After training myself for many years to look "right then left" when crossing the road, I was faced with a challenging task to unlearn this pedestrian crossing habit and adapt the Aussie one -- that is, to look "left then right". I also needed to inculcate in my brain to "keep left" and not "keep right" at nearly all times, because in the Land Down Under this is right, 'right? How irritating, yes? But I had no choice! Something as seemingly mundane as pedestrian crossing can absolutely turn into a life-threatening ordeal. And when you live in a land with limited family, friends and even acquaintances, you choose your battles and just quickly adapt to the norm.
English is my second language. I, however, need to qualify that it is actually "American English", not "English". Same difference? Not really. I have even once been told that my "English is..." (hold your breath) -- I offered the word "different", but the other party cruelly dismissed my poor chance at redeeming myself and simply said "wrong" (breathe out). My inexperienced heart (including accent, pronunciation and yes, confidence) took one of the worst beatings ever. The good thing is, I have somewhat adapted a teeny weeny bit of the Aussie way of speaking. Thanks to my flexible nature, I think I now sound 98% Sesame Street and 2% Wiggles.
My name in Australia is Maria. Growing up in a "Maria-infested" country (thanks to the Spaniards' Catholic influence and the nation's great devotion to the Virgin Mary), I was more than expected to use my second given name. Unfortunately, I can't do the same in the land of roos and koalas. All my documents have Maria as my first given name. What can I do? Nothing! Live with it! Keep an ear out for someone who would like to speak with "Maria". Interestingly, I have come across some who thought I just made up the name I have been using all my life, as well as some who found the name Maria lovely and even sexy. Hmm... Not sure how the Catholic Church would take that.
Today, I no longer get honked and yelled at for my pedestrian crossing skills (nor have I been run over by a madman), my ego has completely healed -- and is ready to take on more beating, and I've accepted the fact that I am none other than Maria. Plus, contrary to what people might think, my brain has not yet turned into mush from adapting. It's all good. Changes, changes, changes. Really, it's not that bad, mate!
English is my second language. I, however, need to qualify that it is actually "American English", not "English". Same difference? Not really. I have even once been told that my "English is..." (hold your breath) -- I offered the word "different", but the other party cruelly dismissed my poor chance at redeeming myself and simply said "wrong" (breathe out). My inexperienced heart (including accent, pronunciation and yes, confidence) took one of the worst beatings ever. The good thing is, I have somewhat adapted a teeny weeny bit of the Aussie way of speaking. Thanks to my flexible nature, I think I now sound 98% Sesame Street and 2% Wiggles.
My name in Australia is Maria. Growing up in a "Maria-infested" country (thanks to the Spaniards' Catholic influence and the nation's great devotion to the Virgin Mary), I was more than expected to use my second given name. Unfortunately, I can't do the same in the land of roos and koalas. All my documents have Maria as my first given name. What can I do? Nothing! Live with it! Keep an ear out for someone who would like to speak with "Maria". Interestingly, I have come across some who thought I just made up the name I have been using all my life, as well as some who found the name Maria lovely and even sexy. Hmm... Not sure how the Catholic Church would take that.
Today, I no longer get honked and yelled at for my pedestrian crossing skills (nor have I been run over by a madman), my ego has completely healed -- and is ready to take on more beating, and I've accepted the fact that I am none other than Maria. Plus, contrary to what people might think, my brain has not yet turned into mush from adapting. It's all good. Changes, changes, changes. Really, it's not that bad, mate!
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