Four weeks ago I started an intensive language course. I have class from 9 to 1 M through F. The class is made up of a Colombian nun, a Venezuelan, an Indian priest, a German, an Ukrainian, 2 Russians, 3 Americans, an Israeli, and a Chinese woman. I consistently am partnered with the Colombian nun and the German. Both are very quiet and nice. The Colombian speaks no English which is actually a blessing because the only means of communication we have is Italian and of course my favorite alternative charades. The German has decent English but I speak so fast that usually we aren't really having a tangible conversation. A few things have become extremely obvious: 1. Us Americans tend to allude to things in our speech more frequently than other English speakers 2. we use way more slang than I ever realized 3. and most importantly MY humor does not translate well. Did you know that the word obnoxious (and no I am not talking about myself... thank you very much) is an American word. A woman in my class was explaining that she speaks 4 languages and I said oh that is obnoxious (in a playful manner). Which led to a half an hour discussion on what obnoxious means. Now that in itself was OBNOXIOUS.
The Ukrainian is very nice and speaks English very well. What I have learned is even if someone can speak well, it does not mean they comprehend others when they speak. There have been several instances where I have complimented her and I think she takes it as a put down. She looks at me with a lack of understanding and a concern that I have just slighted her in some way. I find myself covering my tracks frequently. Just two days ago I said to the Israeli, “Tell the beautiful woman good bye.” In that statement I was implying his wife. As we walked away my German friend leaned in and asked “Did you just tell him to say goodbye to you because you are beautiful?” So I walked back in and clarified to both of their amusement.
The Italian family I am living with has also taught me a lot about English. They have pointed out several times that one huge difference between Italian and English, is that you speak Italian the way you write it. In English this is not the case. For example the word know. We do not pronounce the K, but just say “no”. I am also finding that I am losing my ability to properly communicate and write in English. I went to the hostel the other day to meet Kenny and attempted to ask Robert (the manager) if he had a refrigerator in which I could store the cheese I had just purchased. How did it come out? “Do you have... one of those things... you know... where you put the stuff... So I just had lunch at a convent with a bunch of nuns... (literally 10 minutes later) so could I put my cheese in your fridge?” Robert was amazed in 1. my inability to formulate English sentences and 2. the fact that I went through this whole story about nuns just to ask a basic question. My family also has found pleasure in mocking my spelling errors and increasingly poor grammar. Oh well. I guess I will take the bad with the good. As long as I can improve my Italian, all you English speakers will have to accept my English skills for what they are.
~ Kristin
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