Nem bilong mi Kate. Kuntry bilong mi Inglan

Bikpela man Herman na tisa Tok Pisin bilong mi Willie

(Village elder Herman and my Tok Pisin teacher Willie)

Tok Pisin is a marvellous language, the best part of in-country training by far. It makes sense and there's very little grammar. Even though most people I will be working with operate well in English local people don't so much and the more you can speak to local people the better your security network.

I am beginning to understand the paradox of PNG being the friendliest country I have ever visited and at the same time probably the most dangerous. Tempers can flare very quickly here and violence in general is an accepted method of conflict resolution. Domestic violence and familial violence is common place and part of the culture, however it is extremely rare for violence to be directed at foreigners. Most people you meet walking about will smile and greet you and very much appreciate any attempts at Tok Pisin. If you are friendly it will be reciprocated and there are many stories highlighting situations where foreigners have been protected by local people when violence has broken out. 

So where is the danger? There is very little, if any support from the state therefore you have no official back up. Although there is a police service they are under funded, unreliable and mistrusted; 999 will not work here. Each district it appears has its own rules and its own judicial system presided over by the village elders. (This of course is merely my understanding after 1 week in Madang, I am no expert!)

All in all it is essential to make friends and to make friends you need to speak Tok Pisin. I'm doing my best!

Nokin wari liklik samtain (Don't worry it'll be ok)