Beautiful

 by Katie Siewert, Wednesday, Feb 21st

 

Entle [un-tlay], mooi [mo-ye] or pragtig [pra-ti-ga], beautiful [byoo-tuh-fl] - these three words mean “beautiful” in iXihosa, Afrikaans, and English. 

 

Before this trip, I was determined to learn a few words/phrases from both Afrikaans and iXihosa, two popular languages in South Africa. I was nervous to speak these languages with the communities and how they would come across, but I soon realized the importance of putting in that effort and attempting to speak with those around me. I spoke with Estelle, site manager for Port Elizabeth’s Mosaic Community Center, and she was very excited that I was attempting to speak the language of iXihosa with all the children. Although it made me nervous, I know now how meaningful it can be. I said it a few times that day and I had one little girl smile at me so brightly as she knew what I was trying to say. What an incredible feeling!

 

I also had the opportunity to speak with Judy, one of the Mosaic social workers on Wednesday, who was very encouraging of me trying to learn the language. As I’ve learned in my social work classes, it is very important to learn about someone else’s culture and how they identity. We’re never going to know everything about these different cultures and their words/values, but it means much to these individuals to try and communicate with them, especially as they try to communicate with us too. 

 

I’m glad to know “beautiful” in different languages and I am so happy to have met many beautiful children, staff, and community members in these first couple of days. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this trip has in store, but I already want to make future plans to come back to this beautiful place. 








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