Communication with the Boys

This is another, I hope, helpful post to all those who come after us. Please keep in mind, these are just our experiences!

Before traveling to Ethiopia to get the boys, we had many people ask if they spoke any English and how would we communicate with them. Honestly, the only moment I was slightly struck with panic that we didn't speak the same language was the first few moments after meeting them when we get time to play. (You'll have 2-3 hours of time on Metcha Day). But then we sat down with our toys and coloring boys and we played a game of chase and I had no worries that we would be able to understand each other.

By the end of the first day with the boys in Ethiopia, they understood the phrases: Walk away. Gentle. No. Ask Mommy. and Ask Ababa. (Amharic for Daddy). We used lots of pointing and gesturing. We taught them the sign language for please and moved their hands for them to show them the sign when they asked for something. It took John Eyob about 2 tries before he understood what it meant and was doing it on his own and Ryan understood it and was signing please by the next day. We also talked a lot about what we were going to do: "First we will brush teeth and then get dressed and then go downstairs for breakfast." And if you know me, you know how I tend to narrate my life so I think that has also helped.

Once home, I continued to say what everything was and tried to use the same word each time. For example, we put on our coat each time we went to leave, not jacket or sweat shirt. And let me tell you, it's amazing how many words we can use for the same things!! At meal times, I pointed to and named all the foods on their plate. (FYI - at first I also literally modeled for them which foods to pick up with their hands and which to use a fork or spoon for. Since there are lots of new foods, it can be a bit confusing, hence Ryan Ephrem trying to pick up and peanut butter and jelly sandwich with his fork!) Even though they didn't understand it at first, I gave five minute warnings (five minutes until lunch, bedtime, etc.).

By the end of their second week home, I would say they understood everything we were asking them to do that was within the routine: get your coat on, can you bring Mommy her shoes (pointing to feet), it's time to brush teeth, etc. John Eyob especially caught on quickly to everything!

We were COMPLETELY AMAZED at how well they we doing by the time we had our first post adoption visit (as was our social worker) which was week three. John Eyob was putting thoughts together, Mommy-a, music please. Outside (and waving his hands to go outside and making the zip up motion for his coat). Eyob no like or Eyob-e loooves this and both boys were doing an amazing job mimicking or words, songs, and animal sounds.

Now, a month later and being home almost eight weeks, John Eyob is putting big sentences together: "What's that up in the sky?" (referring to the tomatoes on the window sill which from his viewpoint sitting at the breakfast table, looked like that were up in the sky!) and making sure he understands the order of the day: Mommy-a, brush teeth, wash face, dressed, outside. He knows we see Gramma, Bompa, Uncle Don, Sami, and Maddy on Tuesdays and church is on Sundays. Ryan Ephrem has no problem understanding what we are saying to him and is beginning to put three word thoughts together. Both boys know and identify (quite loudly) garbage trucks, school buses, jeeps, and biiiiiiiiiggggggg mack-e-naws! (Amharic for car). They love to name animals and make their sounds and tell which animals are our favorites.

Now, have there been times when they have not been able to communicate with us - of course (We'd love to know what "Chum-chummy-churro" means as we hear it a lot!) - but never to the point of frustration or being unable to meet a need. And there are times now when it takes a few seconds to figure out what they are saying or what as their accent is thick and some of our letter sounds in English are new to them.

I know young children learn a new language quickly especially by being immersed in it, but we feel especially blessed that the boys are doing so well!