Babu gajiya!
On greetings: Here is a glimpse of the hospitality and social orientation in Nigerien culture. Each time you see someone this is generally how the greetings go. The more you greet people, the happier they are. So in the morning when I buy my yogurt and bread in the market, when I come home at night to my host family, when I see the guards at the gate of our training site, etc… this is the conversation that ensues:
Q: How was the sleep?
A: In health.
Q: How the family?
A: In health.
Q: How’s the tiredness?
A: No tiredness.
Q: How is the work?
A: I am grateful for the work.
Q: How is the health?
A: There is health.
Q: How is the world sitting?
A: Have patience.
I love the fact that you can’t buy something in the market without greeting someone profusely. And keep in mind that you can ask someone basically about anything and they designated response is always positive (even if it’s not true). When I come home I often answer the question “how is the tiredness?” with the response “no tiredness” and then five minutes later will say “there is much tiredness, I feel like sleeping, see you tomorrow…” Set responses are crazy. Another great thing is that if you don’t really understand the question that is being asked you can always respond “alhamdallahlaye” which means “praise god” : )
Fofo Malika,
Alhamdallahlaye, you make me laugh!
I realize i have combined two languages, but that just means I am getting very good at your Hausa and Zarma.
Love you much,
MOM
Hey Laurloo Malikadoo,
Sounds like things are going fantabulous! I like the pictures your mom forwarded…nothing like waking to chickens, camels, and goats!
We’re getting ready for back to school here in Flushing. The kids are definitely ready! We will be sending a small package one of these days. Leah and Spencer have been busy making you friendship bracelets and necklaces. Maybe I’ll have them make a bunch and you can pass them out to the village children.
Have to run…off to Seymour for Pierce’s first grade open house! Fun stuff!
Love you!
Nin
Alhamdallahlaye! haha I thought you made a word up. Does the entire language sound made up when you first heard it?
very interesting thoughts. it’s kind of like how people here say “how’s it going?” and the automatic response is “good, thanks!” even if it’s not true.
still haven’t gotten your letter yet, hopefully i will soon!
Hi Laura,
It has been a long time since you were in my English class and in the FHS Theatre program. After seeing the wonderful article about you in the paper, it took me a while to find your blog, which I find fun and interesting to read. As teachers, many students pass into and out of our lives, leaving us to wonder how they are doing these days. What an inspiration to see how you are truly making a difference in the lives of others. My best to you. I’ll keep checking in from time to time.
Mrs. R–