For several months we've been in search of someone in the Toledo area who speaks Amharic. We're beyond the need of a translator. The girls are picking up English just fine. We want to connect with an Amharic speaker simply so Neti and Meke won't forget their original tongue. And we would like to learn a little too!
Does anyone have suggestions? We've tried the University of Toledo hoping for Ethiopian students with no luck.
I don't have any suggestions but wanted to share something that surprised me with our 4 year old daughter that has been home with us for a month. Last Sunday we took her to an Ethiopian church where they spoke Amharic. Aleena B. loved to sing praise songs but very shortly after that began saying to those that asked that she didn't speak Amharic and that her name was Aleena instead of Birtukan (at first she said her name was Birtukan. We call her both). And she played with her sister and not the other Ethiopian children, adopted or not. So we thought she would find so much comfort there but it wasn't the case. Or at least not yet. Maybe she thought we would leave her there? I do think it's a great thing to do for our children just didn't get the reaction I thought we would.
ReplyDeletesmiles,
jen in MI
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteTry Bowling Green State University - when I was there - just a couple of years ago there was a strong African presense. Don't call the language department call the Cultural Studies departments to ask.
Sharon
You also might want to try the International Institute in Toledo (I am sure it's in the book of Googleable)--I know they have translator serivces but may also be able to hook you up...
ReplyDeleteHey, Tracy. I emailed your juno account with the contact info of an Ethiopian friend we have in southern Michigan. Call if you didn't get it.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you guys.
Tracy I emailed an article that was in the Blade to your juno account, about an Amharic artist that is in BG. Hope it helps.
ReplyDeleteWe have friends in Kansas City that are Ethiopian and speak Amharic fluently. That isn't exactly what you are looking for, but they might be able to give you some clues. Let me know if you want to contact them.
ReplyDelete~Pam
I'll check with someone at Bluffton University. They have a large international population and may have some suggestions or know graduates in the area. I'll let you know if I find anything out.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend Owens Community College. Despite its small size it has a remarkable foreign contingent both as students and professors.I have heard several different (what I am pretty sure are)African dialects. Also the school has an excellent language department, I do not know if what you need is one of them though.
ReplyDeleteKN
Hiya! Found your website and enjoying reading it. Have a link on my website so I can keep updated on your stories. Hubby and I are in the adoption process, we live in Hong Kong right now so 90% likelihood our 1st little one will be Chinese, if not, Indian, Filippino, Korean, etc... SO exciting!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI discovered your website through Mikey'sFunnies.com. You might think of trying the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base in Dayton. I know it's a couple hours away, but having been a YWAMer, I can say that they have connections all over the place!
info@ywamdayton.com
1-937-320-9335
Blessings!
Mary