I am totally fascinated now with the script used in Tamil Nadu, India and the one used in Thailand. The swirls, curves, twists and turns captivate my attention in a way that Roman Alphabet script never did. Not even going to try to figure it out as I am currently enjoying the beginning of learning Tamil.
Just look at these scripts!
Tamil Alphabet
Thai ConsonantsOkay, so lots of people say that learning these languages is difficult. Probably. It requires a lot of a native English speaker in that the mouth, lips, tongue and other dormant parts are actively required. Cool.
Besides the scripts the musicality of the languages is challenging and also a new dimension that I first came across traveling the southwest of America listening to indigenous people speak. Even when speaking English the melodies came through. Now it seems that Tamil uses cadence and rhythm while Thai has 5 tonal modes that gives many people fits.
I'm totally willing to give the native speakers in these languages the grins and giggles as they hear me attempt to communicate. It's ok. I know I'm not fluent and it just doesn't matter. It's a matter of curiosity and being on the edge of experience dealing with the continual awareness of embarrassment but not giving a damn. Pushing on and through until it clicks. Nice.
My landlady and her daughters are willing to spend time without laughing a whole lot ;) and I found a reputable online tutoring service and will meet with a teacher twice weekly. Karthik, the cafe owner where I go almost every day, has taken an interest as well. All really good people.
In a phrase, I'm enjoying myself immensely when interacting in this way. A great counterpoint to the considerable time I spend in Silence.
