I strongly believe that making every effort to learn the language of a place you are visiting or working is very important. Not only is it a sign of respect, but you also get a great feeling putting a smile on someone listening to you struggle through a conversation. We cannot expect everyone around the world to learn English!
Lao is not an easy language, but the people of the Laos have greatly appreciated the strong efforts I have made in the last two weeks to learn. I am already at the point where I can have basic conversations. Fortunately, Cuso has sponsored me to attend a daily Lao language class for two hours every day. Most evenings I also travel to the night markets to speak with vendors, bargaining, buying and asking as many random questions as they can tolerate.
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| Our Lao Language School |
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| The school is guarded by our furry pal, "No Name" |
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| You would be buying a lot of vowels on the Laos version of the Wheel of Fortune |
I may sound like an idiot to them most of the time, but I am making leaps and bounds towards my goal of learning the language for full conversations at the office.
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| This book is my bible and goes with me everywhere in case I forget a word mid-conversation |
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| I still must learn the word for "Blizzard"!! |
I'm week behind on the updates but loving this one. Love that you're out and about and practicing. Sounds like you're off to a great start.
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