- Sue's husband, Daniel, had come to United States from Kenya. Thye had met and married in Minnesota. When their son, Jeff was born, they decided that Sue would speak to him in ENglish and Daniel in Kikuyu, so he would be bilingual right from the start. The pla worked well, and Jeff spoke both in English and Kikuyu with ease from an early age.
When Jeff was seven years old, several members of Daniel's family came from Kenya for a visit. Sue and Daniel were thrilled. Wouldn't they be proud when Jeff conversed freely with his relatives in Kikuyu! They explained to Jeff that Daddy's family would be coming to stay with them, and Jeff eagerly helped them plan activities for the visitors. He seems excited to have them come.
At the airport on the big day, Daniel greeted his family and introduced them to his wife. Then he proudly introduced his son in Kikuyu and waited for the conversation to begin. But as soon as the relatives started speaking to Jeff, he stared at them in surprised and clammed up. He wouldn't say a word to anyone in any language. Daniel's family tried to be polite, and Daniel assured them Jeff really did know how to talk, but the conversation on the way back to the house was a little strained, with Jeff remaining absolute silence.
It wasn't untill Daniel got everyone home and settled that he had a chance to talk with his son and find out what upset him. Jeff had never met anyone who spoke Kikuyu, only his dad. All his life Jeff had assumed that this was a special secret language between him and his father that no one else knew. And then all these strangers had shown up, speaking their private language! It had been a shock.
-Sharon Huntington
LOL!! after i read this article, i chuckled..
but later on, i felt sad and betrayed when i try to put myself in Jeff's shoes..
assuming all this while it's something special but it's actually not..
lots more to share.. but i'm too lazy!!
i'm boarding in 4 hrs ++.. WHEEE!!!
update when i'm reach M'sia XD
No comments:
Post a Comment