“Later, Gator.”

le 11 octobre   I’m having an absolute ball helping the community, students, and teachers with their English. I find that I speak English mostly with one group of teachers in particular, and am able to build upon what they know and have conversations with them, not merely basic communication. They are able to teach me silly Kinyarwanda words for something, and I’m able to teach them useful English words. For example, today is the first day of exams for the third trimester, and in each classroom two faculty members must sit in during the exam. I taught them the word “proctor.” Helpful to know.

They will also ask me what the English word is for something. Just now? “Goosebumps.” It’s a pretty bizarre word when you think of it. I also have the power of teaching them random, nonsensical English phrases that no one really ever needs to know: try explaining “See ya later, alligator” to someone who’s never heard the phrase before. Now I have adult men – TEACHERS – saying “later gator” to me when I leave the room. Bahaha.