Practicing with the Fruit Vendor
I went to the bank and decided I would try to speak Maltese. I practiced the conversation in my head while waiting in line. But then when I got up to the window, the teller said “Hello, how can I help you?”… and then I got all tongue-tied. I could not make the switch.
The postman left a note saying there was a package for me and he would come back the next day. I promised to myself I would speak Maltese to him. Then, when I answered the buzzer, he rattled off in Maltese that he was from Malta Post and had a package for me but the last name did not match the name on the box. So I answered back… in English. However, he was puzzled when I came down to get the package, because I had understood him, and asked if I was Maltese.
Finally, last night I went down to the fruit vendor. Malta still has the charming old tradition of fruit vendors, who bring fresh fruit from their farms. It adds a touch of old world charm to an otherwise modern society. This time, I told myself, no excuses. And so I confidently asked, “għandek bananas?” Well, those two magic words was all it took. M told me that once I get confident and am able to start conversations in Maltese, people will not think of switching to English, because they will assume I am not a foreigner. And so the woman brought out some green bananas and asked how many I wanted. Not able to express my dissatisfaction with them, I made a face that meant “ugggh, they are green!” and said “tnejn,” informing her I wanted only two. So she went off in a long explanation as to how they are almost ripe, and if I wrap them in plastic they will be good in a few days. I then piled on some tomatoes, apples, a cucumber, and went on my way. My first fully Maltese conversation. Granted, I said exactly three words, but it is a start.
Baby steps, every day.
Welcome to Malta.. it’s very amusing to see you discovering your ’sea-legs’ so to speak, in our country! You’re doi ng fine. I’ve several foreign colleagues and the couple that really try to learn Maltese - they fill me with admiration. One guy took time off work to practise his Maltese. That’s what I call immersion!
Sahha u nawguralek, tislijiet!
Congratulations! You’ll be speaking like a native in no time!
Welcome to the Rock! Green bananas are actually the best cos what you do is wrap them in newspapers and leave them in a cupboard for a night or two, and then they’ll turn yellow without being mushy
HuRRAY!!! In order to get your first sentences out, you have to start small and then build to your first full sentence. So it sounds as if you’re on the right track. Sorry I’ve been incognito. I had a guest from LA over the weekend and before that (and even nowadays) I’ve been working on a paper. It’s sucking my internet time away. Also, I’ve become almost fanatical about running every morning in this gorgeous fall weather we’ve been getting. However, it sounds like you have a growing season out there.
Pray tell, what are the seasons like in Malta? What months correspond with what? For example- Fall here is typically September to Mid November/Early December just about. Oh and please post pics! The idea of seeing the sight from outside your flat as well as that beach nearby is more than intriguing. =)
Love you and have a great day!
Baby steps, indeed! Thank you for allowing us on your journey. It’s also great to pick up tips and ideas from fellow blog readers.