So Aggravated
"That frustration you're feeling? It's called heightened awareness. And it's proof that you're going about things the right way." (from the blog: iwillteachyoualanguage.com)Well, dang, my awareness is definitely heightened. And I must surely be going about things the right way. 'cause FRUSTRATION was the theme of my day.
It was one of those days when I just had a couple of things I wanted to accomplish...and all but a couple of them got accomplished.
Levels of Language
I am barely into the 'Intermediate' level of language. Barely. Meaning: I sound like a dim-witted toddler when I speak Spanish and understand a small percentage of what I hear.
Recently, it felt like I was moving forward by leaps and bounds.
People said things. I understood, and then answered.
People said things. I understood, and then answered.
Wow!
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...but then there's the other 90% of the time.
I read somewhere that you need to be close to real fluency to make yourself understood and to understand others on the telephone.
That's for dang sure.
Playing Telephone
A friend told us that the Petco here will deliver. 'Great!' I thought. One less trip out to the mall!
But then I tried to order some items today via phone, and it became evident very quickly - I do not speak Spanish.
But then I tried to order some items today via phone, and it became evident very quickly - I do not speak Spanish.
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I prepared carefully, translating everything I wanted to say and practicing it repeatedly. I've been out to the store and know they have some Employees that speak English. So, really, I was hoping none of my preparations would be necessary.
Sadly, the English-speaking employees weren't in today.
Not a problem. I am prepared.
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I got all the way through requesting an English speaker, and understanding one wasn't available. Then saying in Spanish that I wanted to order some items for delivery and understanding that they were saying they could do that.
Things got dicey for a bit when they were asking for my Petco membership number. I didn't know the word for membership, and it took a bit of back and forth for me to understand what they were asking for.
We moved on to listing the items we need. (Food and cat litter, etc.) No problem. They understood, and the items were available. Great.
Off The Rails
I don't know if the person on the phone got fed up with my bad Spanish, had other customers needing attention, or if maybe she was late for her smoke break...but things started breaking down fast. She asked something.
I didn't understand her answer.
I asked her to please say it more slowly. She spoke more quickly...
I asked if she needed my credit card or address? ...but, apparently, that wasn't what she was asking for.
Things began to break down into longer and longer silences. After one last request for her to repeat the question, I gave up and said in English. Okay, I guess I can't buy from your store. Thank you. Goodbye.
Ugh!
I wanted to cry in frustration and annoyance at myself, at the girl, at the entire Spanish language, at all things not-English and easy-for-me. AAArrrrrggggghhhh!!!
I was so completely out of my depth.
I was so completely out of my depth.
I want to give up and decide to make peace with being the ugly American wanting everyone to speak my language...in their own country.
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Sigh.
Maybe I'm just tired.
Maybe tomorrow will be easier.
Daily Hits of Happy
-Michael cooked dinner...with groceries I ordered online...in Spanish!
-I'm done speaking Spanish for the day.
-I'm done speaking Spanish for the day.
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