I’m not familiar with Intifada Arabic and I ask for clarification.
One answers willingly, in a dispassionate Hebrew: “You know, things like: ‘Shut off you car’ or ‘Open your trunk.’”
Others from the group collaborate in the telling: “And words like ‘curfew’ or phrases like ‘Get out of the car.’”
Their list builds slowly at first, like the recitation of phrases once committed to memory in a foreign-language class and now rather awkward on their tongue. Abu Ra’id interrupts, to remind them of expressions they’ve forgotten: “There’s also ‘Open the door.’”
Building on his suggestion, they begin to pick up speed, adding to the compedium: “And ‘Give me your I.D.’”
“Or ‘Hands above your head.’”
Over coffee and kanafe in Abu Ghosh’s late afternoon sun, Jewish customers and Palestinian host rehearse these national lessons together.
From Itineraries in Conflict by Rebecca L. Stein.
August 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Categories: Uncategorized
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