So, there is a very good reason why I had nightmares about learning an African language. It's HARD and I am not good at it. I really hate to do things I'm not good at. We had our Language Simulation on Thursday and our Language Proficiency Assessment on Friday. There were native speakers of Dhopadola (Dope-a-dole-a) on hand to have real live conversations with us one-on-one as if we had encountered them at the market, in a work setting, or at home. In a nutshell--they might as well have been speaking Maritian as far as I was concerned. Then on Friday, we had one on one conversations with our instructors which were taped and graded. It didn't kill me, but I did almost cry. I received my rating yesterday and I am a "Novice-Intermediate." The lowest is Novice-Beginner.
Today we all came to Kampala to visit the Ugandan National Museum and the Tomb of the Kings. Both very interesting. Some of us went shopping--see, some things NEVER change--and what an experience. The mobs, the merchandise, the smells, the noise, the dust, the taxis, the boda bodas, the animals (I almost stepped on a chicken while buying my used Teva's for $12), the music, the blue, blue sky and the hot, hot sun combine to provide an experience that can't be described in a million words, but I'm confident will leave an indelible imprint on my soul.
I so appreciate your emails and comments on this blog. I would also love to get text messages from you. Mike and Steve have my Ugandan cell #. I miss you all and I'm having a wonderful time--most of the time. Pray that I can get my language up to Intermediate-low in the next five weeks. That will be a jump of two categories between now and then...And that's what I need in order to get sworn into the PC. Cross your fingers--my house is rented out until May 2011 so I would have to live with you if I came back early due to a lack of language proficiency!
as a speaker of another language...i am confident you can do it!! it's one of those things where the light bulb can just come on all of a sudden. if you start dreaming in Dhopadola, that's a good sign! i'll pray that that you'll jump at least two levels in proficiency. here's a slight modification on some wise advise i once got: you can do ANYTHING in 35 days (5 weeks), for NOTHING is impossible with God! i LOVE these updates. thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteMBJ -- it's good to see you've got this blog going again. Every time I have to get on this thing, it is a mystery. Here I am, for you! We had a great meeting this morning (Sunday). Carl and I are planning to bike with Mark and Cindy later today -- our first bike of the year. Transitioning is not fun, but proceeding. I can't wait until its all over. We have plans for New York in September, Chicago Marathon (October); and Paris in late October. Miss you so much! Love, Leslie and Carl
ReplyDeleteHi Marybeth,
ReplyDeleteI was in awe of your decision to undertake this PC adventure before you went but now I'm amazed. You are really a trooper. I'm glad I don't have to learn Dhopadola. Romance languages were difficult enough. We are still in NY going to the opera, and seeing some plays but we leave tomorrow for the wilds of KC...wild enough for me! We'll be home for a month and then back to NY for three. We are having dinner with your sons tonight. We are thrilled about Mike and his new job. He'll have enough money to come and see you often! You'll get that language rating, I'm sure. If not, we have a nice guest room! Love, Susan
Hi Mary Beth. Good to hear your stories. Have you gotten my text messages? Just wondering, since I hadn't received any replies. I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing when I text. Sounds quite interesting, what you're doin'. You'll pass the language test, don't worry. Spring has sprung in Omaha. You can tell...tornado warnings! Bill & I are counting the days til we see River..probably about the same time you get sworn in the PC. Peace and love, Virg
ReplyDeleteHey Girl,
ReplyDeleteHope the language gets easier. Time is a great teacher (in lots of ways,)I'll be praying (to Saint Jude, just in case!)
I love hearing your stories.It is amazing that you are immersing yourself in a culture so different from here. I can just imagine how it will change you but I am glad you will not lose the skill of shopping.
I have texted you but I am guessing you did not get them. tell Steve or Mike to post your Uganda NO#
Lest you miss KC too much, Gary Lezak predicted we might have snow next week.
As I am writing the PREZ is having a news conference.Hope they get this economy less messy before you get back or you may be more prepared to live here than we are.
Just remember All things are coming to pass.
Love, Maureen
Mary Beth,
ReplyDeleteI am s-o-o-o proud of you! I know that you can do this! Got to go on a road trip this week, all the way to Clinton! By the way, you can always live with Geo, Pearl and me!
Luv!
Hey,
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed your phone call!!! What a surprise. I did not get the texts you mentioned.
Life is good. Paul is getting really funny. We were driving to his Alz meeting yesterday and he said "I recognize this place. A lady brings me here." Me , of course. So I said "oh, what's her name?" Long pause and then he says "It doesn't make any difference." Not to him anyway.
I invited our grandson to live here and he might do it..wants to go to school. I am hoping he does. we'll see.
omorrow is the pot luck at Ward Parkway. our new gourmet cook is doing chicken dijon. (eat your heart out)
Love ya!
Maureen
Language, such a great puzzle. In NYC I have the opportunity to interact with and occasionally speak many languages on any given day. Pashto, or any derivative of African dialects to get a cab to 46th and 5th. Spanish, at the bodega for tea and a bagel, Hebrew at work, all day long. German, French, Portuguese and God only knows on the street everywhere. Polish with my friend. Some days just getting a salad at Food World becomes a discourse in international relations. I truly feel your pain. I’m your son, so I share your gift. I know what it’s like to not be able to say what you want when you want and get what you want. The good news is that usually their English is a bit better than your Dhopadola. Be patient. Ultimately, they will understand or you’ll figure out how to make them. Funny thing. Kinda like talking to me, hmm… So proud of you and what you’re doing!
ReplyDeletehello Jafwonji (do you know what that means in Dhopadhola??) Don't worry it's not a naughty word! Mark and I love reading about your adventures. We wish you all good things especially with the mastery of the native tongue. Can't say it wouldn't be nice to have you back though!! But really, study hard girl.
ReplyDeleteMiss seeing your face every day. Just think you could be planning for the "directors meeting" to be held in 2 weeks. (Now, didn't that make you feel better?) You're in a way better place! Don't know who reads these so I won't say anymore!
(Jafwonji means "teacher")...what you very much are to me.
Atleast that was the definition in Wikipedia!
maybe don't use it until your sure!!
love ya, miss ya
Cindy (and Mark)
MBJ
ReplyDeleteThese exercises in humility :-) are all simulations. I know for certain that the day you NEED to get a message accross to another in Dhopadhola or any other language you WILL find a way. You always do.
ET
I miss you so much my teeth hurt.
ReplyDeleteYou can do ANYTHING!!! Just look how far you've come. I've got everything crossed and know you'll do it! Miss you and lots of love. Angie
ReplyDeleteMBJ, thank goodness for your son Steve! He walked me through the process to be able to do this, and I am eternally grateful (as only old ladies can be)! I join the rest of your followers, knowing you can conquer the language issue. I have faith in you, as we all do.
ReplyDeleteI am well on my way to having all the "accountrements" for The Girls. Stitches came out last week, so I don't think I will be losing either of them, as has happened in the past! Tatts will go on May 29...and at the last minute, I wussed out and chose traditional colors. My doctor agrees, there might be enough performance anxiety in my age group that I don't want to exacerbate the situation. That is, of course, assuming there IS such a situation!!!
I am about to go and pick up Samantha, who is at the vet recovering from having her tubes tied. At least, I think that's what they do.
It's been a very quiet day here without her; even Lola and Calvin have been quieter than usual. I know you must miss your four-legged kids, too (and of course, the four legs attached to your other two).
I can't wait to read the next installment of this blog. I love you, and I miss you--you already know all that, don't you. But I REALLY, REALLY do!
Spring is finally coming to God's country...up to 65 today and boy, have we earned it this year. More later, dahling. Keep your chin up--those words will be coming into your head soon.
Marilou