Why I Speak Portuguese.

Last week, my friend Julie asked me if I ever get comments on my accent. I do, but most people are very encouraging, and my landlady even told me that she loves accents and thinks it's a shame when people try to get rid of theirs. But there's nothing like a child to totally humble you in the language department. I had a conversation (in Spanish) at kids church tonight with a little 4 year-old girl while I was helping her with her craft...and it went something like this:

Girl: Why are you speaking in Portuguese to me?
Me: I'm not speaking Portuguese...
Girl: Then why can't I understand you?
Me: Well, I have an accent. I'm not from Venezuela, I'm Canadian so usually I speak English.
Girl: (pause)....Well, why don't you speak Spanish?
Me: I'm learning how to speak Spanish....

If I don't sound very good speaking Spanish, I'm sure glad that I at least sound like I'm speaking Portuguese!!!!

Comments

Ziz said…
Too Funny! When I was in the DRC I usually spoke French and my translator (Jean) spoke to my patients in Kikongo, Kituba or Lingala. Occasionally I spoke Kikongo to the patient to their surprise. One day I told a lady to "lie down on the examination table". As I wrote a few notes, the nurses started giggling and I looked up to see her standing on the table with her head nearly touching the ceiling! Jean asked her "What did the Doctor ask you to do?" With a large smile on her face she correctly replied, "He said to lie on the table." "Well then," replied Jean, "Why are you standing on it?" She replied, "Kadi zaba" - I don't know. Just so, this girl does not think she should understand you so says she doesn't even though she does.
Tue Mar 27, 10:20:00 am
Desiree said…
I'm sitting here at the computer, flaked out and sick. That made me laugh! Thanks Kelly!
Tue Mar 27, 06:49:00 pm
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