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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

My little Somali

Here is a picture of Layla and a little update:

She's wearing the garbasaar (huge scarf) that came with one of my baati (Somali dress). She said it was ugly a few days before, then she wanted to wear it. Maybe I'm rubbing off on her a little bit :-)

We're trying to instill more discipline into our lives these days. A lot of other bloggers have posted about goals that they have for learning and doing things. I have shared that I would love to start grad. school in Semitic languages and religion next year, but I have been slacking big time.

I have decided to start actually tracking what I do each day in terms of language study, so I am more accountable for my time. My hubby is helping with the accountability, especially when it comes to the Biblical Hebrew and Somali. Otherwise, I will never be good enough to work as a medical translator or teach at a university.

Here's my dilemma though, I have far too many interests. I love Somali the most, followed by Biblical Hebrew, then Arabic. For some reason though, I have almost no interest in studying Modern Hebrew (The two types of Hebrew are actually quite different). If I get into grad school next year, I will be focusing primarily on Biblical Hebrew and comparative Semitic language, so the Arabic will help me out there. Somali is my love, but is really only useful on the community level. Plus, I'm already pretty busy with Layla at home. What to do?

Right now I am going through Lambdin's Biblical Hebrew Grammar. I plan to do 2 lessons a week and am currently working on #29. There are 55 lessons in total. It is primarily a review for me, but he goes in to more detail on the grammar than any of my Profs did in my undergrad studies.

I would also love to start going through Simple Arabic again. My hubby and I used this book a few years ago when an Egyptian friend was tutoring us with Arabic. We didn't make it through that much though because he moved back to Egypt a few months later.  I can read fine and my pronunciation is pretty good, but I have forgotten most of the vocab and grammar.

For Somali I can keep up and learn vocab by reading news sites and listening to music and news online or chatting with friends on the phone, etc. 

I really plan to stick with things this time, but how can I make myself accountable for my time? I think I should do a journal of sorts or even start another blog. Suggestions are welcome!

12 comments:

Ma Vie & Etc said...

Masha'Allah, your baby is incredibly beautiful! Bless her little heart. :) <3

Stacy K. said...

Aww thank you!

Susanne said...

Do you recommend that Arabic book for beginners wanting to learn some about the language?

I love that picture of Layla. She is too cute!

Your life sounds so exciting. I am eager to see what you end up doing with your language study and love of Somalis. :)

Susanne said...

"I really plan to stick with things this time, but how can I make myself accountable for my time? I think I should do a journal of sorts or even start another blog."

I think having a *reasonable goal* is the key. Not something you know you will be unable to keep. And, yes, a journal or accountability partner/blog is a great idea.

Kris said...

Good luck! I'm struggling just to learn Arabic...

Stacy K. said...

@Susanne, yes Its a good, yet not too complicated book. It makes it easier to pick up more words once you have a foundation in the language.

You're also right about the reasonable goal. I have often set my goals way too high and gave up after only a few days.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you'll accomplish your goals. Although I'm Somali, I was born in the US and can't even write in my own language...only speak it. So its really inspiring to see someone like you who is studying three languages.I took Spanish in middle school and high school. Then came my first year of college...did not take any Spanish. Forgot so much within a year. It takes a lot of tenacity, motiavtion, and good work ethic. Best of Luck :). I'm sure you'll do great. P.S. your daughter is adorable mashAllah.

Sarah said...

Hey Stacy your daughter is adorable mashAllah. And i know what you mean, its hard to stay focused sometimes, plus raising a child! Best of luck!

NoReply said...

Enjoy your time with your daughter - everything else can wait.....

Aneesah said...

Machallah, she is too cute. Sometimes I feel like there is not enough hours in the day between my children school and my responsabilities at home that is what makes us strong women, the ability to juggle these things you will do fine inchallah.

Anonymous said...

so cute.
MashAllah,
Rubber

Anonymous said...

excellent points and the details are more specific than elsewhere, thanks.

- Norman