Language Matters: Some notes on South African English

Robots, robots, everywhere!

In South Africa traffic lights are very often referred to as “robots” – and not only in English. Though I am not sure where and when exactly this started, I do have an idea about why it keeps on being used.

"Red Robot" by Splenetic

1. When you give directions it is faster to say “turn right and the robot” than “turn right at the traffic light”. This is especially helpful if you, like me, are really bad with directions.
2. The true reason, in my opinion, is that you get to say things like “turn right at the robot” in a normal conversation and, after a rain storm (especially in Sandton *cough cough*) you get to say “there’s a lot of robots out” or simply “the robots are out”. While sitting in traffic it’s a lot more entertaining to think it’s caused by robots lumbering about and blocking traffic than a few lights not working.

Therefore, I will keep on referring to traffic lights as robots. Because sometimes you just need a little whimsy in your day.