After I had been living here for about three months and studied Swedish for almost as long, I went into my bank to make a few transactions. In my best Swedish, I asked the teller – a male somewhere around 30 – if he spoke English. To which he replied no and told me that I must speak in Swedish. Stumbling and sweating over my limited basic vocabulary and grammar knowledge, I somehow managed to use hand gestures and toddler Swedish to describe what I needed.
Three transactions were on my to-do list. None of them could be made. Just as I was turning from the window to leave in defeat, the now smug clerk said in perfect English and with a smile: “It seems I have done everything in my power to make sure that you get nothing done today.”
I was so shocked by his behavior that I could not reply. Instead, I slunk out of the bank, went home and felt sorry for myself. It was such an unbelievably cruel act and so very surprising as most young Swedes in particular want to practice their Swedish. I’ve never known what to make of his behavior. My only guess is that he wanted to make sure that I learned the language!
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No, he just sounds like a bitch. That is such awful behaviour. I know you always think of witty things to say in hindsight, but I’m reminded of an episode of “Absolutely Fabulous” where Edina goes into an art gallery and the assistant treats her with utter disdain. Her response? She said to the assistant, after making a significant purchase… “Oh and you can drop the attitude. You only work in a shop.” 🙂
I love it. Thanks so much James. You made me laugh out loud. And you are right about the bitch part.
I remember that episode of Ab Fab. I loved it too!
Too fun. When will you come to Stockholm again?
Jag planerar att resa till Sverige i mars och april nästa år. Jag vill åka till Stockholm för Melodifestivalen i mars och sedan stanna lite längre.
Sorry, Sandra, but I must draw on a similar experience that happened to my mother in Tokyo soon after we moved there.
My mom was determined to learn Japanese. Riding in a taxi one day soon after our arrival, phrase book in hand, she asked numerous questions of the friendly cab driver and received long replies in rapid Japanese. Although she didn’t understand a word, she thanked the driver when they arrived at her destination.
In a broad Brooklyn accent, the cab driver replied, “That’s alright lady, my pleasure!”
I’ve always had the same question – was he sadistic, or did he also want to encourage her to keep on trying??
That’s perfect, Sharon. Thanks for sharing.
My tale is certainly one that has stayed with me…
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