For those transitioning into life in a new city, there’s that period. You know. The one wedged squarely between mere traveler and bona fide local. Between a few basic phrases and a couple insider jokes.
That ongoing period called immersion. No doubt, the key to getting beneath a culture is to learn its language, but what happens when you’re not there yet?
And “there” seems to remain a moving target?
As jumbled sentences slowly become recognizable and mumbled conversations drop a few understandable words, I notice other senses sharpening in the midst of it all.
Observation. I sit and observe deep conversations grow heated and humorous in the local language.
I observe gestures. Eyes. Expressions. Jaha! Vad kul! Jusste!
Observation becomes that intermediary that waits for language to grow. Once language catches up, it merges with your observations and inches you even closer to being an authentic speaker.
That’s where I am right now. A heightened sense of observation.
Comments (9)
[...] More: When Language Isn’t There Yet [...]
What a perfect description and observation of a phase of language and cultural acquisition that is largely overlooked.
“And ‘there’ seems to remain a moving target?”
Indeed!
Oh I know this feeling! It’s so easy to feel you’re not getting anywhere as well, especially when you can’t contribute to the conversation. Nice reminder that by observing and absorbing you can still do something proactive towards assimilating the culture.
I recognize that feeling all too well. Watching and straining to understand, it drives me crazy until I gradually grasp the nuances.
Oh yes, I can relate! It is funny because our child is the most fluent, but both she and her father are much more fluent than I am, so I often feel left out.
Some how I kind of like this position of not be a native, not being an expat, yet not being a traveler or tourist either. Now that this it our 3rd winter in our tiny village, I guess we are semi native winter visitors.
I recognize that feeling as well. During my first weeks in France a few years ago I observed way more than I talked.
Oh, how happy I am to read this post. I am in the midst of this experience now, having just completed one month in Brazil. Today, I actually got frustrated with my temporary position of playing the mute. Thank you for the reminder that this period has its gifts.
Absolutely! Can totally relate! But after 6 months here, I love it!