Language is a very funny thing...once you begin to think you understand it. Here in Uganda, one hears, and later says, "Sorry, sorry" to any one who is harmed, falls, suffers loss, or even stumbles on the road. It is said for losses of family and friends as well as for just not having things turn out the way you hoped. Sorry is used to convey sympathy, empathy, understanding, encouragement. "Are you OK?" is used in the same way in the States.
In the States, "Sorry" usually means we have contributed to problem, whether it is the bumping of a person in line, stepping on someone's toes, or doing something that might have added to their discomfort. We teach children to apologize saying "I'm sorry for breaking your toy, hitting you, etc."
In Uganda, if you ask "Are you you OK/", you may have really insulted one. This phrase here means "Are you crazy/mad/insane?"
So....just be careful what you say and to whom.
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Life in Uganda
