Just about everyone in Gaborone speaks English, so you don’t really need to take any classes or borrow language tapes in advance of your posting. “Please” and “Thank You” can be said in English. But it is only polite to learn a few phrases of the local language. Fortunately there is only one local language to learn – Setswana.
“Dumela Rra” – Hello Sir. Response – “Dumela”
“Dumela Mma” – Hello Madam. Response – “Dumela”
(Mastering the timing of the Dumela is essential. Usually it is the job of the person entering the shop/house/situation to kick the Dumela chorus off & say the greeting first.)
“Le Kae?”—How are you?
“Re Teng Rra/Mma” – I am well, Sir/Madam.
“Sharp!” - Bye
“Ke A Legoga Rra/Mma” – Thank you Sir/Madam
“Ke Rata ……” - I like ……
“Ga Ke Rate ……” - ”I don’t like……
“Ke Batla …..” – I want……
“A Re Ssamaye” – Let’s Go.
“…………Ke Eng Ka Setswana?” – What is ………in Setswana?
“Bobala Sentle” – Sleep well.
“Boroko”- Good night.
“Tsamaya Sentle” — Go well
“Sala Sentle” – Stay well.
Hantom House is a shared house in central Gaborone that provides furnished, serviced accommodation to ex-pats on assignment to Gaborone at a cost much lower than other alternatives.
