This is J. I felt it important to share this humerus and slightly disturbing language learning adventure today. Mid day I went out to buy some garlic cloves for dinner tonight and there were some local woman selling spices on the side of the road. I bought some okra and was going to buy some garlic but didn’t have small bills. I walked to a local corner store (ducan) and bought garlic there. When I had change I walked back to buy garlic from the woman. After purchasing her garlic a girl of about 10years came up to me and said, “you fuc-a-me” and held out a five Sudanese pound bill (this is equivalent to $1.24 USD).
I was slightly troubled did I just get solicited by this ten year old girl? Thinking I heard her wrong I said, “tahni?” (or again?). Once again she said, “you fuc-a-me”. Hmmm I heard her right. I saw an older woman laugh and thought I might be in a bad situation really fast I said, “no..noo…I need to go home” and waved my finger back and forth in the air as I spoke. As I walked home I thought to myself did I just get solicited by a ten year on the streets of Melut?
Once returning home I saw Eli, who understands quite a bit more Arabic then me. I proceeded to tell him that a 10 year old girl was trying to solicit something and wanted five pounds. When I explained that she said, “you-fuc-a-me” Eli laughed. He went on to explain that ” fuc-a” means to change. The little girl wanted five one Sudanese pounds in exchange for her five Sudanese pound bill. That is one word I will not have to write on an index card and memorize for it has been burned into my memory. I now feel safe walking the streets of Melut again. That is it for now.
-J
Somehow I think you’re not the first westerner fooled by this. How many times have we done this to foreigners and were oblivious I wonder.
That’s funny! Glad you got that misunderstanding straightened out. 🙂
Hahahaha! I could see your face in my mind as you told this story. Oh the many adventures you still have ahead of you, big and small. Love you guys!
Love it J. You have been blessed with an amazing wife and family. I know the Melut people, even tho they we laughing, they are truly blessed to have you, Abook and your family in Melut. Love you guys.
OMG ! (gosh) what a story. Get busy J and learn more of the language.!! Praying for protection and understanding.
This is Kay. Hmmmm…Oh my! Sounds like a set-up to me:) OK, more prayer on our end…and more STUDY on yours! May the GOD of all languages and all peoples bless you richly.
Hehe. Thank you for sharing!