A Day in Paradise

Banterist: Tourist’s Declaration of Understanding

More people should read this!

I understand that speaking English but adding your country’s accent is not the same as speaking your country’s language. Therefore, I agree not to say things like “Cane you put zee luggage in zee room?” and expect to be understood.

I understand that speaking louder does not necessarily make me more understandable.

You agree not to make me the whipping boy for my government’s policies, should you happen to disagree with them. I can provide you with an address for written protest, if desired.

You understand that my country has 280 some-odd million people in it, and that your bad experience with two American college kids in 1987 does not constitute a deep knowledge of the populace, nor a good reason to hate me before I’ve said “hello” in your tongue.

You will not ask me if I know Michael Jackson personally. I do not, and if I did I would not admit it.

Good stuff, read the article for the whole thing.