Me:
Sannu! Hello!
Vendor:
Sannu! Hello!
Me:
Jam na? How are you?
Vendor:
Jam. I’m fine.
Me:
Useko. [points to an ear of roasted corn] Dalla noy? How much is it?
Vendor:
Dalla noogas. One hundred francs.
Me:
OK. [gives money, takes corn] Useko! Thank
you!
Vendor:
Useko! Thank you!
True,
it doesn’t seem like much, but after a few weeks of awkwardly smiling and
nodding whenever people talk to me in Fulfulde, this moment honestly felt like
a step forward for me. Yes, there is a long way to go: the other Volunteer here
in Nyambaka can have a full conversation in Fulfulde, but then again, she’s
been here for two years and arrived less than a month ago. Luckily, I’ve found
some wonderful people in the village who are willing to help me learn, “seta
seta” (little by little).
And this is just the beginning.
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