Je ne comprends pas...

When the power is out and you're staring at each other in the dimming light, ça va only goes so far.

My host family is wonderful. They are kind. Generous. Funny. Concerned. Patient. There’s one issue… we don’t share the same language. They speak French and their local dialect, Bulu. I speak English and something that would resemble French if my mouth obeyed my head.

At first, I felt alienated. The task of living with a family without sharing a language seemed, not only daunting, but impossible. How in the world would I get to know them, learn from them? I also felt like a failure. This family graciously took in a Peace Corps trainee and in turn they got the faulty trainee who speaks the broken French. Someone they would have to attend to like a child that you’re scared will stick their finger in a socket.

But, I have been studious, spending the majority of my spare time learning and practicing my French. I eat with my dictionary, which we tend to pass around in conversation. We use hand signals, and though there are occasionally blank stares on both sides, we’re making do. I’m also learning a little of the local dialect. A few of my new phrases: (the spelling below is phonetic for me so don't quote me on this)

English                                                            Bulu

Hello                                                                mBolo (and many other variations)

How are you                                                    Nye ene move

I am fine                                                           Me ene move

What is your name                                           One jona sa

My name is…                                                  Me ne jona…

Thank you very much                                      Akeva abui

You’re welcome                                              Te ke ajo

I’m hungry                                                       Ma wok zaeye

Enjoy your meal                                               mBama zam

I am tired                                                          Me teeya

Goodnight                                                         mBama alu

On a very happy note, my family likes cats! There are three little kittens running around. While they are work cats, meant to be mouse and cockroach catchers, they're still cute and cuddly.

My first Cameroonian friend

So far, I’ve learned to bathe out of a bucket, get water from a well to wash dishes (also using buckets), how to wash my clothes (again, buckets), and how to keep a clean house in a muddy area. They have yet to let me close to the cooking process, but soon maybe. Small small catch monkey. 

I’m learning. And I’ve yet to stick my finger in a socket.