Language Barrier

Hola America! The past 24 hours have been very interesting for me.

Yesterday afternoon, my host father took the kids and I to the local swimming pool. It is about two or three minutes to walk there from our apartment. It was a very hot day, so I was glad for the opportunity to cool off. In Spanish local swimming pools, it's easy to spot the American. She's the only one who wears a tankini, has blonde hair, and thinks it is ok to wear sunglasses in the water.

My brother and sister speak some English, but I hadn't realized how much easier it was when my host mother was around to translate when necessary. I spent most of the night without her, so I had to do my best with charades. I have a few words I stick to like glue: "gracias," "bueno," and "ci."
After the pool, my host father had an appointment in town, so I was left alone with the children. They wanted to play cards, but they picked a game I didn't know. It's very difficult to pick up a game when all the directions are given to you in a different language! But I did pretty well, and I actually ended up winning a few rounds! Next, Rodrigo got out a board game. I recognized it at first glance, "Clue!" He gave me a funny look and said, "No, Elisabet. This is Cluedo." Clue is MUCH harder in Spanish! I learned a lot, and it was a good experience for all three of us.

Today, I woke up feeling sick. My family was very worried and kept asking if I needed a doctor. I tried to explain that I have weird digestion problems, but they still looked worried after my explanation. At camp, I ended up being too sick to teach my first two classes. Luckily, Carla was available to take my place. I feel fine now, but when I got home, my host parents insisted I take a siesta for my health.

During my art class with 5 & 6 year olds, I was sitting with a few girls, helping when needed. They understand that I am an American, and they understand I cannot speak Spanish. However, they seem to have trouble understanding that I can't understand when they speak. They were content to babble to me in Spanish, so long as I would keep smiling.

Being sick and also spending time with the little kids at camp has taught me something today. I can't speak Spanish, but that doesn't mean I can't communicate. There are some things that are the same in every language. Tears and frowns always express sadness of some kind. Hugs are always intended to show love and care. Smiles always show encouragement and happiness. Laughter is always good. I can't speak Spanish, and they cannot speak English, but aside from language, we are really not so different.