Classic Finn wrote:Ira that what you say about the French is very true.. They travel around the world as well in Europe only speaking French - even though they can speak English at a reasonable level and then some.. However they carry their heads so proud... that they expect everyone else obviously to speak it automatically in return...
The Quebecois aren't much better. I was attending a reenactment of the Battle of Quebec and was walking down the street speaking to my (now ex-) wife in English. Now both of us were dressed in 18th C. period clothing so there was no doubt as to where we were from and why we were there - doing a show that brought thousands of tourists to that city. Anyway, we were accosted by a little old lady who said, "Don't you think it's rude to come to another country and not speak the language?"
I don't often respond to rudeness with rudeness (oh dear, whatever would Miss Manners say?) but sometimes it's called for. I was taken aback only for a moment before replying, "Don't you think it's rather arrogant to expect your guests to learn a language for one lousy weekend? Lady, I got people LIVING in my country that don't speak the language - I don't want to HEAR your problem!"
Joseph
But it gets
Natural Born Linguists...Cool.
She was happy to practice.
