The "I Don't Understand" Game and The Secret Language (At least it was a secret to me)

Have any of y'all seen that old Steve Martin movie where he pretends to be mentally handicapped, so that everyone waits on him hand and foot? Well...perhaps some of the students are doing some pretending of their own. I'm not saying that lack of English skills isn't a barrier, but perhaps it's being used as an excuse. I had given an assignment in Art class where the students had to read some information and answer a few questions. Most of the Junior boys, as is typical, did not do the assignment. I have often figured that 1/2 of this is for lack of understanding. However, Thursday I had detention duty, and 3 of these boys were on detention-what a perfect opportunity for them to catch up on their classwork. I told them they had to finish the assignment, and when they were finished I would probably let them leave. They did the work almost flawlessly! And quickly, too! I told them, "Game's over!" Now, I know that they are competent in English (at least reading).

Ok, not all communication is in words. For example:

Me: Ricky II, why aren't you working? Do you understand what to do?
Ricky II: *raises eyebrows*
Me: Get out your pencil. Do you have a pencil?
Ricky II: *raises eyebrows*
Me: Ricky II, do you need to borrow a pencil?
Ricky II: *takes out a pencil*
Me: (Now he has a pencil??? I explain what to do again...)

Conversations like this had been taking place for weeks. I was thinking, ok, these students just doesn't understand me or they are just rude not to answer me. Then, a few informants interpreted for me:

Me: Peter, did you finish your work?
Peter: *raises eyebrows*= "yes"
Me: Do you have a pencil?
Peter: *raises eyebrows* = "yes"

Ha! So now I raise my eyebrows at them and tell them "Aap!" ("no") and ask if I am confusing them.