As we get further into our second year here and as we think about making plans for our return to the US, I have become more conscious of the mannerisms and Indian grammar and phrases I have picked up. And I like to point out Savannah’s just for fun. She has more than I do. Or maybe I realize hers more than I realize mine, but I like to think she has more than I do. Here are some examples that might make you laugh. Or pity us. I am sure we will be teased when we get back and can’t speak our American English properly for a while.
Example 1- Today I wrote an email to a colleague in the US and said, "He must be knowing.” I hit send. Then I thought, “OH MY GOSH!” American Nikki would have said, “He should know.” Wow.
Example 2 – I always take the lift in our flat. I never take the elevator anymore. I mean, that word is too long. And flat is shorter than apartment, too. This just makes sense to me. Savannah teases me.
Example 3 – Savannah does the head bobble. A lot. She answers with a wobble for any YES questions in school and many times at home. I do it sometimes. Not as much, but it happens.
Example 4 – I do this hand thing. Well, I do a few hand things. One is that my right hand goes to the middle of my forehead and I bow my head a bit when I am thinking something is funny but usually tied in with a bit of disbelief. For instance, my co managers are all quite the comedians. They tell me funny stories and I shake my head, laugh and tell them they are nuts. The stories are sometimes so silly that I can’t believe some of the crazy stuff they say and do. And there goes the hand to the forehead. Another hand thing is like what we in the US call “jazz hands” – kind of shaking the hand quickly - and it’s basically my contribution of “whatever” to the conversation. I am generally annoyed with the context of the conversation or brushing something off. I do this a lot. I must be annoyed a lot. LOL It’s just the right hand, too.
Example 5 – I don’t say, "You’re welcome,” much anymore. I have changed it to, “very welcome.”
Things I don’t say out loud but I hear/say (in a perfect Tamilian accent, by the way) in my head during conversations with my Indian friends:
“siri ok.” This just means agreement.
“solinga” – this means “tell me” – many Indians answer their mobile (cell) phones with “Solinga, Nikki”
“sapdia?” – did you eat yet? – this is the Indian equivalent of “how about this weather?” When there’s an awkward silence in the lift (which is often) I sometimes crack myself up thinking of how I will start a conversation with a stranger and open it with this. Because this is SO non-American. Yes, I am easily amused.
“ama” – this means yes.
These phrases are sprinkled in our English conversations all the time, which is why I hear them in my head. But my spoken accent is so bad that nobody can understand me so I don’t even bother saying them. I did tell my co managers about this a while back and they think it’s hilarious, but they did not encourage me to say them out loud. I wonder why? LOL. Tonight before I left, I got a quiz. My co manager asked me to pronounce some full names of the team members. I know them all, of course, but saying them is a whole other story. They all laughed with me when I gave initials. Oh, India.
As July gets closer, my emotions get more all over the place. I am so happy to be going home and seeing my family and Michael all the time. It will be great to be able to have all the conveniences that I took for granted in my American life: driving myself anywhere, anytime; putting stuff into a dishwasher; drying clothes in a machine; running an errand (ANY errand!) in less than half an hour; working during the daylight hours and sleeping when it’s dark; downloading iTunes updates in less than 6 hours; being able to have a Skype conversation without losing the connection or picture after 15 minutes; TEX MEX! and so much more.
However, I am really starting to think about all the things I will be missing, too, like the awesome church home we have found and have so much connection to. Of course, with that church home come the church friends – more like family – that we have made. I am teary-eyed writing this (shocking, I know). I think about the fun team I work with and the terrific co managers I will miss laughing with so much. Our amazing American expat friends and their wives. I am already sad to think about leaving chicken biryani and sag paneer with garlic naan. I will miss having a driver since I don’t love driving. I will miss the bonding time Savannah and I are forced to have and sometimes I think I won’t survive. I will miss hearing kids playing outside in the courtyard at the flat, on the cricket field and running to greet Dynamo (even when I am late for work and trying to hurry). I will miss the fresh tender coconut juice and the sweet little man who sells it right outside our complex.
I know both of these lists will grow as July races towards us. We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it in. Thailand flights are booked. Hotels and tour packages are in the works. Countdown to hugging Mom, Dad and Michael is in full swing. Kerala isn’t booked or looking positive. We can’t have Savannah out of school much more and the rainy season will start soon. I am still trying to fit this one in… I have an SAT test to administer to Savannah. I need to firm up a position back in the states. I am working on a car for when I return. We are making some decisions about Savannah’s plans and future for our return. I feel like I have too many irons in the fire and I focus on one thing and something else moves to the wayside. It’s a daunting task – this international move – even if it is back to where we came from. So much to do and plan for, so little time!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for my girlie and me. We appreciate it more than you know and send you all our love, hugs and prayers.
We attended a wedding tonight & brought Sandra along for the fun. The beautiful bride was on our team when I first came. Here are a couple snaps (pictures). Enjoy!
