In my first week of exploring London, I remember the greatest challenge was talking to sales associates. I wasn’t always in tourist areas and with long shifts they did not speak particularly slow. I found it initially frustrating because we both spoke the same language, but I had no idea what they were saying. When I asked a question, I also often received unexpected responses.
I vividly remember an exchange where I asked an asked for the sales receipt and the sales associate looked at me and said something along the lines of “be patient”. I was shocked by this response and was actively trying to process if she was being sarcastic or if I had done something to offend her or come off as impatient. I wasn’t sure if I had crossed a line in asking for something or if she was already planning to give me a receipt and me asking was signaling to her that she was too slow.
Small instances like these continued to occur where a gap in communication would form but I wouldn’t be able to clearly see why. I think I feel self-conscious when I make others repeat themselves or make them feel like it is difficult to understand them, but I have also made friends through these moments because we can all laugh at how some phrases or words are spoken differently. I think I’m able to value those who come to the States and learn English as a second, third, or fourth language much more now. I’ve also learned that in those brief moments of panic I can slow down and be honest about how I lack understanding and most people are kind, open, and want to share their knowledge about their culture, language, and experience with me.