Spring Break-up

As do many of my fellow Oakland County residents, I live on a lake. In spite of colder weather than in previous weeks this winter, my lake shows a lot of open water. This morning I saw ducks swimming about and the swans were also in evidence. How are your lakes doing? I have friends who say theirs never really froze well this winter at all, and others who have had enough ice on which to skate and fish.

What's the big deal about ice and lakes, other than that these may indicate an early spring? Guess I'm always fascinated by some of the odd terms we use in American English. Imagine trying to explain to a non-native speaker the difference between the ice breaking up on a body of water, and a person breaking up with his or her significant other. Whew!  

I am thinking now about the need to be aware of the variety of culture and language we encounter in our community almost daily. It's easy to be impatient with someone who is trying to speak properly and clearly in a language that is clearly not their mother tongue. I see it in the grocery store, in the bank and in restaurants. And it makes me sad. I know it is sometimes difficult to understand a person's accented speech  I am aware that often we are in a hurry or are already late for whatever we must do next.  

Today I write to plead for patience with others who may not speak English so well. I have been in their shoes in other countries, trying so hard to be understood in my poor version of their beautiful language. And I have been gratified when listeners smile and wait for me to find the right word or the right form of a word. It is so encouraging when someone appreciates your attempt to communicate in their language, even if badly.  

I know it is important for those who wish to live in the USA to work on their English skills. But did you know that ours is one of the most difficult languages to learn? My mother has been a reading tutor for many years. One of her recent students is from Cambodia. This ambitious young businesswoman has worked for years to master English.  She has faithfully kept her commitment to weekly tutoring sessions for at least five years. When I converse with her I can see how hard she has worked to learn English and to speak it well. And yet, she is not easy to understand. She will often misuse a phrase or word. And I know it is not a question of her intelligence, her work-ethic or her motivation.  

So I'm asking-please, take that extra minute to listen harder, explain a colloquialism, or to encourage someone who is trying to learn English. It's a daunting task.  

And the next time you look out at the lake you live on or drive past, watch that ice break-up and remember how funny our language can be.