As an Native English speaker it is always interesting to learn some of the quirks of other versions of English around the world. The concept of time is well known to differ around the world, and in my opinion the difference between Australian culture and that of South Africa can be explained in what I like to call the Now concept.
When I first arrived in South Africa when someone said to me "I'll be there now" I took them literally and assumed they would be here, you know, NOW! However in reality this meant I was at times missing lunch, circling city blocks in the car waiting for someone to arrive at the train station (not a generally good idea) or sitting in a bar alone for some time waiting for a friend/colleague/random person to arrive. The now concept also extends to deliveries and anyone driving. Apparently in Joburg everyone is always 15 minutes away or "just around the corner". That corner may be 20 kilometers away, but technically it is a corner.
As a (previously) punctual person this was extremely infuriating and generally confusing, it took some time for me to be at peace with the now concept...
Having now accepted the concept liberally, I use it when I can't be bothered being punctual... actually I am ashamed to admit that just yesterday upon a request from a colleague when I was on my way to get coffee, I responded with "I'll be with you now"... approximately four hours later I actually turned up at their desk!
A good explanation can be found here: "Just Now" or Now Now"
In lieu of an appropriate picture, here is something random:
When I first arrived in South Africa when someone said to me "I'll be there now" I took them literally and assumed they would be here, you know, NOW! However in reality this meant I was at times missing lunch, circling city blocks in the car waiting for someone to arrive at the train station (not a generally good idea) or sitting in a bar alone for some time waiting for a friend/colleague/random person to arrive. The now concept also extends to deliveries and anyone driving. Apparently in Joburg everyone is always 15 minutes away or "just around the corner". That corner may be 20 kilometers away, but technically it is a corner.
As a (previously) punctual person this was extremely infuriating and generally confusing, it took some time for me to be at peace with the now concept...
Having now accepted the concept liberally, I use it when I can't be bothered being punctual... actually I am ashamed to admit that just yesterday upon a request from a colleague when I was on my way to get coffee, I responded with "I'll be with you now"... approximately four hours later I actually turned up at their desk!
A good explanation can be found here: "Just Now" or Now Now"
In lieu of an appropriate picture, here is something random:
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