I am in Minnesota until Sunday. I had decided to do a little shopping, as I was free during the day. I had gone to Marshall's, and had picked a black sweater as a possible purchase.
After picking the sweater, I headed to the "fitting rooms" to try it on. The Marshall's employee in charge of the changing rooms said something to me--but she had a very thick accent, and I didn't understand a word she said. I am pretty patient with those for whom English is a second language, as I am keenly aware of the difficulty of learning another language. I stood there with a friendly smile, trying to comprehend a portion of what she just said. She spoke again, and I thought I understood a couple of words, but still not enough to understand her instructions.
She patiently waited a couple of seconds for my response, and then she got that look you have when everything suddenly falls into place. She smiled broadly, and finally said six words that I understood....."I see--you don't speak English". I just kept smiling and followed her hand directions to the proper room.
After picking the sweater, I headed to the "fitting rooms" to try it on. The Marshall's employee in charge of the changing rooms said something to me--but she had a very thick accent, and I didn't understand a word she said. I am pretty patient with those for whom English is a second language, as I am keenly aware of the difficulty of learning another language. I stood there with a friendly smile, trying to comprehend a portion of what she just said. She spoke again, and I thought I understood a couple of words, but still not enough to understand her instructions.
She patiently waited a couple of seconds for my response, and then she got that look you have when everything suddenly falls into place. She smiled broadly, and finally said six words that I understood....."I see--you don't speak English". I just kept smiling and followed her hand directions to the proper room.
