tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875725.post3743862309330208110..comments2024-02-13T18:29:24.630+10:00Comments on NO REST FOR THE AWAKE - MINAGAHET CHAMORRO: Chamorro Public Service Post #16: Maloffan HaoMichael Lujan Bevacquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075510205190074738noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7875725.post-47672403714021212152010-04-06T11:44:05.112+10:002010-04-06T11:44:05.112+10:00This story makes me sad too, mostly because in my ...This story makes me sad too, mostly because in my own way, I find myself reaching for more familiarity with a culture and language that my parents did not present as primary growing up. I was brought up around the language and can follow along fairly well without translation, but the words become knotted in my mouth when I try to use them myself. <br /><br />When I talk about this with my parents, they explained that I feel that way because I don't use it enough. I end up getting defensive and firing back that they didn't speak to me directly or give me the chance to respond frequently enough to feel more comfortable. I also end up whining (very obnoxiously) about feeling inhibited responding because they poke fun at me for not saying it correctly.<br /><br />Within recent years, my dad has made a huge effort to speak to me and have me respond regularly. I'm happy about this; but I'm also disappointed that the last language I have learned to feel comfortable with is my own. <br /><br />My sometimes unfair complaints launched in my parents direction, accusing them of not wanting to teach me, but making fun of me for not knowing has triggered these long conversations that make me see them in a completely different light. They also explained growing up with the understanding that English was needed more (even explaining that not being fluent in English made them or their parents the victims of insults or feelings of inadequacy). <br /><br />So here I am, fluent in English and complaining that I feel inadequate and mocked for not being more proficient in Chamorro. *scratches head confused*<br /><br />I bet that man is grateful that you've taken the time to translate. I know that I always walk away feeling really grateful after someone in my family works with me patiently, understanding that the last minute grab at something I should have been holding a long time ago is worth responding to. <br /><br />Thanks for all these entries. My brain always grows talking to you guys! he he.Desiree Taimanglo Venturahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09389252656580029077noreply@blogger.com