The definition of language learning from the dictionary of Holly: 1) contorting your mouth in foreign shapes in the hopes of producing sounds that you have never heard in your life; 2) making a fool of yourself as you completely and absolutely butcher a language; 3) smiling through it all as the locals laugh at you as you try to make these weird sounds; 4) enjoying making them laugh because you know they enjoy hearing you speak their language.
Despite the trials of language learning, I love knowing how happy I make the people by speaking their language. Their faces just light up when they hear this white girl speak Wolof. It's really quite fun.
My week here in Dakar has been quite an adventure. I climbed a mountain (literally), looked out upon Dakar (I'll post pictures once I have steady internet access), have ridden in many taxis, have learned how to bargain for taxis, and I am ready to brave the Saturday market. Dakar is a busy, bustling city with many fun and interesting people. I have eaten so much good food and I am ready to try some more local dishes.
I walk about a mile from where I'm staying here in Dakar to my language classes around 2:30 in the afternoon. At that time, men all over Dakar and Senegal are praying towards Mecca. As I walk to class, I pass many people on their prayer mats, praying to the east. As I walk, I pray for the people that I pass. Please pray with me for these men and women. Pray that God would open their eyes and change their lives.
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2 comments:
Holly! You're thoughts on language learning are great. For the most part the sounds here aren't too hard to make but trying to talk to people sure makes them laugh. We've learned from the aunts and uncles here that iff you speak English but with the accent of my South Asia country they understand you A LOT more.
What an awesome opportunity and reminder you have seeing those men praying to allah while you enter before God and pray to Him for them! I love your language school description; although, I've never done formal language school I understand what you mean from my Kyrgyzstan experience! BTW, I'm really excited b/c I finally figured out how to format your newsletters on my computer so I can actually read it! YAY!!! So glad you have a kitty to keep you company (along with the goats!) :-)
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