called marks.
Students are affectionately known as learners.
Kindergarten = Grade R
A workbook is called a notebook.
In Xhosa, "hello" is Molo
Diet Coke = Coke Light
Do not say "Good Morning," say "Mornings!"
A cookout can either be a barbeque or a bray.
If the label says "not hot," it is extremely spicy.
Everything comes with a hearty side of tomatoes. (Fresh, stewed, sliced, diced, or in salsa.)
When answering a question, learners raise their hands, snap their fingers, and call out "Yes miss!"
Look right, then left, then right again before crossing the road. Yes, cars drive on the other side.
If you ask for a band-aid you may be given a rubber band. Next time, just ask for a plaster.
Students sweep the floor after lunch and break, and clean the entire room at the end of the day. Talk about helping hands!

Marking their students' tests - all 180 of them

A teacher's student assistant is the Class Leader.
Grades R-3 are known as the "foundations phase."
Learners write a test, they do not "take" one.
If a child wants to leave the room, you will hear "Teacher, may I go out?"
The class prays and sings in unison on a daily basis.
You may hear a round of applause upon entering a classroom.
Do NOT go on the field during recess. Every man for himself!
"Don't be cheeky" is a popular comeback.
If you wear your hair down, you are asking for it to be played with. Fine by me!
Emafini teachers love to dance.
Friendly is everyone's middle name.


Last but certainly not least: You will be loved no matter who you are or where you come from. You will simply be loved.