Jim Makes Progress with Dagbani

Jim remains diligent in his effort to learn Dagbani. Early every morning before our night watchman leaves for the day, one can hear Jim practicing his numbers and reciting the days of the week for Mumuni's (we used to call him Mahama but I think we finally got it right) approval. And a taxi ride with Jim can be pure entertainment (we have yet to purchase a vehicle of our own). The most serious driver stares in amazement as my husband tries to communicate some thought or request in a fractured combination of syntax and pronunciation. Fellow passengers (the taxi usually picks up at least four people before moving) are sometimes convulsed with laughter but at the same time compliment and congratulate him for attempting to speak the local language. Acually, more often than not, he makes himself well undersood. We arrive at the correct destination, receive the right change, and are rewarded by a genuine smile.