Dinka Speaking? Yes... and No

Sometimes it feels impossible to learn the Dinka language. They have odd sounds that I have a hard time duplicating. However, Elizabeth, who works in the kitchen, is always trying to get the visitors speaking Dinka. She is really good about repeating things until I can say them properly. Today I had an exchange with Mary that impressed Elizabeth... and myself!

I saw Mary walking towards me and I said in Dinka "Do you need money?" (Yenawich garuche?) She said yes. I said, "Ok, wait for me, I am going to the clinic." (Apatapay, teeden, ana lo panakim) She said ok and I said "I will be right back" (Anabeben matheen).

(Dinka words written phonetically)

Elizabeth was so proud of her student and started cheering for me. It was really cute.

Don't worry, I won't get a big head. I still mess up quite a bit. The other day, I was doing salary with Sabet and called for a construction worker named Atuer. It's pronounced "At-wear" but I said "A-tore" which means "mucus." So I was calling "mucus... mucus" and wondered why he didn't step up!