Elizabeth Oluwayemisi Idudhe

Lagos, Nigeria

Lost in translation

 

I had just resumed at my new office. Henk, the Head of Department was Dutch and a Bachelor, while the Travels Coordinator Sasha, a woman, was Russian. A few days later, another Russian woman, Olga, resumed work in the department.

 

Henk was new in Nigeria, and had a Beninoise Cook. Sasha had been in Nigeria for years but was now leaving with her Arabian husband. Olga was however married to a Nigerian, and she had stayed in Nigeria for a very long time. She was very familiar with the Apapa area, having lived there for a while.

 

One afternoon after Olga had stepped out to lunch, Henk complained to Sasha about the difficulties in getting fresh seafood, and the prices in Victoria Island. Sasha directed him to ask Olga, because she had heard seafood was fresher in Apapa.

 

Sasha steps out of the office as soon as Olga returns.

 

Henk: Welcome Olga. Listen, I am trying to locate a place where my cook can get fresh seafood. I understand your father sells; could you give my cook the description of his place?

 

Olga: Pardon?

 

Henk: Could you give my cook your Father’s address, so he can go buy me some seafood?

 

Olga: My father?

 

Henk: Yes! Sasha told me he sells fresh seafood.

 

Just then, Sasha returns to the office.

 

Olga: Sasha, did you tell Henk that my father sells seafood?

 

Sasha: No Henk! I said Apapa. It is a place in Lagos.

 

Henk: Oh! I am sorry Olga. I heard ‘her Papa.’ I thought she was referring to your father!