Language Bloopers

As mentioned before, I (Faith) am learning the local language called Kafanono. It is a very difficult language, in my opinion, because it is very tonal. I have never learned a tonal language before, so my ear is not trained to hear the subtle differences that seem so obvious to the local people. For example, “shimo” means delivering a baby, whereas “shiimo” (the 2 i’s means a little more emphasis is placed there.) means poop. Again, “ibo” means guest, whereas “iibo” means cow patty. Let’s just say I have asked many delivering women if they are pooping and called many of my guests cow patties.

But no mistake is as bad as the one I made the other day. I was walking down the road, and I passed a group of young men. One smiled at me and said, “Hello, I love you.” (Mostly because they don’t know many other words in English). I quickly replied back with a smile, “Keno bete.” (I meant to say that I have a husband, but because I put too much emphasis on the “K” sound, I ended up saying, I have a bed.) The guy’s eyes got big and he laughed. I realized my mistake later on and could not correct myself.

I fall at the mercy of these people as I try to speak their language. They always are so gracious and correct me with a soft smile, appreciating my efforts in trying to speak their language. It is fun to learn and make mistakes and keep trying, although I know I say most things incorrectly, mostly because it creates a certain bond with the locals that cannot be accomplished through a translator.

And maybe, by the time our time here is over, I can actually speak a whole sentence without making a mistake. And if that happens, then I would consider it a great accomplishment.