Just a small post today about a random situation I experienced no longer than an hour ago.
I walked into the payments office of my 'teaching institution' and saw an old lady I had previously never seen. Normally I avoid talking to old people, even if they speak English as a first language. I don't want to appear ageist but it's just difficult for me. Me and old people are on different wavelengths.
It's taken six months to even begin to understand the elderly who talk to me in my village. Normally, I just stare vacantly at them and randomly repeat 'Tak or 'Rozumiem'
On a normal week, I would have come back at a later time to speak to someone younger. This week I was rushed.
So, I jumped into conversation about my invoice and when I would get paid. Just a few simple questions but obviously I nor the old dear behind the desk could understand each other even in the slightest. After about five minutes of getting nowhere the old lady asked 'Do you speak Russian?', quite how I understood this and nothing else I don't know, but before I had chance to object she began to explain my queries in Russian.
So what does a clever English teacher do in this situation? I replied in Polish but imitated a Russian accent, something like how Boris sounds in 'Lock, Stock' or Valentin in 'Goldeneye'.
Amazingly, it worked. My understanding of her improved and she definitely understood me.
End result? I'm being paid in four days and the Italian teacher standing behind me considers me a legend.
Next time your in a language related pickle, think of Boris or Valentin.
I walked into the payments office of my 'teaching institution' and saw an old lady I had previously never seen. Normally I avoid talking to old people, even if they speak English as a first language. I don't want to appear ageist but it's just difficult for me. Me and old people are on different wavelengths.
It's taken six months to even begin to understand the elderly who talk to me in my village. Normally, I just stare vacantly at them and randomly repeat 'Tak or 'Rozumiem'
On a normal week, I would have come back at a later time to speak to someone younger. This week I was rushed.
So, I jumped into conversation about my invoice and when I would get paid. Just a few simple questions but obviously I nor the old dear behind the desk could understand each other even in the slightest. After about five minutes of getting nowhere the old lady asked 'Do you speak Russian?', quite how I understood this and nothing else I don't know, but before I had chance to object she began to explain my queries in Russian.
So what does a clever English teacher do in this situation? I replied in Polish but imitated a Russian accent, something like how Boris sounds in 'Lock, Stock' or Valentin in 'Goldeneye'.
Amazingly, it worked. My understanding of her improved and she definitely understood me.
End result? I'm being paid in four days and the Italian teacher standing behind me considers me a legend.
Next time your in a language related pickle, think of Boris or Valentin.
ha ha ha. I love this.
ReplyDeleteI normally get pissed of with the interned shorthand LOL as people seem to attach it to everything, but in this instance that's exactly what I did. Your story bought a smile and a laugh to may day; and, according to a text I just did with some students, also various 'happy' chemicals aflowing to my brain :)
ReplyDeleteCheers for the heartwarming comments. I've added some youtube related vids for extra entertainment
ReplyDeletelove Russian accents. they so intimidating! i am totally stealing this idea next time i have trouble in red-tape situations.
ReplyDeletelol, best post this year!
ReplyDelete