Lex Libertas

I Feel Like an Infant

It's frustrating not being able to communicate with others. I don't expect to carry on conversations about the intricacies of Derrida, I'm just want to convey what food items I would like to eat. I can't express even the most basic desires or feelings. At least an infant has the option of crying to convey needs, I don't even have that. My ability to relate to others, who don't speak English or French, consists of "Yes," "No," "Good," "Bad," "Maybe," and a whole lot of pointing.

I got a haircut today. Overall I'm pretty pleased with it, especially considering my lexical restraints as described above. I couldn't even manage to get out, "shorter on the sides, please." The hairdresser would say something, and I would respond, "ok." At which point she would usually laugh. In the end, I would have liked it a bit shorter, but that's preferable to too short.

I've also figured out that it is very difficult to be polite in a language you don't know well. I will take this into account next time I deal with foreigners back home. When all you know is "yes," "no," "please," and "thank you," you can't exactly lessen the impacts of denial. For example, when asked the question, "do you want more food," I respond "no thank you." In this culture, where refusing food is a somewhat major offense to the host, I would prefer to get out "no thanks, I'm quite full. That was an amazing meal, I don't know how to repay you." Instead I say, "no thank you." Or, when requesting something, "could you please hand me that [item] over there?" becomes, "give me that there." And "I would appreciate it if you could ...," becomes "I want this (point at document, product, etc.)."

I'm starting to understand more, but my speaking is still at an abysmal level. I end up saying "what," a lot less, but I still can't respond. I suppose that's progress, and all things considered, I'm pretty pleased with it. I do have at least six more months, so things could improve dramatically. By the time I leave, I hope to be able to form complex sentences, on a variety of subjects. Instead of "My name is Owen. I am a student." I'm shooting for "My name is Owen, and I am a student." Aim high, that's what I say. Second grade level, here I come!