A funny little thing I've learned about communication in a new language: it's easier to fake it. At first I just wanted to succeed by answering clearly to a question I think I've understood, but then I'm not always sure I've understood what they're really asking, so I respond anyhow and follow it up with a - "Is that what you were asking?" I've learned that it's easier to let the conversation flow rather than halt everytime I think I don't understand, and subsequently risk them translating into English. So the trick then is to go along with conversations you're not completely following. Undoubtedly this can put you into some uncomfortable situations. Like the time when I learned how to fake answering the phone in Sweden and was met with a long winded cheerful response I had no idea what was being said - " (long pause) ....ahhhh ???" I said.
"Oh", he switched to English, " I was just saying how much your Swedish has improved."
I nod my head, and pick up on cue's to laugh, and I do my best to look amused when I'm not entirely sure why. It's a balance between not wanting to look like a dummy and go along with everything said and not willing to play the wide-eyed (please translate every word for me) persona, and so what you're left with is a semi-interested poker face. Not always do I have a lot to contribute and I'm careful not to be too accepting of what is being said. I think this means I must come off a little stand-offish, or snobbish, but for now I now I think I've succeeded when the conversation carries on in French.
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| Kitchen chats with my roommates |
