I need a new wife…
Or perhaps multiple new wives.
At least according to one of my very traditional male students. Before Speaking class began, students were asking me questions (great practice for improving English skills) and a student asked how many children I have.
I explained that we have none and in America that is a culturally acceptable choice. (In Zanzibar, the more children you have, the more blessed you are… I do not know how people who are unable to reproduce, let alone choose not to, are viewed.)
He told me I need another wife because mine “refuses to produce” children for me.
I once again explained the culture differences, so then he decided that while I am in Tanzania I should get myself a few wives so that I can live a happy life.
I think I will just keep the one I have.
I forgot if you’ve answered this question before. Does your class include any/many women? Do these comments elicit any response from them, either in support of their cultural practices and assumptions or some resistance to ideas that may be culturally practiced in the name of Islam, but do not really appear in the Koran or even the Hdith or Sunna?
My classes are mostly women, about a 3 to 2 split.
These comments were each made after class as I was taking to very small groups of students. The one regarding the presidency was quickly argued by the female that was in the relevant group.