Language Challenges

We have now been in Colorado for six months and one of the things that still makes me giggle is the language barrier. But we all speak English I hear you cry, Oh No- apparently I sometimes speak in some crazy tongue that no one here can understand.

This past weekend we went to a Mexican restaurant. The waitress came to take our drinks order and I politely stated "Just Water Please". This was meant with a blank look at a highly accented "You want what?" After around five or six attempted to order 'Water' for Ethan and Myself, Nic chipped in with "She wants Waader". "Oh, Sorry!" exclaimed the waitress and off she trotted. Now, if only this was a one off. Here are some of my favorites.

Apparently no one has any idea what a Shopping Trolley is, nada, squat. Apparently a Shopping Cart is the correct phrase.

Equally stumped with 'Rubbish Bins' (Trash Can) and 'Toilets' or 'Loos' (Restrooms). A 'Carpark' is a 'Parking Lot'. Trainers are Sneakers and I still giggle when people comment on 'Nice Pants' or 'Fanny Packs'.

Of course there are tons more. I think the Brits are pretty great are deciphering what Americans mean, but the other way round and the Americans seem well and truly trumped.

There is also, of course a huge difference in the way we converse and communicate, but thats a whole other post!