Communicating in Bangladesh

One of our many challenges has been trying to communicate here in Bangladesh. Neither Nadeem nor I speak the language, Bangla. Nadeem is learning some because this language is similar to one he knew as a child. I, however, am totally lost. Some people speak no English at all; others speak some English but feel much more comfortable speaking Bangla. I have seen CNN and heard a couple of older American songs on the radio, but for the most part, we are surrounded by a language we don't understand. This leads to some comical situations-at least in retrospect. For example, at the magistrate's office, he tried to give Nadeem a crash course in speaking the language, as you may recall. He walked Nadeem through the different questions the judge might ask. In Bangla "gee" means "yes". (I've probably spelled it wrong, but this is how it sounds.) The magistrate asked things like "Did this child come from the Missionaries of Charity orphanage?" "Gee," Nadeem answered. "Is her birthdate June 28" "Gee." This went on and on until suddenly everyone got horrified looks on their faces. We had no idea what had happened. Hasan explained, "Nadeem, the magistrate just asked if you would beat the child, and you said gee!" Obviously at the time we weren't laughing, but it has become a bit of a joke around here now.
Another language barrier occurs between us and the servants. One servant is mute and only uses gestures. The teenage servant only speaks Bangla. The other day I was alone with her and Kalina. I wanted a piece of fruit, so I tried to pantomime an apple. Well, she nodded vigorously, said gee, and returned with a knife! So much for my acting skills! The night we had a salad, I tried to make some small talk and motioned to inquire where the other servant had gone. All of a sudden she grabbed our entire uneaten salad and rushed into the kitchen. Nadeem said, "Why must you try to talk to her?" I quickly ran after her to try to retrieve our salad. Nadeem had his own experience when he pantomimed to her that Kalina was sleeping and to please listen out for her and come get us if she cried. We had issues with this servant because Kalina would sometimes cry a little during her nap. Instead of letting her go back to sleep, the servant would grab her and carry her screaming to us. As soon as Nadeem pantomimed to listen for her, the servant went charging into our bedroom to get the baby. Nadeem gave me a shocked look and charged after her!
We greatly appreciate any attempts for people to communicate in English with us and include us in conversation. I have a precious 11 year old friend named Mottie who lives in this apartment building and who speaks English with me. I still have to talk slowly and sometimes rephrase things, but it feels really good to be able to talk with someone. She and her extremely shy little brother like to come visit Kalina.
It's a helpless feeling to not be able to talk on the phone, talk to shopkeepers, understand conversation, or understand t.v. Even most of Nadeem's relatives speak limited English, so Hasan's mom tries to translate or speak for us. I'd always heard about language immersion programs. I've been here for a month, and I'm still lost! Luckily, love needs no language! A smile communicates a lot. Thanks for all your sweet messages on our blog-in English! :)