The Tyner Language Institute

We found this website that translates words (on their list) from Amharic to English. Most of the time, it works great. Sometimes, it doesn't work since Amharic is the boys' second language. That's right. English is their THIRD! We're trying to video every bit of them talking to each other while they still remember their language, whatever they're speaking. For those of you expecting children from Ethiopia, this website is SO helpful!

It's absolutely hilarious to hear them put together English words. For example, when they know they've done something wrong, they say, "Good boy, no?" Ben Z asked me today in Wal-Mart, after seeing a pretty overweight man, "Eat 1 cookie? No, 10 cookies!" They get it. :) And Jack can interpret anything! Even things we don't understand. Maybe it's universal with kids.

Ben Z likes to quiz us on Amharic words. He'll say, "Mommy, dog?" and I have to give him the Amharic word which is wusha, or something like that. He thinks it's funny to hear us say his words. :)



Words they know now and can say:
Shirt
Shorts
Jeans
Socks
Shoes
Pajamas
Closet
Bed
Book
Eat
Hungry
Cheerios
Strawberries
Banana
Bike
Scooter
Helmet
Car
Sidewalk
Church
School
Store
House
TV
Not now
Later
Tomorrow
Swing
Turner :)
Bath time
Bedtime
Kitchen
And SO many more I just can't think of. :)