This is the final edition of our 2024 series of the popular column, “Our Kind of English” (OKE). We extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued readers for their continued support and wish everyone a joyful and prosperous 2025.
Based on the feedback we’ve received, OKE has cultivated two primary types of readers.
Firstly, there are those who engage with the column in order to enhance their English language skills.
Secondly, some readers enjoy the lighter side of language critique, finding entertainment in the linguistic errors encountered in our media. This group often delights in highlighting discrepancies observed in our English press, including the columnist’s own missteps!
For instance, one contributor expressed dissatisfaction regarding a warning directed at local journalists against uncritically emulating certain English-speaking media figures known for their peculiar language choices.
Even my defense of a simple typographical error was met with skepticism, prompting a sincere apology.
As we prepare for the challenges of 2025, I urge my colleagues in the media to continue reading this column so that we can collectively improve our language proficiency and communicate with greater care in the mother tongue of King Charles III—informing, educating, and entertaining while also earning a living.
Now, let’s delve into our main focus for today, sharing some notable linguistic observations from recent editions of the local press.
In a travel article featured in a local tabloid, the writer quoted the subject saying, “I am glad that I STEPPED foot in Tanzania…”
This expression is amusingly redundant, as one can only step using their feet! The original statement likely intended to convey, “I am glad that I SET foot in Tanzania…”
Further, the article noted, “She admired the giraffes because they bothered nobody and minded THEIR BUSINESS… despite their huge size advantage…”
The correct idiomatic expression is “mind your OWN business,” reminding us not to meddle in others’ affairs. Giraffes, being relatively carefree, indeed mind their OWN business!
Additionally, a leading publication featured a headline on December 7 stating, ‘Negligence source of accident…’ In the article, it reported: “Sixteen Members of Parliament were injured in an accident yesterday involving A BUS THEY WERE TRAVELLING IN and a truck.”
This phrasing is unnecessarily verbose. A more concise explanation would state: “Sixteen MPs were injured in an accident involving THEIR BUS and a truck yesterday.”
Finally, a vibrant local broadsheet’s December 16 edition included a story titled, ‘Over 2,000 trees planted at school in Mwanza…’ where a forest officer noted: “He explained that in response to the growing draught and heat CONDITIONS in the district, Tanzania Forest Services has distributed over 37,000 free tree seedlings…”
Using “conditions” to qualify draught and heat is redundant, as both are inherently conditions! There is no need to elaborate unnecessarily.
Ah, the complexities of the English language!
