lingua

Its not fun being monolingual. not being able to fluently converse with people in something that isnt English (arguably Singlish). not being able to confidently put down knowledge of other languages on either my CV or even on FB. But you know, when I think about it, I probably know at least 10 words in as many different languages. which surely must count for something. I think..
But do I really? I've never really counted before. let me check.

--

Tamil: Vanakam (Hello). An (My) peyer (name) Rishik. Naan (I) oru (one) nala(good) payen(child). Naan kolli(chicken) saapa (eat) pidikum (like). Nandri (Thanks).

Swahili: Habari (How are you). Jina(name) Langu(my) ni(is) Rishik. Mimi(I) nataka (Give me) kuku (chicken). Mimi napenda(like) kuku. Kuku misori (good) sana(very). Asante(thanks).

Luhya: Melembe(peace). Melembe Mno(Lots). Bushere(Good morning). kwereh (Good afternoon). Binuri(Goodnight greeting) Alamsik(Response to Goodnight greeting). Kululaneh(We will meet) Mugamba (tomorrow). Karina (how are you)? Malai (good). Emba(thank you) mno.

Chinese: Ni(You) how(good) ma(question)? Wo(I) chen de(very) how. Ni yow(want) shi(eat) wo da(mine) chi(chicken) ma? wo puyow(dont want).

Hokkien: Ho(good) bo(no)? chapeng(rice) kia(go)! Lao Peh(dad). Lim peh kah li kong(listen to your father). si beh(very) stress. simi taichi (what do you want)? Swee ah(Good!)! chiong sua (Bash hill).

Malay: Selamat Datang(welcome). Selamat Pagi(good morning). Gadis(Girl) Chantik(Beautiful), di mana(where) anda(you) sia? Jangan(dont) tension. dilarang(not allowed) merokok(smoking). Keluar(exit) baris(go). jalan(walk) jalan. terimah kasih (thank you).

French: Bonjour (Hello). Je (me) mapelle (name) Rishik. Je suis(is) Singaporien. Parlez(Speak) vous(you) Anglais(English)? Enchante(Pleasure to meet you)! Merci (Thank you) beacoup(very much).

Hindi: Namaste(hi). mera(my) naam (name) rishik hai. Challo(Let's go)!

Malayalam: Namaskaram (hi). Ishtam(like). Nanni (Thanks).
--

cool. 10 words or more in 7 different languages and a couple of words in Hindi and Malayalam. Not bad rishik. Not bad at all. still a long way to go, of course. and you still cant boast of any second language knowledge in your CV. but maybe by next year, with enough practice, and with proper classes.. You'll be able to do with French what you never dared do with Tamil: Hold a conversation.

in kenya

(haggling with a street vendor for a padlock)
"30 bob. Best price!"
"give me 20 bob, my friend."
"No, no! 30!"
...
"dude.. no way were you going to get a lock for 20 shillings"
"neah, its fine. Didnt want it anyway. Couldnt trust a lock that only cost 30 shillings, could I?"
"...."

---


"So, me, I'm what you would call a light traveller"
"Dude.. You came to Kenya with a fucking suitcase.."
"...well if you consider thats all my worldly possessions.. In the world. I'd still consider that light."