Universal Language
Have I mentioned how much I love my daughter’s preschool? My son went there the second year it was open and graduated from the four-year-old class. Caroline was born shortly before that milestone, and has the distinction of being the first “preschool baby” who has gone on to be part of the school. Just a few short years ago, we brought her in at one week old for Darian to introduce proudly to all his schoolmates. The teachers held her and let the other children gently say hello, and now she’s well into being a happy member of the two-year-old class.
It’s a cheerful, loving, wonderful environment, and very easy to leave her there for a few hours in the morning while I go out and earn my keep! Another reason it’s special is that they make an effort to involve all of the families. We are so fortunate to live in a place with a great deal of diversity, and it’s all too easy to be “comfortable” just associating with people who speak our language. But how much one misses! Our preschool is helping to make a difference with tonight’s activity: a group of Spanish-speaking parents and a group of English-speaking parents are gathering late this afternoon to cook a meal together. Those of us who speak English will help the Spanish speakers learn a few more words in our language, and the Spanish speakers will help us brush up on our Spanish and teach us how to make a delicious meal that’s part of their culture. Next month, we’ll select a “typical American” menu and cook that together. Chances are, their American-raised children will want to try a few American dishes at home, and this will help them know how to shop and cook for American ingredients.
Cultures tend to get along better when we can sit down and eat together. There’s a good reason why so much diplomacy is conducted over state dinners: we’re more relaxed, receptive, sitting at the same level and enjoying a basic human ritual together courtesy of someone’s hospitality. I took one year of Spanish back in college (a social work major requirement) and only learned enough to truly confuse a native speaker, so it will be helpful to me to re-start my language knowledge. A lot of our neighbors here are from countries to the South; as I engage in my career, being able to communicate with more people is a very important skill. But more than anything, I look forward to forging warm new friendships over a delicious meal. Comer bien!
