Language File VI: Week-One

          Based on the needs of the team we decided to have one tutor for one learner. The tutors had been selected and trained based on the needs of our learners. Or first task was learning the greetings. I chose to use a very simple question and answer model loosely based on the LAMP manual. The process, as described in post IV, was mildly successful. Problems arose when our tutors did not follow the “lesson plan.” When the learners asked questions the responses were not always constant with the pre-planned lesson.  LAMP does have limitations and we found them. If the tutor cannot read, it is hard for the tutor to remain consistent. The tutor might give an appropriate, yet, unexpected response. On the other hand, if the tutor can read, he or she might be uncomfortable moving off the page, so to speak, in answering questions not written in the lesson. All in all, the question and response drills can be stressful for both the learner and the tutor. It was simply too much to bite off at one time. I am realized the problem and cut my greetings by a half. Instead of learning sixteen phrases, I focused on learning these eight:  

How are you?                                                  Ikoni ai?

                         I am fine.                                                         Ejok.

 My name is Robert.                                          Erai ekakiro Robert.

What is your name?                                           Ŋai ekon kiro?

My name is JB.                                                 Erai ekakiro JB.

Where do you come from?                                 Ai Ibunitor iyong?

From Lomusian.                                                Abunit ayong aLomusian.

How is Lomusian?                                             Ekoni Lomusian ai?

It is good.                                                         Ejok.

I used these eight phrases to get over my feelings of insecurity. The first week was coming to an end and I needed to feel like I had a handle on something. Instead of beating myself up over not completing the lesson, I chose to change the lesson, make it easier, and move ahead. These first phrases were the beginning of my language core (which we will discuss later). Every day I used every phrase as many times as I could. Sometimes, I would understand the response, sometimes not. But, it was ok, I was saying something more than, “do you speak English.” It took me several days to get this thin base, but when I did, I felt as if I could more forward with confidence.