Instant Immersion

For the last 3 months, my daily routine has involved a one hour language lesson five days a week. Obviously a commitment to expats learning the language is key to good development work in any foreign country. At the beginning, the whole process was really overwhelming. At this point, we only have 2 weeks of language class left. SALTers in other parts of the world did not get nearly as much language as us, so we're really lucky. The structure of Khmer is relatively easy- not conjugation, no plurals, but the sound and cadence of speech are really difficult. So different that English and other European languages. Learning the language has been rewarding and challenging.

So now, after nearly 3 months of class, am I fluent? No. Am I conversational? Maybe, if the person speaks slowly and is willing to laugh with me when I have no idea what they are saying. Do I have survival Khmer? Definitely. I feel like I could go anywhere in the city, buy anything, talk to anyone and get my point across. Am I still shy is using my language skills? Yes, especially in groups where everyone talks a mile a minute and I can't see their lips moving. I have definitely developed the skill of zoning out completely while everyone chats around me. ha ha

At home, I tend to speak a lot of English with my host family. They all want to practice their English and they're all really good. Plus, its so much easier for me to get to know them this way. But, at the moment, we have relatives from the province in our house for Water Festival (a major holiday this weekend that I will write about after it happens) and they don't speak English. My host mom, a friend of the family, and a niece. Last night I got home and only the mom and the friend were in the house. Rather than retreating to my room, I decided to dive in. I spent 2 hours chatting with them. I couldn't believe it. I didn't understand anything, but we were able to communicate. We talked about their children, what I do here, my learning Khmer, and even how I should get married soon. (I'm pretty sure my host mom is willing to set me up, she was pretty adamant I have some children soon. : ) This is pretty normal considering 22 is getting old to not be married yet for Cambodian women)

I have to admit, I still feel so surprised when I can communicate easily. It seems like after only 3 months, that should be impossible. It was such a nice night. They even started teaching me how to write (something I won't be learning in class, only speaking). Sometimes when relatives come to visit, I feel like I'm on display. People from the countryside are not used to seeing foreigners at all and I can be something of a spectacle. But on nights like last night, I love the opportunity to get closer to Cambodians. I've never been someone whose good at learning languages, but even the little success I've had here is so rewarding. People appreciate it so much when you take the time to learn the language.

So those are my thoughts on learning a language by immersion. Its an experience everyone should try once in their lives. When I get back to the states, I will have to find some Khmer people to chat with so I don't lose the skill!