More productive questions

In deciding which few words and phrases to learn how to say in a foreign language, keep in mind that knowing simply how to ask “Where is...?” is risky. If you are truly at sea in the local language, then it’s my experience that you are very unlikely to understand the answer.

In my opinion, it would work better to learn how to say, “I need the direction to...” and simultaneously point (in any direction) with a “querying” look on your face.

Similarly, if you ask the question “What time” or “When?,” you’re not likely to understand the answer. Assuming you’re wearing a watch, the “point with querying look” should handle it.

In many cases, try to structure a question so it can ONLY be answered “Yes” or “No.” This will make it much simpler for both questioner and respondent.

I remember one morning, many years ago, dropping off a motorcycle wheel for a tire repair in Mykonos. While I did speak a fair amount of basic Greek, I had difficulty with accents. When I asked (correctly, it turned out) when I might pick up the wheel, the response was unintelligible to me. This was disconcerting as, in MY opinion, I could count quite well! So I asked again, and he in a VERY exasperated voice said, in Greek, “When the sun is there” and pointed at an angle in the sky.

I was in the middle of the village so did not know directions. My next question was “Which way is north?” THEN I could decipher his comment and say, “See you at 2 o’clock.”

DAAN VAN ALDERWERELT

Merritt Island, FL