How's school going? After all, that is what we came to do...learn the language and culture. Well, we got a late start to the sememster because of when we arrived. The school has been wonderful. There is another foreign couple that came about the same time and another student who has currently been here, but has missed many classes because of sickness...so they opened a class just for us. Nice.
However, I've been told that languages fall into a category of 1 through 4. 4 being the most difficult. There are only two languages in the 4 category: Navajo Indian and Japanese. We are a 3. No big deal. What?! My brain is revolting. After all, I'm an educated person. I'm smart. I know how to attack a problem and break it down. (What's that saying, "How do you eat an elephant?...one bite at a time.)I can do that. I was an American teacher for many years. I've taught so many learning strategies that I can do them in my sleep. So...what's the problem? Well, the way they teach, write, and pretty meuch do everything is "foreign" to me. Right, I know, it's supposed to be. My learning strategies have gone out the window and given way to sheer determination. I know it'll take time...a LONG time. I think, if I were just learning to speak, it would be different. But, learning to read, write, speak, and listen all at the same time is slowing me down considerably....but in the long run it will benefit me. If I really want to talk to these people about things that are important to them and to me, then I need to learn all that is taught to me. It just might take me the full two years!! or more.
As for culture...it's one thing to visit for two weeks and another to live here. Needless to say there are many adjustments taking place for all of us. We did alot of study on culture shock before we came and there are many phases and many different signs, but the problem is there is nothing to make it go away. You can learn all about what you'll go through, but there is nothing to help GET through it. You just do. Well, with Divine help.
So, are we experiencing culture shock? Yeah, we are. Are we "dealing" with it? The best we can. What can you do? Keep praying. What do we say? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
4 comments:
We are all praying for you guys daily! Thanks for sharing how learning a new language can be a huge challenge! even more than we ever dreamed.
Ugh!!! You're killing me!!! I just want to HEAR your voice IN PERSON!!! You are doing the right thing. This too shall pass and you guys will be falling into step in no time at all! Send me your mailing address ASAP, please.
I'm really enjoying hearing about your experiences. We'll be praying for you guys. Keep the posts coming.
Do you know how to say "4"? Remember back in 06 when we were getting "tutored" by some of the students and we just could not get the inflection on 4 right?! We had the right sound but apparently something wasn't right b/c they kept shaking their heads no, even though (to me) what we said sounded EXACTLY like what they said! :) Just a funny memory that this post brought back.
Happy studying!!
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