Lost in translation is a common phenomenon here between PCVs and our Cameroonian counterparts. Here is the beginnings of a reference for words/phrases/expressions that just don’t translate into French or English. CF is the Cameroonian saying, in parentheses is the literal translation where applicable, and then AE signifies American translation. I hope I’ll be able to update as more come to light, as I’m sure they will:
CF: c’est comment? (french: it’s how?) AE: How’s it going?
response: CF: Oui ca va un peu (french: yes, it goes a little) AE: I’m just fine (people always laugh at me when I say I am doing well, forget very well… not sure why this is)
CF: Patience! (french: patience) AE: That sucks, I’m sorry! or Watch out! (generally after you have already fallen)
CF: une prune (french: a plum) AE: an eggplant-type vegetable with giant pit
CF: le vin blanc (french: white wine) AE: palm wine
Other funny notes about drink orders: if you want a Castle beer (Milk Stout), you must pronounce it casley otherwise you will get a Castel (African Laager, tasty on a hot day, but decidedly not a milk stout). If you want a Guiness Smooth (also tastes like a Guiness, unlike the Guiness Extra Stouts that are more common around here), you must pronounce Smooth without the “H” (i.e. Smoot) otherwise people somehow don’t know what you are talking about.
CF: un jus (french: juice) AE: soda, generally Top, Fanta, Sprite, or Coke. If you want a real juice, you must order an jus naturel (natural juice), and if you say “soda” you will get seltzer (Top Soda)
CF: un plaquet de chocolat (french: chocolate bar) AE: a six pack (or a ripped guy)
CF: les bananes AE: plantains (les bananes doux, or sweet bananas are actual bananas) * this one applies more to village life than city life
If you want to order a sanwich, here you order a bread with whatever you want inside. If you order the way you would in France (un sandwich de…) you get deux (2) of whatever filler/condiment you wanted inside. Discovered this when I paid twice as much for a cheese sandwich than my friend who did not speak French and so just said the things he wanted to eat – far more effective.
A tes souhaits, a tes reves, et a tes amours does not mean “bless you” here like it does in most francophone countries. I don’t think there is an equivalent in CF so I have just started saying “bless you” to avoid the curious looks i get when I use the French expression.
