SO, I have been learning Spanish and a Mayan language, Kaq Chikel, at the same time for almost 6 months. I must say, my Spanish has improved but my Kaq Chikel….NOT. I’m still on salutations. I guess because I spend way more time speaking Spanish with my counterparts, everything else goes by the waste side.
Now my real struggle begins, I teach English classes to my counterparts!! That’s right; they let the girl with the lowest Spanish level possible teach them English. I guess they figure: this is the one place I should really excel. Ha! Ha! Jokes on them, or should I say on me?
Teaching English is harder than teaching Spanish, especially teaching pronunciation. In English, vowel sounds change with different words. In Spanish, it’s the same sound. It’s very difficult to explain why. Most of the time in class, I just focus on how they should say it and try not to explain the rules so much. We seem to be doing well. Despite the fact that we have been on salutations for the last 3 classes, I think they are finally getting the hang of it. I think the class would be easier if they were to recieve it on a daily basis. We just don't have the time. Between regular coffee farming work, office work, computer basics classes, natural disasters programs, meetings, Microsoft Office classes, and the English classes......well you get the point. My goal is for them to at least have the salutations down by the end of the year. Wish me luck!
Now my real struggle begins, I teach English classes to my counterparts!! That’s right; they let the girl with the lowest Spanish level possible teach them English. I guess they figure: this is the one place I should really excel. Ha! Ha! Jokes on them, or should I say on me?
Teaching English is harder than teaching Spanish, especially teaching pronunciation. In English, vowel sounds change with different words. In Spanish, it’s the same sound. It’s very difficult to explain why. Most of the time in class, I just focus on how they should say it and try not to explain the rules so much. We seem to be doing well. Despite the fact that we have been on salutations for the last 3 classes, I think they are finally getting the hang of it. I think the class would be easier if they were to recieve it on a daily basis. We just don't have the time. Between regular coffee farming work, office work, computer basics classes, natural disasters programs, meetings, Microsoft Office classes, and the English classes......well you get the point. My goal is for them to at least have the salutations down by the end of the year. Wish me luck!
¨Oh say can you see….¨started my first 4th of July celebration outside the U.S. It was also the first time I heard those words sang so proudly since I began living here almost 1 year ago. Tears filled my eyes and slid down my face as I sang along with a great joy in my heart. I couldn’t explain it. I was so emotional. Since I’ve been in this country, it’s the first time almost all of the Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in Guatemala have been gathered together. What a beautiful experience!!!
In the good old American fashion, we had a cookout! Volunteers grilled burgers and hotdogs, made fruit and pasta salad, sold drinks (soda & beer), and provided entertainment. I got to see and talk to friends I hadn’t seen since our training. I also met with the soon to be new volunteers. I hula-hooped, danced, and sang with friends! We even had a basketball tournament by Guatemalan departments. It was great time!!! Too bad it had to end just as soon as it started. Oh well. Can’t wait for next year!
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Life Sad Thoughts5 months ago
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The Circus is in Town9 years ago
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Normal to Me, Incredible to Others12 years ago
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Becoming the person who "did that"12 years ago
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Adios12 years ago
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