FUN WITH THE KIDS

I love the kids in India (and around the world). They are so obedient and love to learn. Any chance I get, I take the opportunity to just hang with the kids. Without an interpreter, there are some limits on interaction. BUT, they learn by rote repetition, and they're totally uninhibited to try anything! AND they like to practice their English. So, you just sit down and start pointing at colors, say the word, and they repeat (without the local's habit of "w" and "v" being switched!) Then: they generally have learned to count, so you use your fingers, etc to get them started. Then you point at body parts ("toe, 10 toes", see picture), etc. etc. etc. The only problem comes when you point at yourself and say, "My name is Millie." So they point at themselves and say, "My name is Millie". So you try to clarify, saying (pointing to yourself), "My name is Millie. What is your name?" (pointing to them). As they look at you in confusion, you are reminded of the most FRUSTRATING part of working in another language area - THE INABILITY TO COMMUNICATE!! Even when you both SPEAK English, you realize ways and customs are different, accents are different, etc. They speak British English "Mind your step, Madame!" (A cautionary remark to a lady with respect, not a woman of ill-repute). Did you know that the huge animal seen submerged on safaris around the world is a hip-po-po-thomas, not a hip-po-pot'-tu-mas. (If you didn't catch that, you'll have to call for a verbal lesson in pronunciation). GREAT FUN TRAVELING THE WORLD. COME JOIN US!