Eva's spirit brings English to Javanese
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WAS IT another form of American imperialism? A new way to learn English in an instant? Or maybe just the kretek fumes?
Whatever it was, an Indonesian newspaper yesterday claimed that several workers in an east Java factory suddenly became fluent in English, apparently after being possessed by a wandering American spirit. The first was 19-year-old Lilik, who, after suffering a brief fit, shouted: 'My name is Eva. I come from America. I am looking for my father.'
Production at the Dji Sam Soe plant, which makes the kretek (clove) cigarettes beloved by Indonesians came to a halt as 'Eva' continued to chatter in fluent English. Lilik and her colleagues normally speak only the local dialect. Suryani, another worker, also suffered a fit and began to insist in English that she, too, was called Eva, and was looking for her father.
For two hours the spirit ranged about the factory, possessing some women with the ability to speak English while causing seizures among others. It was not until local shamen were called in that 'Eva' was sent on her way.
The newspaper said Lilik, Suryani and the others were under medical observation, but did not report whether they had retained their new-found linguistic skills. In south-east Asia, where the obsession with self-improvement has made the teaching of English big business, there are a lot of people who would like to know.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments