Participants Blog
A Lesson in Bosnian from Brigette DePape
Toothpaste was the only Bosnian word I knew I when I arrived in Gornji Vakuf –Uskoplj (GVU). While “pasta za zube” would make a great name for fine cuisine, (truly rolling off the tongue!), there probably isn’t a more useless word to master.
Over the past 3 weeks, my vocabulary has expanded. Saving graces are words like “banana” and “piercing” which are the same in both Bosnian and English. The word “lijepa” means beautiful. In GVU, bear hugged by rolling hills decorated by meandering rivers, this word is a staple. But so are words like “rat” and “smrt”, meaning war, and death.
Bullet holes, graveyards, and misshaped buildings are constant reminders of the war. The structure of the town itself, where Croatian Christians live on one side, and Bosnian Muslims live on the other, is itself a reminder as well as a consequence of the war. The town is literally divided in two and I am only beginning to understand “zasto” (why).
Phrases essential to my survival include “ja sam vierena” meaning I’m married (the boys here tend to be very aggressive) and “sita sam”, meaning I’m full (my host baka is trying to make me fat). “Šala”, means just kidding, a word I learnt from Hamdia.
Hamdia is always joking around, sticking out his bling speckled fist for a “pound it”, but his tone turns serious as he sits me down one afternoon in his home, and now mine. “Before, when Tito was in power, everybody was united”. He shows me pictures of GVU during the war. A tear falls onto his bicep, the one with Tito handwritten in black ink. Hamdia, a soldier from 1992-1995, will be my host Dad for the next 3 months. I realize that my new little sisters, the ones hanging from my sides, busy braiding my hair and poking my nose piercing, wouldn’t be here if the war would have stolen his life the way it stole his friends.
I have grasped the essential vocabulary for getting by in Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje. This vocabulary sheds light on what is of utmost importance to life in GVU. It is my goal that by the end of my three months in Bosnia, I will be fluent in Bosnian, not only the language, but also the culture, politics, and history. In addition, that my host family will be fluent in Canadian English. “Mi Ucimo jedni od drugih” is Bosnian for we are learning from each other.
Feeds
You have been able to put in words many of my own sentiments from my experience in Bosnia. There is both a persistent sadness and strength that emanates from the spirit of the Bosnian people. It is wonderful that you have the chance to live with this family and share stories together - from my perspective, it is only through this type of human exchange and solidarity that peace and understanding can truly be built.
Hi Brigette
You certainly are living a deep cross cultural experience. I agree with Noelle that contributing to the community and living with local families is central to building the understandings and dialogue that provide the threads for peace building. I am very impressed with the speed and determination you are learning the Bosnian language. This is a real sign of respect for the people you are living with. Its nice that your family wants to improve their English. Knowing more languages broadens horizons and help engender tolerance.
On your next blog let us know about the work you are doing in the community and what how you are adjusting to the Bosnian diet.
Zdravo (hello) Brigette! Puno hvala (thank you very much) for your interesting lesson in Bosnian. You truly have the mind of a linguist, to learn a language so quickly. I look forward to reading more and seeing through your eyes, as I follow your blog. Aunt Annette