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.