Beszél angolul?
The old lady in the apartment beneath is always fascinated by my ‘large’ family and the seeming ease at which I stride out daily with them. From her facial expressions I sense a feeling of utter disbelief at this “pro-baby” woman strutting along with her brood undeterred, a situation quite inconsistent with the developed world. Not just her, I had noticed that we inadvertently draw attention to ourselves everywhere we go, just by our numeral. Going by European standard, endorsed greatly by the increasing acceptance of the ‘free’ family lifestyle and the swap of procreation for professional desire, more than zero is too big a number. But, Europe is facing population decline and demographers are already agitated over the inexorable descent of fertility. The alarmists however, are not only concerned about generation replacement but also the looming domination of the Western race by daring cultures.
“Szia” we chorus, bellowing the informal “hello” which is about the easiest word to pick in the language.
“Jó napot” she purrs back formally, in preparation for the linguistic torture.
Each time we come by, I listen as she struggles to converse with the kids in the local Magyar. Usually, I try to figure out what she meant from her gestures and facial expressions, but that in itself does not suffice. While the children attempt to respond in the few words picked, code mixed with English language, I nod and smile awkwardly at the genial but unintelligible rejoinders that leave both parties more puzzled than enlightened.
Hungarians take pride in their varied cultures and distinct language. Contrary to what the travel guide would have you believe, not everyone on the streets of Budapest speak English. The average Hungarian (even the bilingual) would rather avoid the lingo than be ‘ridiculed’ in it. For the first – timer, you’re better off gesticulating to make sense than confronting the Anglophobic gawk! More importantly, your ability to repeatedly mouth the basic question, “beszél angolul”- do you speak English, before embarking on further inanity brings you closer to a response.
The difficulty in communicating effectively, enjoying the culture and walking your way through social interactions, business dealings and significant instructions brings to mind the need for a second language. The Biblical story of Babel that bestowed upon humans increased vocation towards discovering customs and experiences is a reference. People, who understand each other, relate better and ultimately work together. As I write, I am practicing my Magyar as I look forward to the old lady’s next chit chat and who knows, the person responding at the airport when next the question is asked could be me - Én is tud beszélni Magyar!
“Szia” we chorus, bellowing the informal “hello” which is about the easiest word to pick in the language.
“Jó napot” she purrs back formally, in preparation for the linguistic torture.
Each time we come by, I listen as she struggles to converse with the kids in the local Magyar. Usually, I try to figure out what she meant from her gestures and facial expressions, but that in itself does not suffice. While the children attempt to respond in the few words picked, code mixed with English language, I nod and smile awkwardly at the genial but unintelligible rejoinders that leave both parties more puzzled than enlightened.
Hungarians take pride in their varied cultures and distinct language. Contrary to what the travel guide would have you believe, not everyone on the streets of Budapest speak English. The average Hungarian (even the bilingual) would rather avoid the lingo than be ‘ridiculed’ in it. For the first – timer, you’re better off gesticulating to make sense than confronting the Anglophobic gawk! More importantly, your ability to repeatedly mouth the basic question, “beszél angolul”- do you speak English, before embarking on further inanity brings you closer to a response.
The difficulty in communicating effectively, enjoying the culture and walking your way through social interactions, business dealings and significant instructions brings to mind the need for a second language. The Biblical story of Babel that bestowed upon humans increased vocation towards discovering customs and experiences is a reference. People, who understand each other, relate better and ultimately work together. As I write, I am practicing my Magyar as I look forward to the old lady’s next chit chat and who knows, the person responding at the airport when next the question is asked could be me - Én is tud beszélni Magyar!
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