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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Regarding: walking on cultural eggshells (and failing).

Because of cultural traditions and local conservative values, Bryon and I decided to keep our relationship on the down-low, at least when it comes to how the Indians (and especially the children) see us, which has meant basically no touching of any kind, etc.

What I find interesting is how much little ones can perceive, even with a rather thick language barrier. The following are examples from the last few days of when the girls have understood more than I would have liked, in a hilarious way.

DEVI, pointing: Jiseeka, brotha, brotha? [Jessica, is Bryon your brother?]
JESSICA: No.
DEVI: Husbahn'?
JESSICA: No, no. Friend.
DEVI: Friend?
JESSICA: Friend.
DEVI: Juuust friend?
JESSICA, uncomfortable: Yes, yes, friend, friend...

-----------------

LAKSHMI: Jiseeka, you marries? [Are you married?]
JESSICA: No, no...
LAKSHMI: No??
JESSICA: Nope.
LAKSHMI, gesturing: Bron no husbahn'? [Bryon's not your husband?]
JESSICA: No.
LAKSHMI: Friend?
JESSICA: Yes, just friend.
LAKSHMI: No husbahn?? [Why is he not your husband?]
JESSICA, laughing: No, no. No husband.
LAKSHMI: You, Bron, marries. [You and Bryon should get married.]
(She takes hold of both Bryon and my hands and brings them together in front of her; we both draw away like we've touched a hot stove.)
JESSICA: No, no! Why marries Bron? Perrico? [Telegu, the local language, for "Why?"]
LAKSHMI, pauses to find the English words, then: Your face, very beautiful. Face, face, same. Good match. Very supah. [You are both good-looking, so it would be a good match.]

Awesome how we don't speak more than fifty words of the same language, and yet, huge concepts are still conveyed. Kids are neat.

As a side note, because the kids have a pretty limited vocabulary, they say "very super" with their hand making what we would consider an "a-okay" sign for just about anything. It is hilarious and, I have surprisingly found, highly applicable. Trust you will see me use it back on the States.

Still trying to come up with a blog about Elisha. Still don't know how to convey him in words. Just come to India and meet him, mmk? You won't regret it! Promise!

With love and the hilarity of awkward moments,
Jessica

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