Day 20

The Fortress

Saturday, 4 March 2023 (20)

A class on direct and indirect communications especially related to differences with the Malagasy People. Then a class on non-verbal differences. It bothered me that the class was very disruptive and they get on my case when I extend the class time but that is exactly what they were doing as the instructor has to shush them between every non-verbal section. And we had a school or scout party going on in the larger room next to ours with loud music. 

Plus I'm feeling microaggressions as individuals in the group seem to want to minimize my opinion, or shut me down, or silence me. At least it feels that way when my comments seem to be less wanted or appreciated. Sooner or later it is likely to blow as I mentioned to one in my cohort as we walked into town.

This afternoon I washed clothes. Room temperature water, bugs in the water, spiders on the walls in the lower level of the dark and damp fortress with little light. Two hours, ill equipped (thus the need for a trip into town for the brush, soap and hanging line) and after hanging them up outside, it of course started to rain. Right now they are upstairs in the classroom draped over all the chairs. Unfortunately, it's locked so I need Robertini to unlock it for me tomorrow.

Spent some time with a few fellows (three teachers and one of our security guards) on the porch of what I think is the local bar. Bought a liter of Caprice Bonbon Anglais soda for us all. It's got that bubble gum flavor and is a wonderful vintage - 2023. I didn't have my homemade dictionary the first time then I went back to class after lunch for that shopping and met up with three others again, this time with my book. But I'm not sure it's all that helpful. Again, I feel like I have missed a day or multiple days of class and haven't truly got the basics (question words and pronouns) down.

That was just reinforced when I went to the store down the street. My favorite store because I think I drive the young man crazy with my bad Malagasy and even worse pronunciation. But I've having fun with it and I hope he is too. Unfortunately, I end up speaking more English that Malagasy. But I am courageous and keep trying. Hopefully, that counts for something. 

I need more preparation, more question words, phrases and verbs. I need to put it all together in sentence structure as I've instead been focusing on my own method that doesn't work in their language. I can't just say "word, in Malagasy?" while I point to an object. Need to go back to the original "Ahoan nu miteny hue…word or object here…amin ny Malagasy?" And I need to start memorizing a lot more verbs.

Back to wet laundry and a day off tomorrow.