Ory part 6: Thanksgiving, Guatemala, and foreign languages

                Ory and I made it to the last meeting of the semester. It was bittersweet, as it had been nice for the both of us to be able to talk to someone outside of our immediate friends and family. It was easier in a way to talk to someone who knew nothing about you already.

                Ory had some disappointing news: he didn’t get his first American Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, he had to forgo Thanksgiving in order to get some of his research papers and projects done, or at least started. He had a nice week, though, waking up at 11 every morning and lounging around his room doing homework and watching TV. He said the campus was deserted and wished he had been in Mexico or New York with one of his roommates. But hopefully he’ll get a real American Thanksgiving next year at least.

                Ory said he is excited to go back home to Guatemala for winter break and lie on the beach the whole month. He told me I could come to visit Guatemala with him, but I respectfully declined. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their break working in a book store instead of tanning on a beach?

                As things wound up between us, Ory asked why we had been meeting all this time. He said no one ever really explained to him the point of all of the conversations. I told him that it was a chance for both of us to learn about other people’s cultures. Also, it could help him with his English. Ory sighed and said it was hard for him to perfect his English even though he really wants to because Americans are so impatient and when he takes some time to get a point across, most people cut him off and don’t let him finish his thought. I think this is true for all languages. When you are a native speaker, sometimes it’s easy to forget that people are translating the language in their head trying to find the appropriate translated word. I will do my best to be extremely patient next time I speak with someone who is not native to the English language.

                Ory is looking forward to next semester at TCU, but said he is more prepared for the work load and is going to crack down on himself academically. He flattered me by saying he had a great time meeting with me and hopes we see each other next semester.