I am starting a thread on Zamglish or Zambian English. My Zambian-themed novel has characters who speak this vibrant and unique brand of English. The idea of a collection of Zamglish phrases is borrowed from the now defunct Zambian online magazine Chrysalis.

I hope Zambians (and non-Zambians who have a clue what I am talking about) out there will contribute their favourite phrases and help me build a comprehensive collection of Zamglish phrases. It is my sincere hope that together we will contribute to improving communications between those of us who share a common language (she says tongue in cheek!).

To start the collection here are some Zamglish phrases that spring to mind:

What do you make it?                      
What time is it?

How are you keeping up?             
How is life?/How are you?  

Where are you keeping up?         
Where are you staying?

I can’t get you/ I don't get you.     
I don’t understand what you are saying.

As more phrases come back to me, I will add them to the list (see my Zamglish page).

Over to you!

Cherry B