Practices in language

Tonight at the coffee shop I noticed an Asian man with long, silky hair tucked away in the cafe corner. In his hands he held tiny note-cards and was slowly going over one and then onto the other. When I looked closer I noticed English phrases scribbled on the note-card. As if sensing my stare, the man looked over his shoulder and saw me, before turning back again. For some reason, I sensed that the man was embarrassed. I thought about saying something but didn’t think that was the right thing to do.

Then, I thought, “What is the good of reciting English phrases from text when saying the words out-loud and having someone with you to speak the language is what really makes the difference?”

I considered approaching the man and saying, “Look, I speak English. I even plan on teaching English one day. If you want, I can help you. I can speak English with you.”

Sadly, this story did not end with the young barista befriending a foreigner and teaching him how to communicate and make his way in the snowy state that is Michigan. I did notice the man stayed at his practice until the cafe finally closed. Perhaps he will become a regular. Perhaps he already has a brilliant tutor and is well onto his path for success.