The Sudbrock Scoop

Denglisch

Denglisch runs rampant in our house. For us it is just a normal part of everyday life. I don't normally stop to think about it, but then yesterday, a friend of ours who teaches English here in Wittenberg heard us speaking Denglish and laughed. She said it was very comforting to know that she isn't the only who is fluent in everyday Denglisch. Among Denglisch speakers there is a special camaraderie that only this 3rd culture group can truly understand. I would guess it is the same with other English hybrid languages and their speakers. This morning as the girls were getting ready for church, I had to laugh as I listened to their conversation. Probably the most proficient Denglisch expert in our house right now is Sadie Jane. Just a year ago, she spoke hardly more than a few sentences in German. Now she is doing quite well and getting ready to start the first grade in a German public school. So, it was very encouraging this morning to hear her say, " But I am looking for something hellisch to wear to church this morning." Being translated that would mean she wanted a light colored dress and she settled on lilac. Then this afternoon, she came running through the house, "Skyler, did you want to borg me out for something?" Being translated, "did you want to borrow me for something?"

Not only do our children speak some odd phrases here at home, but their German phrasing can raise a few eyebrows at school as well. It is not only their language skills that make them stand out at school though. They are a peculiar lot. They don't know the most recent pop songs or collect the newest power cards. They don't wear rock star clothing or recite their horoscope. And to top it all off, on Sundays, they don't go to sporting events, they go to Sunday School. Now we are talking really weird!

Okay, so we are weirdos. For adult Christians that is nothing new, but for missionary kids, that can be a little hard to handle sometimes. When things get a little rough, you know, normal third grade stuff, it isn't unusual to hear an, "I hate Germany." "All Germans ever do is complain." "If I were only in America. . . " Those are the times when we get to sit down and think about all the benefits of being fluent in Denglisch. Those are also the times when I am so glad that we have wonderful friends and family back home who are praying for us. So, now that the weather is getting nicer and the sun is shining brighter, don't forget to pick out something hellisch to wear to church next week.

Love and blessings,

Chelli Sudbrock