“Which twin is older?” The question is absurd. In China, I get it all the time. And it works me up. “They are twins. They are the same age.” I reply, irritated. “Yes, but they didn’t both come out at the same time, did they? One had to have been born first.” They insist, “Is … Continue reading “Afu ge ge”, “Leila mei mei”
Category: Multicultural Multilingual Mothering
Mooo or Merrhh?: A Guest Post by Patricia
I'm very happy to post this piece by Patricia who I first met at school in Zambia; the second in our series: A Monday Morning Guest Post in Multicultural Mothering. Patricia: I was born in the Dominican Republic to a Dominican mom and Peruvian dad. I left DR when I was six years old and … Continue reading Mooo or Merrhh?: A Guest Post by Patricia
I Won’t Be Able To Write For Your Blog: A Guest Post by Pascaline
Pascaline: Born in Greece, I grew up in a bilingual French / Greek environment. I lived between Greece, Africa and France. My husband, I, French of Lebanese & Syrian origin is also multilingual: French/English/Arabic, and has lived in France, Africa and Canada. We are both what some people call “Third culture kids,” our parents being … Continue reading I Won’t Be Able To Write For Your Blog: A Guest Post by Pascaline
Introducing: A Monday Morning Guest Post in Multicultural Mothering
Introducing: A Monday Morning Guest Post in Multicultural Mothering As a Zambian of Indian descent married to M, French of Lebanese heritage now living in China, Multicultural and as an extension Multilingual parenting, is our reality. Questions that arise out of this scenario are always on my mind. How will L and R deal with … Continue reading Introducing: A Monday Morning Guest Post in Multicultural Mothering
Uncle Mao
"Man-ee," L says as she examines the 5 Yuan note. She points at Mao Zedong's purple face, "Shu Shu!" she claims. Like any young Chinese woman is respectfully called ayi or aunt by a child, a young man is uncle - shu shu.
Nanu the avocado
1pm yesterday afternoon. Calgary Court House. Maher tells Rahul, "Au jourd'hui on va a la ceremonie. Nanu devient avocat." Rahul says "cado." ------------------ 7 pm this evening. Nanu's apartment. Maher to Rahul : "Tu veux manger un avocat?" Rahul says,"Nanu" Maher asks L and R: "Qui veux un peu plus d'avocat?" Rahul says,"cado."
Dragon and Phoenix Twins
“Are they Dragon Phoenix Twins?” I am asked every day, everywhere, and by everyone around me in Chengdu. “Yes, they are,” I reply. “Waaaaa” they exclaim with glee, and huge smiles, “You are very lucky. How happy you must be.” Twins generate as much or dare I say more excitement here in China as anywhere … Continue reading Dragon and Phoenix Twins
Raksha bandan – our version
Raksha bandan – bond of protection
When I lived in Zambia my family celebrated Raksha Bandan, a North Indian festival that honours the love between sisters' and brothers'. It falls on a full moon in August every year. My parents, aunts and uncles took a day off work, we a day off school. We dressed in traditional Indian clothes and jewelery, … Continue reading Raksha bandan – bond of protection
Elevator ride. Part 2
A couple of days ago Leila and I took the elevator down from the 20th floor. She was in a single stroller. Two well dressed women started a conversation with and about L. Ms. Pink and Ms. Blue seemed to be working in offices in the building. Of course the usual "How cute," and "what … Continue reading Elevator ride. Part 2
Natasha Devalia 