A language dilemma (10 februari, 2010)

The table is set an early sunday morning in december. It is cold and dark outside, but inside warmth prevails. Extra chairs are squeezed in at the table to make room for the guests from far away. Well, maybe not far away, just from England; but guests nevertheless. So, extra chairs at the table, as well as extra plates and cups. A little girl, two years old, sits in her highchair at one end, laughing hysterically. Playing peek-a-boo behind the cereal box one of the guests has won her heart. Fascinated I watch the interaction; the sparkle in her eyes as he hides, her head thrown backwards as the giggle rises in her throat. To the little girl's content the game goes on for quite a while, until the performer decides it is time to direct his attention to the food placed before him. The little girl, not yet satisfied, calls: "Igen! Igen!" She does this in Swedish, as this is her first language. She gets no response, and again calls out for attention. "Igen!" She gets more and more frustrated as her lost friend silently keeps eating, oblivious of the little girl's efforts to get his attention. Puzzled she goes silent, not sure what to do. Her precious little mind is confused, as she is used to English speakers who know Swedish as well. In an attempt to lessen the confusion, and assure her that she is not being consciously ignored, I call for her attention: "Sweetheart! He does not understand you. He only speaks English, not Swedish". She stares at me, then looks over at him, as if carefully examining him. I can see that she is trying really hard to understand. Finally she turns her eyes back to me, with a look on her face saying: "That's just ridiculous! Why wouldn't he understand, I was using the right word!" But, realizing that he will no longer be her companion in the game, she decides that the yoghurt will do for now. Maybe next time he will understand, and not let such a silly thing as language stand in the way of her enjoyment.