Earlier, Josie corrected Nonna’s English just to annoy her. As Nonna explains here why her English isn’t the best, Josie learns why Nonna gets so annoyed when Josie corrects her—it’s likely a reminder of how integrated Josie is in white, English-speaking Australian society. This also helps Josie develop empathy for Nonna. She starts to see Nonna as a person who was doing some pretty difficult things when she was Josie’s age. Indeed, the simple realization that Nonna was once 17 seems to have a profound effect on Josie, showing her that she and Nonna aren’t so different.