Man, I'm glad you made it home safely and it didn't turn into some real life Taken situation. Your observation of suddenly needing more of an unfamiliar language than usual is important. I've run out of the little bit I know in places and spaces where I could have done with more. Like you, I had some kind soul compassionate enough to meet me halfway or more to help me out.
No situation is guaranteed to have a good Samaritan bailing you out. It makes me appreciate people in the US even more who have English as a second language, who frequently accomplish so much more than I can in another tongue.
It’s humbling, and that night was sobering. It made me realize learning the language of the country in which you reside isn’t just a hobby. It’s a utility.
Good post. Quite a lesson you learned from that. I feel the same way about learning Spanish. I never wanted to converse in Spanish with people who could also speak English. Why embarrass myself. But when you’re out there and it’s either communicate or suffer the consequences it forces you to practice what you know and learn what you lack to get your point across.
You were so determined. I would have freaked out. 👏🏽👏🏽
Oh did that not come across? I was definitely starting to worry
Man, I'm glad you made it home safely and it didn't turn into some real life Taken situation. Your observation of suddenly needing more of an unfamiliar language than usual is important. I've run out of the little bit I know in places and spaces where I could have done with more. Like you, I had some kind soul compassionate enough to meet me halfway or more to help me out.
No situation is guaranteed to have a good Samaritan bailing you out. It makes me appreciate people in the US even more who have English as a second language, who frequently accomplish so much more than I can in another tongue.
It’s humbling, and that night was sobering. It made me realize learning the language of the country in which you reside isn’t just a hobby. It’s a utility.
Good post. Quite a lesson you learned from that. I feel the same way about learning Spanish. I never wanted to converse in Spanish with people who could also speak English. Why embarrass myself. But when you’re out there and it’s either communicate or suffer the consequences it forces you to practice what you know and learn what you lack to get your point across.
Precisely. Needing to get somewhere or getting something you need strips away all the navel-gazing of language insecurity.