People say that these days, Americans and British people are two nations “separated by a common language.” This is, of course, because of the more proper, “King’s English” used by many British folk and the ever lazier, slang-ridden American English that keeps driving us further and further away from our now conquered colonial imperialists. But all of that difference between “breakfast” and “breakfust” and “favorite” or “favourite” isn’t worth a plate of bangers and mash next to trying to converse with someone, namely someone you’re trying to attract, in a language like Czech.
For example, this gnarly roadie G3 can definitely NOT understand a word I say. And vice versa.
Once you get past the formalities and the basic friendly sayings you know, it can be tough, and you long for the ability to be whymsical and impressive with your diction. Especially as a writer, and someone who tries to be a wordsmith, this inability in my life makes me realize how much for granted we take how easy communication is, even within our own country.
This leads me to further understand the anxiety and frustration with the ever-growing influx of Spanish speakers in our country. However, just as I’ve had to adjust to this pseudo-Russian language, we have to adjust to the times we’re in. America is the land of immigrants, and has a history of one people over-running – this time thankfully just in numbers – the local incumbents.
Especially in California, where in several places Caucasian Americans are now the minority, learning a little Spanish to avoid the occasional general mishap – at any place of business – would be quite wise. Of course, along the same lines, those hired by companies who aren’t that adept at English need to do some training and quick, because it is the consensus language of our country.
My point is, overall, that being frustrated and learning to adapt here has made me see both sides of the fence of linguistics in America with a bit more compassion, and I think every language – especially English and Spanish – should be celebrated and treated with great interest and respect.
