|
Collecting Politeness
Witnessed recently in a Fuerte bar.
“ Can I have some service here? When you have a minute Manuel,
or is it José? I say old chap CAN I HAVE SOME SERVICE HERE!!”
Sadly, the same old story unfolds with depressing monotony when
we English speakers expect the waiting (sic) world to
understand our native tongue. And if we raise our voice, surely
comprehension is just around the corner?
Not so.
Since arriving, I have experienced some mind-bending
conversations, however what is the point in shouting? Because
other nationalities cannot interpret the sounds I make, as that
is all they are, sounds, that certain listening ears recognise.
Regardless of how frustrating the conversations become, I find
stimulus, or should that be stimuli? attempting another idiom
thereby flinging open the curtains of comprehension and
allowing in the light of understanding?
Oh, and making friends.
So it was with considerable interest that this week my adopted
village has seen an influx of Italians, assumption leading me
along the thought process that this must be a major vacation
period for that nation, a sort of August Bank Holiday.
Accordingly my almost daily peregrination along the surf beach
has introduced me to a number of this nationality, young
Italian families, (everyone seems young compared to me these
days!) Successful, upwardly mobile if that phrase still
applies, the majority whom simply don’t speak English.
Ok, it may be fairer to suggest that we all, Italians included,
should make more of a communication effort but it simply
strikes me that the British, are the worst culprits when it
comes to even approaching an attempt at language.
So while my weekly Spanish lesson continues into month number
three, and a grapple with preterite, (the preterite is winning)
I have started memorising sentences in other language…. with
the German….
…Entschuldigen Sie, aber ich spreche nicht kein Deutsch…,
…already consigned to my cerebral database, I am now attempting
the same phrase in Italian and should perhaps try to string
together a few apologetic words in an Eastern block argot.
No, the irony of indicating to individuals from around our
world in a perfect sentence of their language that we are about
to experience serious communication difficulties is not lost on
this silly saltire……
….and in the meantime… I will continue collecting politeness.
Talk again soon….in English!!
Surf Bum
Donald Innes is a writer and photographer,
see more of his pictures on
http://donaldinnesross-aplaceforinnes.blogspot.com
If you are interested in buying any of his pictures just
call him on 662 529580
|
