Coffee for Hannah

Despite being fluent in English, in the U.S. I encounter interesting linguistic challenges.  Some relate to my non- American accent. When at a coffee chain, I am getting used to hearing "coffee for Hannah". It is very nice feeling when I manage to buy it under my proper name. 

Today, when talking on the phone with energy company, a helpful speaker wanted to know is it better to say Hel -e- nah, or rather Hey – ley – nah. For some time now, I stopped using my long Polish surname, thereby eliminating the problem of long spelling (S like school, Z like zebra ..)

A few days ago on the bus to Seattle, I asked which stop would be the best to arrive at the center. I was sure that I heard two people saying the name Wesleys. After a few minutes, I saw a sign Westlake Station. Fortunately I asked if I should get off. It turned out that in fact it was the right stop.

Other situations concern different vocabulary. Before going to the U.S., I received a gift - a pocket English dictionary. It was not such an obvious help as it covered translation from American to British. It contained such well-known conversions as store- shop, fall - autumn, movie theater -cinema, yard - garden. From experience I learned that rajtki (for Warsaw readers - rajstopy) are not tights but pantyhose.

One day I told Dean that he should put on a jumper, otherwise he will catch a cold. However, he treated my concern with amazement. It turned out that in American jumper is nothing but a dress. Another time, I asked for a tissue. I quickly realized that in fact I needed a Kleenex.

The American language is full of regional accents, slangs, abbreviations. It also includes words and idioms of e.g. Indian, Jewish, Spanish origin. After experimenting a with menu at a Mexican restaurant, I ended up with small, cold, spicy snacks. They were obviously not suitable for the main course.

It is worth mentioning that US government protects non-English speakers.  To illustrate: I recently I took a driving knowledge test and on request, it was also available in foreign languages.

To finish a small linguistic quiz: A caballero and a mensch were kvetching during a pow wow.What might improve Their mood: chipotle, moccasins or DOA ?

                                         

        

H.

Go Blue !

In Chicago winter has hit fiercely. In California catholic priests pray for rain, and in Bellevue it rains almost every day. However, regardless of the weather, the majority of Americans will stop and watch American football.

I see now many teams banners hung at the shops, and TV presenters wear supporters shirts for a change.  Last Saturday, as part of the National Football League playoffs, our local team Seattle Seahawks played against the New Orleans Saints. The rain on the field was less familiar to the players from Louisiana. The victory led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl semi finals.

We watched the match at our friends taligate party, which loosely means held by the open trunk. It takes place before and during sporting events. What if not a barbecue and good beer will help the determined fan cheer? Remember that a football game lasts about three hours.

For me American football is a sport quite difficult to understand (like baseball, which I had the opportunity to see live) and also too brutal. Nevertheless, the social aspect is undoubtedly its great advantage.

Before the matches the national anthem of the U.S. is sung and, telling from my experience, it really makes an impression. Football attracts fans independent of age, gender, skin color, zip code or vocation. Top athletes are celebrities and often millionaires. It is worth noting that the price of tickets for important games starts at a minimum of two hundred dollars.

The stadiums are very friendly and safe. I have not heard about skirmishes between supporters. Recently I’ve seen a cult American film Invincible. It tells a true story about a player who starts professional football team at the late age of 30. In one scene, main character’s a girlfriend puts on a shirt of her hometown club. Although sitting in section supporting the opposition, she encounters only minor pokes. That is where team antagonisms end.

Yesterday I noticed a blue flag with the number 12 on it. It was attached to a flying  helicopter. By the street blue water was splurging from the fountains.  Let me explain. Each team fields eleven players and twelve symbolizes the fans. Blue is the official color of the team from Seattle. Next Sunday Seahawks will play against San Francisco. Go Blue !

H.