The second language incident occurred while buying some gym shorts for my young man who's FINALLY going back to school next week. We went to the mall near the house we will FINALLY be moving into next week. Not recognizing any of the store names, I was relieved to see the large, recognizable letters at the end of the mall... SEARS. Is there a better place to find inexpensive, sturdy boy's clothing? Non. I approached the sales counter with my bounty, and the lady behind the counter said something to me that was totally incomprehensible. Once in a while I can pick up a french word or two because of the similarity to english. Not this time. I pathetically replied, "Sorry?". Madame repeated the same phrase, just a bit louder the second time. I shook my head and replied, "English?". Between pursed lips, she repeated the exact same phrase for a third time. I handed her my credit card, hoping that would answer her question. Clearly frustrated, she completed the sale and I walked away with my purchase, but not before clearly telling her "Merci". C'mon, lady, we're at SEARS! How pretentious can you be at SEARS!?
Maybe L has the right idea...he just skips around repeating "Merci coo coo?" I guess you can get away with that when you're six and cute.
First thing I always learn in a new language is a sincere apology for my terrible (insert language here). It will get you farther and disarm people immediately. Never forget, you're in their country now, cuz they sure as hell won't let you forget it.
ReplyDeleteMakes you think again about all those creeps who run around in the states hollering "you're in america; speak english!" at immigrants, eh? When I hear people say that, that tells me they've probably never left the county line.
It's really, really hard. Call me to scream into the phone when you have a chance.
xoxoxo
Your adoring cousin
Tip #2: Always choose the checkout/salesperson who is youngest, even if that means waiting longer or letting someone go ahead of you. Chances are much, much better that they have formally studied english and/or traveled themselves, so they might have their empathy switch in the "on" position.
ReplyDeletesigned,
me again