Fun with Language

The Language Barrier

I studied French in High School. This was of some help when I went to visit France, even though I've forgotten much of what I learned. Unfortunately, I should have studied German, because my assignment was in Germany. I learned what I could on my own before leaving, while there from a German tutor, and some more after I got back (thinking I'd probably go back someday, either for work again or on vacation). Fortunately many people speak decent English (it's a required subject in German schools) and they are very willing to help. The Swiss are also excellent at language. The French were not as good as the Germans or Swiss, but still better than the reputation that some people give them of not tolerating those who don't speak fluent French. I was able to learn enough German that I could get by in simple situations like checking into hotels all in German. But in case you don't speak the language many signs have pictures to help you understand:

[Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!]
(this is at the castle in Würzburg, Germany)

France is famous for it's wine

but maybe not this wine.

[J.P. Sick & Fils]
(Kayserberg, France)

What better place to serve this wine than here at the Cafe Hell

[Cafe Hell]
(Kufstein, Austria)

Of course there are more examples that I don't have pictures of.

In Germany along the Autobahn I saw signs I couldn't read, with a picture of a car driving off into the trees. What was that all about? (but I did get a picture of this less interesting French sign)

If you're wondering why the sign has such funny looking cars, maybe it's because they build funny looking cars.

[Citroen 2CV]

Commercial Advertising was another source of a few laughs. My favorite was Burger King's Hillbilly Chicken.

German TV was also interesting. Much of what's on is old American TV shows dubbed in German. The prize goes to Ein Käfig Voller Helden, which is Hogan's Heroes dubbed in German. It was on quite often there. I never see it here anymore, I guess it may have become politically incorrect in this country.

Finally, a story about how the language barrier can occasionally lead to bigger problems:

One day after work, I helped a co-worker move into his apartment. This took until 9:00 PM. Then we returned the rental truck and went out for dinner. Well, there was a big festival with a live band and food and drink in the market square, and the only place I could find to park was in a parking garage. We went to the festival for a while, then went to dinner. When we finally finished dinner it was 12:30 AM. We split up and I went back to get my car. Surprise, the parking garage closed at midnight. However, they have a slot that lets you inside with the parking ticket. I went in and thought there must be some way to get the car out. I put the card in the machine and it asked for DM 2, which I paid. I thought hopefully that if this machine takes my money then when I go to the exit maybe the big heavy gate will open. I drove to the exit and put the card in the slot and the machine took it and kept it, but it did not let me out. So now I'm stuck inside for the night and no longer have the card to get out in the morning. I park the car and walk back to my co-worker's hotel. The front door is locked because it's past midnight and no one answers the night bell. I then use the only available option, a taxi back to my hotel in the next town (giving directions in German). When I got there, I realized my I left my hotel key in my car in the parking garage (Hotel keys in Europe always seem to be on really big keychains, which I don't like carrying). I have to ring the night bell and wake up the hotel owner to come and let me in (fortunately at my hotel the owner lives there). In the morning I get up early to catch a ride to work with the only other person at my hotel that is working where I am, and I have him let me in the building. At lunch time I ride with another co-worker back to the town where my car is. I can't figure out how to get it out without the ticket, all there is for help is an intercom. The person at the other end spoke only German, and I couldn't understand what they wanted me to do. So, I walked over to the another nearby hotel, the one I stayed at when I first arrived, and where I know they speak good English, to ask what the procedure was to get my car back. The hotel owner was kind enough to loan me a monthly parking card he has for his guests which I used to finally get my car out. Otherwise, I would have had to pay the lost ticket fee of DM 12 once I figured out who to pay it to. I guess if you travel enough eventually something like this will happen.

Created June 9, 1996
Updated June 27, 1998
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