Going Nude

It was recently brought to my attention that I say "nu" a lot, as well as say it incorrectly. Both of these things really surprised me. Almost anyone that has ever had any dealings with me in the United States knows that I hardly ever say no. Katie, can you do this extra work assignment? Yes. Katie, do you want to get a drink afterwork? Yes! Katie, can I borrow $200? Uh, yes?? However, I have learned that with Moldovans I have to say no. Otherwise, I would drink 17 cups of tea a day, eat cake for lunch 4 times a week, have 43 slices of watermelon between the time I get home from work and the time I go to bed and have 9 Moldovan boyfriends. (Well, the part about the boyfriends might be an exaggeration.) After reflecting on this realization, I think that it is a good thing that I have to say no a lot because it just means that Moldovans are a hospitable and generous people (and that I actually do have a backbone.)

So, saying "nu" a lot turns out to be a good thing; saying "nu" incorrectly, however, does not. As my partners so kindly informed me, when I say "nu" they think it sounds like I am going to say "nud," which surprisingly means "nude." They then proceeded to explain to me that the word "nud" meant by saying "fara haine," which means without clothes, and "striptease." (I am not sure that I want to know why one of the few words that my partners can say in English in "striptease," but anyway…)

I have no idea why the "nu" sound in the word "nu" differs from the "nu" sound in the word "nud," so I asked my parters to pronounce the word "nu" correctly and then the way that I was saying it. Guess what? They sound exactly the same to me!!! So, my partners developed a solution the the problem, I will just always say "da!" Brilliant!

Now, this is obviously not a viable solution to my pronunciation problem. In reality, what now occurs is I say "nu" and then both my partners in unison say "nu" in high-pitched, whiney voices. I think that I must have "Make Fun of Me" stamped on my forehead in some universal language. Sheesh!

…and the Romanian is going well.