Words, from a mostly metrocentric perspective. See Metrocentricity for pictures.

28 September 2008

Nederlands a.u.b., I need the practice

I know enough of the language now that not every person who sells me coffee instantly switches to English. Perhaps they are more indulgent these days. I understand the simplest exchanges.

Street parallel to Overtoom, late afternoon. Two children, a boy facing a girl on a bicycle. They are about seven or eight years old, the bicycle is scuffed and blue.

He says: 'Annie... Annie, I...'

He is looking at the girl, but also around and about, the way children will. She is staring intently straight ahead, as children sometimes do. His hand is tentatively on the crossbar of the bike. She does not answer him.

He says again: 'Annie...'

She shouts: 'Let go of my bicycle!'

By now I've passed them, I don't see their faces and I don't look back, but I hear him say: 'Annie, it is my bicycle.'

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