Afrikaans Queen
Ex-RTE star getting to grips with language after big move
GRAINNE Seoige has told how she’s immersed herself into South African life and can now speak Afrikaans.
The Gaeilgeoir has been learning the tricky tongue since relocating with her fiance last year to Pretoria, where she has started a new career as a diamond dealer.
The former RTE star, 43, revealed: “Yes, I speak some Afrikaans. It would be like if you were with a French guy, you’d try.
“Their families speak Afrikaans to each other. We’d be the same, we’d speak Irish if we’re chatting amongst ourselves at home.
“So what I’ve found is that everybody speaks English but then they slip into it; it’s what they’re more comfortable speaking.”
The Galway woman told how it has not been easy to learn the language, adding: “I’ve concentrated on doing it. I haven’t had any formal lessons now but I’m picking it up.
“It’s quite like Irish because the one thing they do is they roll their Rs.”
Seoige, who set up her custom jewellery business
Grace Diamonds with
South African fiance Leon
Jordaan last October, has hinted she may be turning her back on the TV industry. Speaking to Irish Country Magazine, the mum of one said: “I’ve had a lot of jobs and I think, with me, it’s to keep moving so that you don’t get bored. I like to be doing different things.
“I think when you step out of the rhythm of it [TV], it’s a bit scary.
“But it also gives you a bit of space to stand back and go, ‘Does that suit me? Does that work for my life?’ “Rather than saying, ‘Anything that anybody offers me I’m going to do it’. You can definitely have those thoughts but then you just become a scared person.
“And I don’t think that’s conducive to attracting nice projects into your life.”
Grainne also admitted she has to be on her guard living in Pretoria, which according to a study last year is the third most dangerous city in South Africa and the fifth most dangerous in the world.
She said: “Well, I think you definitely have to be vigilant.
“I would be like that anyway. I mean, I wouldn’t be walking around with my handbag open.
“When I get into the car I lock the door. But I do that here. Five years of working on Crimecall will also teach you to lock the door. Do you know what I mean?
“I’m the daughter of a guard as well. So my father would have made me aware of personal safety, particularly as a woman. I mean, it is a different society.”
news@irishmirror.ie
Everybody speaks English but then they slip into Afrikaans
GRAINNE SEOIGE IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE