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Rubbish At Languages
I am rubbish at languages, or at least I thought I was.
I only knew English. The more time I spent sitting with people the more I would learn. The wonderful thing about West Africans is they have plenty of time to spare and love teaching us things, including language. I can now hold a conversation with a West African, but I don't try it with French people, they don't like me desecrating their tongue. Its even better to learn the local African languages, Wolof is particularly good since many older people across all West Africa know a little bit and people love it when you make the effort, it wins hearts and minds like nothing else I can think of. Just use every opportunity you can to learn a little more each day. Tim :) |
I heard of a book called "point at it" which has pictures of useful things & you point at the pictures . Anyone know where i could get a copy ?
THanks Kev |
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Used it on our trip this year. Works brill! John |
I am fortunate in growing up in a multi-lingual home, eventually being fluent in the three used at home and learning a few others in the military. Traveling in Europe taught that everyone one earth would rather hear their own language than try to communicate in one not their own. Butcher it, botch it--no matter. You will be treated much better if you can utter a few basics rather than try to get them to understand English. Even if you have your phrase book in your hand while you are attempting to say shchyareya, you can point to the word and everyone will get a good chuckle and then the help comes.
The other rider's idea of making up pictograms should have been put in the "things I don't leave home without", though. Great idea and I am glad I thought of it. Will go get some blank cards, make some and seal them up with Old Woman's plastic grocery bag sealer. Wonderful idea. Thanks much. Picture of a gas station or a hospital, hotel, whatever, instantly gets the need across without words. damn why didn't I think of that so I could patent it and make a fortune selling it to long distance riders and other tourists. |
darn. should have continued down the postings until I hit Redboots post. guess the other guy can't get rich with the idea. someone else has already done it. Thanks Redboots for the link. Will jump on that.
started getting the jabs today. hepatitus a, yellow fever, polio, typhoid , dpt. More next month and december. guys, it is really happening. Forty years of dreaming, saving, and planning and retirement is now 59 days, 2 minutes away. |
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