For ETA Nicholas Navin, learning baso Minang has been one of his first goals since he arrived in Payakumbuh and heard of this local language of West Sumatra. And of course, what better way is there to learn a language than through song? During his first week at site, as Nicholas was introducing himself to one of his 11th grade classes, he was fortunate enough to have three students come up to the front of the class and lead the rest of the group in singing Ayam den Lapeh or, “My Chicken is Lost,” a traditional Minang song. Going home and listening to the song over and over that night proved to be the right move. Even if it was just the first two verses and the refrain, within the coming weeks, Nicholas would find himself singing this song and connecting with the students at school, with members of the community, and even a stranger atop the Puncak Lawang mountain peak. Never could Nicholas have expected that the song of a lost chicken would lead him to countless smiles, laughs, and small moments of connection, but he is excited to learn much more baso Minang, many more Minang songs, and use music as a way to connect with his community and the students at his school.

Nicholas Navin is currently teaching at MAN 1 Payakumbuh, West Sumatra