Fifth Meeting with Hashim

Keeping with tradition, Hashim and I met at Union Grounds. He warned me that he might be a little late because he was coming back from a field trip. Hashim showed up only five minutes after I did. But he was definitely worn down. I asked him about his field trip and he did not hold back his frustration. Friday, the IEP students went into Dallas. They were given two options: visit the aquarium, or visit museums. To his dismay, one of his good friends wanted to go to the museums instead. So, Hashim went with him and had a few up and downs. They waited in line at the first museum but before getting in, one of the teachers told the students they didn’t have time for this museum. Hashim was a little agitated for waiting and moved onto the next museum. He shared a few other funny incidents that happened during the trip. Looking back on his storytelling, I could see how animated he was. Hashim paused at all the right points, added animation, and talked with his hands. It is impressive that he is able to do so in a second language.

Another point of discussion was the infamous statue. While we were sitting, Hashim pointed out the statue and asked me how much I thought it cost. I was surprised that he had heard about the statue cost! We talked about the controversy surrounding the statue. Hashim hadn’t actually heard anything about the statue besides the cost. I told him what we had talked about in class. As we joked about the statue, several adults took pictures with the statue. Most were touring the school with high schoolers and I’m assuming others were alumni. Both of us were unaware that people liked the statue! Before we wore the subject out, a certain SGA President brought a small group of people to the statue. I pointed out to this certain person and explained who he was. I wanted to quiet down but Hashim mocked the statue as the certain person passed! Retelling it now is funny, but I was embarrassed when it happened! To change the subject, I brought up the reading. I explained that we have been examining humor from a few cultures and just started a book on Arab culture. I could tell Hashim was immediately stunned that we were beginning Arab humor. When I told him the book focused on Juha, his astonishment turned to enthusiasm.  He had no clue that there were translated versions of Juha. He started to explain just as the introduction to the book. He told me that there are so many stories of Juha. Juha is sometimes poor, wealthy, idiotic, genius, and everything in between. He asked me what stories we had read and the format of the book. I told him we had started on “Wit and Wisdom” and shared a few that I could remember. He laughed along as I retold them. He then told me that he didn’t care for reading when he was younger. He never read or focused on books. But, holding his hands about 5 or 6 inches apart, he demonstrated the size of the one book he did read. This one book held stories of Juha. He said he would thumb through it and read the short stories. The tales of Juha held a great impact on his childhood. He was eager to share information about Juha and how it really is a staple in his culture.

I was glad to meet with Hashim again. Each time we meet, conversation flows easier. We are always able to find something to talk about. Again, I’m glad I am able to teach him about our culture just as he teaches me. I’m curious to keep reading Tales of Juha so I have more things to share with Hashim.