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The dialogues were semi-formal and quite authentic because most Africans are very polite in the way they address each other (apart from during the odd genocide, when manners slip a bit), and always very respectful of authority, elders, etc., having been brought up in hierarchical, tribal systems.  They get a lot looser once they're urbanized and lose their roots (as do most of us).  I can go along with all of that.  I am happy to be reminded every now and then that Mama Ramotswe is a traditionally-built woman (a lovely phrase, which I personally endorse), but I think 'tiny white van' is an authorly tic, like 'crucial' in The Remains of the Day, and they drive me bonkers.  When I read the same description 27 times in one slight book, I almost long for a Henry James master class.