The loud & slow is no way to go...

Here's something I don't understand - the loud & slow technique of bypassing a language barrier.

Let's use an illustrative example here, kids. Person 1 (hereafter referred to as P1) is talking to Person 2 (hereafter referred to as P2). For purposes of this example let's say that P1 has walked up to P2, who is the guy working the door at the line to climb the towers of Notre Dame. P1 says to P2, "How long does it take to walk to the top?". P1 has inquired in English. P2 is a Frenchman. Hmm. P2 says, "Quoi?". P1 says very loudly and slowly, "How loooong does it taaaake to waaaalk (now he's walking in place) to the toooop (pointing into the air above his head)???" P1 thinks he's been clever, you see. Not only has he slowed down to the point of retardation and increased the volume so that people at Sacre Coeur can hear him, but he's added helpful gestures to get his point across even more efficiently. What a gem.

I swear, every time we had a great experience with a Parisien (which was pretty much non stop the whole week) we had to fight the overwhelming urge to advertise to him/her that we're American. No, really - we're American! See? We're not all total douchebags.

It was the most magical week of my life. The city wrapped us up in wonder from the first minute and we were completely enchanted. The people were so friendly and kind, all that "rude French" stuff is probably spread around for the most part by the loud & slowers. We spoke French, we made friends, we ate very well, we saw amazing art, we laughed until we cried every day, we experienced life from another point of view. We did it all. It was life changing. Pictures will be forthcoming.



Psst... now I've got a wedding to plan. *giggle* Like how I just slid that in at the end?