English?

Namibia's only official language is English. However, the great majority of the inhabitants speak Afrikaans and other tribal languages. German is spoken by a good number of people as well. It is certainly a very multi-lingual place in which we live especially in Windhoek where people can switch from one language to another in mid-sentence.
As for the English, one might be interested in taking a short course in the Namibian version of the language before attempting communication with the locals. Take the following as an example: I took my bakkie into the panel beaters' so that the bonnet could be adjusted; while there he also repaired the hooter and filled the tyres with gas and topped off the tank with petrol. Translation: I took my pick- up into the body shop so that the hood could be adjusted; while there he also repaired the horn and filled the tires with air and filled up the tank with gas. If one is invited to a braai one would be eating something barbequed, typically lamb or sosaties (shish kabobs). Don't ask for ketchup with those fries because no one will understand you. You'll be wanting tomato sauce with your chips. When desiring potato chips, one must request crisps. You might also be directed to turn right at the first robot you encounter. In which case, you'd have to take a right at the light. Ask for a serviette (napkin) when needing to wipe your mouth in a restaurant. And give the kids biscuits (cookies) for their afternoon snack. If you want jelly on your toast ask for jam otherwise you'll be served Jello. If all this is giving you a headache you'll want to visit the chemist for a few head ache tablets. Do be polite and tell them dankie when they hand you your docket (receipt). At which point you'll want to head home on the pavement (sidewalk), take the lift from the ground floor (1st floor) to your flat (apartment) and just call for take away (carry out). Perhaps after all this, a visit to the bottle store (liquor shop) is in order!