For two months we've met weekly to practice phonic sounds, reading, and narration. Some of the sounds in English that are second nature to us, are swimming against the current of the Nyanja language. For example, the letter "i" here is pronounced like our long "e," as in the word "machine." Diphthongs and blends present special difficulties as Zambians pronounce both vowels. For instance, in the word "mountain," the "o" and the "u" would have separate sounds. "R" and "l" are hard for them to get their tongues around. The sounds are interchangeable to them. We had a good laugh yesterday with the word "rice." I told them they didn't want to cook a bowl of lice, did they?
After class they received their certificates, complete with a gold seal. They were really proud of their accomplishment. Then, it was time to celebrate~so off to the mall we went for some ice cream. Before we parted, as we were talking together, Diana blurted out, "I can't wait until I can preach a sermon in English!"
As they've grown in their speaking of English, they've become more comfortable with it. Catherin, Betty, Diana, and Ida have promised to work hard over break by practicing. Won't you pray for them?
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