Sometimes someone stops to ask a question, and I'll say in (no doubt very rough) Hungarian that I don't understand Hungarian. They'll usually nod with quick realization and then mumble something else in Hungarian and move on, or continue the question in English. The trick is to quickly determine when I'm going to interrupt so as to not let them waste too much of their time. Occasionally they're obviously just chatting, such as "...last time I was in here I looked everywhere for this and I was told it wasn't made anymore, but now this week here it is, taking up a whole shelf. How do you like that." When that goes on too long it starts getting dangerous.
Will I just be able to chuckle and nod my head knowingly before escaping or is there going to be a question at the end, which will reveal that I've been letting them waste their whole story?
4 comments:
That's really funny. I had the same experience in Germany. A few times I did the nod and smile knowingly thing or the shake of the head and a chuckle if that seemed appropriate and then made a quick getaway!
-Chante
It's surprising sometimes how long you can keep a conversation going with the two parties speaking two different incomprehensible languages! A lot of smiling and nodding goes a long way!
Chris
Hi I understand the point you are making but I look at it from the angle that they are friendly people and you don't appear intimidating. Wy party girl
It reminds me of that little dog waiting for its owner. He doesn't understand a word she says and she doesn't understand a word he barks, but it is just nice to have someone to talk to.
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