((little fat notebook))

when inspiration won't wait

Internal internationalism

July26

chinese flagI’ve noticed that I tend to make more Asian type noises when I’m in this part of the world.  I’ve always done that whenever I’m speaking Chinese and occasionally with Asian friends when I’m speaking English, but now I find I’m doing it far more.  It’s strange because I’m usually either in one mindset or another, but now there’s this mixing of speaking English but making more Chinese noises.  This ranges from saying “wah” instead of “whoa,” “aiyah” instead of “ugh,” and “ah?!” instead of “huh?!”  They’re subtle differences, but I notice them and I wonder if other people do too.  Isn’t it interesting how different the sounds we make are?  I guess that means that every language also has it own distinctive onomatopoeias to reflect the way they perceive the sounds that are made.

british flagAdditionally, I’ve been thinking in a British accent lately, which makes no sense to me since I’ve always sucked at pronouncing things the way they do.  Of course, in my mind it all comes out right, but that still doesn’t explain why that happened to begin with.  Perhaps I’m getting confused by all the British and Australian accents I’ve been surrounded by while traveling.  It seems like everyone but Americans are out and about exploring the world, and now I sound like them too, in my mind.  I’ve always switched between thinking in Chinese and English, but I must say this is the first time my English has taken on a new accent.  o.O

I seem to be very confused internally.

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2 Comments to

“Internal internationalism”

  1. Avatar July 27th, 2009 at 1:33 am Jasmin Hu Says:

    lol i TOTALLY do the “aiyah” when i’m with my family and/or chinese-speaking people. it’s a mindset thing, i never do that with english-speaking friends.


  2. Avatar July 27th, 2009 at 7:07 am Kat Argonza Says:

    I always do that… weird huh I don’t say Aiya, but I say the pinoy equivalent of Ay Nako.


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laelene


My philosophy is simple: things change. Therefore, we are all on a lifelong journey of discovery. We should be flexible, questioning, learning, adapting, and growing. Always.

little fat notebook pays homage to Mead's "fat lil' notebooks" that I use to write down any thoughts that strike me throughout the day. I keep one by my side at all times. After all, inspiration waits for no one.
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