Parlez-vous Anglais?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Parlez-vous Anglais?

Who knew a simple interaction between two people who don’t speak the same language could be worth a thousand words...

31
Parlez-vous Anglais?
Vanessa Jenelle

As I trek across from country to country, I gather pieces along the way. Pieces that will help me remember. Pieces that I can give as gifts to others. Pieces that I had brought along and realized I didn’t need any more just to leave them behind.

The task of sending these pieces back home made me a pretty nervous. Not in the sense of being nervous of letting go but simply because of the language barrier. I’m traveling through France and my French is as basic as a college party overflowing with red cups and bad decisions.

My back began feeling sore from carrying five countries worth of memories and I knew I needed to ship them. I walk into this small and active post office, or as they say here “la poste.” I had been memorizing all of the sentences I needed to say to mail my memories and gifts but as soon I was next in line, it all vanished from my mind.

I stood there with a blank stare as a middle aged woman working there asked me what I needed in French. I thankfully remembered, “Parlez-vous anglais?” but then the look in her eyes was identical to mine and she began to mumble and say, “I get help…” and she pointed to her co-worker.

With a few shuffles of the hands and mumbles of words I don’t understand, her co-worker seemed to not be of any help and the woman sighed, walked back, and began to try and help me.

We both speak choppy French and English and use many hand signals. At times we felt helpless and nervous and at times it clicked and we’d smile at each other. She turns over and says apologetically, “I so sorry I don’t know English well. I really sorry…”

I was so surprised that she is apologizing to me. I quickly respond with, “No, you don’t need to be sorry. I am sorry. I’m in your country.” She smiles with the kindest look in her eyes. I could barely understand this person yet I knew her. She felt how I did in many different places I had been so far on my travels.

We fill out the blank lines, package up last minute items, and swipe my card. She smiles and said, “Goodbye and safe trip.” I reply, “Merci.”

I am so thankful for her kindness and openness to work with me. I am thankful that we, using the little knowledge we had of each other’s language, were able to speak to each other. It was a simple and sweet interaction but one I won’t forget.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

936865
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

113688
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

83599
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments