Why do you ask?
I envy those who pass their life in a community where only one language is used. Your lives must be so simple. When you add a second language, you have to rethink everything. An example: that question where you ask someone “How do you say”? Do you actually want to know “How do I say”? Or worse, “How do we say”? Think about it.
Do you really want to try your accent on the other person? Test their ability to decode your efforts? The actual question will have already been asked, and there’s no real reason to repeat. Let’s try something simple. “Where is the dog”? Something from a first year class. Do you want to have the tools to ask in the other language, or do you want to find the dog? Do you have treats in your pocket? The dog, if listehening, already understands the word, and now he wants to get a treat. Are you ready for that? If the dog is missing, do you want to discuss the situation, in several languages, or actually find the dog? Time is wasted by improving your ability to repeat the phrase.
The idea of an international language has been floated, for centuries. Made no progress, because most people are too busy for a futile semantic exercise. And those of us in a society with more than one language try not to lose the dog. Speaking of which, I need a new snap for my dog’s leash. He managed to shake his off, twice, and then came to the door seeking clarification. Were there treats, inside? And at no time did I have to ask “Where is the dog”? He knew, already. Yes, I want to repair his lead, because asking others for his whereabouts causes stress. I feel like I have been lax in letting him wander from the bottom of the stairs to the door. And if I ask my initial question in the wrong language, I’ve made the situation worse.
