I realize that it is has been quite a bit of time since I have
commented on my language ability. At this point, after having been immersed in
the Creole language for several months, I am comfortable conversing with
anyone. While some more specific vocabulary words still elude me, I find that I
can communicate any idea that I want. Listening and full comprehension is still
difficult at times, especially when conversing with people who have little to
no teeth, but language is no longer a handicap.
There have been times when I get confused about which
language I am speaking and end up speaking Creole to white people. The worst
(or best?) time was when one of our Haitian cooks approached me and asked me if
I had seen someone. I replied that I had not and that I did not know she could
speak English(!). To this, she gave me a confused look and walked away. At this
point, I realized that she had asked me the question in Creole and my brain,
for whatever reason, thought it was in English. I have not had a dream in Creole
per se but I have had dreams that take place in Haiti so I am speaking and
hearing Creole in them.
I think the most interesting thing about this language is
that there is no single way to spell words. Despite the fact that everything is
phonetic, some of the most heated debates I have seen here involve how to
properly spell things. I suppose that is
the consequence of not having a standardized curriculum across the country
and/or region. Most people did not grow up with an official Creole Dictionary
on their bookshelf.
This week I will be working on prepping our next set of
projects and some housekeeping items. I hope to start the process of fixing up
our sand filters and constructing the water system in Ba Cange. We’ll see how
things go!
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