Oh yeah, forgot that I am writing home. Too much language training...I guess not too much, I have a lot to learn still. It is really feeling like I am back in school (not that that is necessarily a bad thing). Most of my time has been spent in the classroom learning a new language, new culture, and a new way to live. It has been a lot of fun learning about my new home. The support and resources that the PC provides has been wonderful. It is exciting to be part of the new business development program. As I am finding out there is a lot of unemployment and people are demanding business training. The people that I have chatted with in town or at events express how glad they are to see the PC starting a business program. However, at the same time this adds a bit more pressure on us. We are tasked with getting the program started on the right foot and hopefully make it something that will prosper in the future. Should be fun...
I am slowly making progress on my new language, Oshindonga. The language is predominantly spoken in the north and is one of several dialects spoken by the Owambo people. Luckily, pronunciation is straightforward but wrapping my head around the personal pronouns and tenses has been a challenge. I am beginning to have the ability to build sentences and actually be understood. But when it comes to understanding a native speaker, I become totally lost and am left with a blank stare. Unfortunately my host family does not speak Oshindonga. They actually speak a "click" language called Khoekwoegowab, along with English and Afrikaans. It is interesting to hear them speak this and it is fun to try my hand at it as well. There are actually four different clicks that act as consonants in addition to most of the consonants from our alphabet. I have learned a couple phrases but it is quite difficult to get the right clicks in at the right place. Fun nonetheless. Through it all though I am determined to learn Oshindonga (even though there is no where else in the world where I would ever use it again). I am looking forward to the day when I can hopefully fluently speak it.
Other than that...not too much else going on. I wish I had some exciting adventure to share with you but PC has us on a pretty tight schedule. However, this is a big week; language assessments, evaluations, and permanent site announcements. In two weeks I will actually get to visit my site for a few days so there should be some exciting stories to share. I will keep you posted.
Kala po nawa!
Traditional huts
My host brothers and neighbors
Beware of the infamous Kudu
1 comment:
Hello there! Sorry we haven't had a chance to write. Lee bought a new motorcycle, and so, we've been busy with that! :) It is instant fall here, which we love and hope that it lasts longer than a couple of weeks. It sounds amazing there. But man, what a challenge trying to learn the language. Can't wait to see more pics of you and your host family. (Any hot chics? ;) ) Miss you, take care! -CC&LC
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