I took 2 years of High School French. I needed 4 semesters of a foreign language in
college. I choose French. I thought it
would be easier than starting on a new language. I’m not sure that was the
correct decision. In college, we blew through my 2 years of high school French in 2 weeks. After that I was lost and I struggled. Now, I retain
enough skill to get my face slapped. I might
be able to ask for a lawyer if the police take me away. On the rare occasions that
I speak French, it’s more of a Parlor Trick. Just like when I sing part of the
Korean National Anthem or recite the value of Pi to the 14th digit.
So it was not in my comfort zone when I stood in front of
Pom Klementief and said ‘Bon Jour!’ with the energy and infliction of Ms Wells
my High School teacher. She smiled. The handler was confused. I heard ‘Bon Jour’ back from her and then the words I love
to hear: Ça va?
Why did I like that? Because it’s on script. She could have
asked a million questions and I would have been lost. She simply asked ‘how’s
it going’. I can answer that. I did. We exchanged a few more pleasantries en
français. I’ll admit I got stuck but she translated to English for me.
The funny part was when I said I came from Dallas. I tried to
put a French accent onto ‘Dallas’. It sounded like: Dalloss. I laughed as I heard
it. I repeated ‘Dallas’ like I normally
do with my Texas/New Jersey accent. I bid my adieu and I left without too much
flop sweat.
AH
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