Why was the first word of English the women were taught water in the book the Buddha in the attic?

In "The Buddha in the Attic" by Julie Otsuka, the first Word English-speaking women are taught is "water" to symbolize both necessity and the daily realities of life. Water represents sustenance and survival, reflecting the women's roles as caregivers and nurturers in their new environment. It underscores their vulnerability and the basic needs they must address in a foreign land, setting the tone for their experiences as Japanese immigrant brides in America.