Today I went to my "Grande Debutante"(very beginner) French conversation group at the University. The other people in the group are all English speakers, but from all sorts of interesting countries. Today, it was just me, a Nigerian man, a Chinese woman, and the French and English speaking instructor from Romania. After class we had (in English) the most hysterical conversation involving the word 'dude.'
Nigerian man: It's like an American word that men use for other men.
Me: Well, actually....
Instructor: Oh good I don't like that word at all! I would hate to be called that!
Me: *quietly* Well... In America girls use it too...
Instructor: Ohhh, don't call me that! It sounds so ugly!
Nigerian man: Do they really?!
Me: Welllll yeah... I might occasionally use it myself.
Nigerian man: But you only call men 'dude' right?
Me: Um... No you can call anyone 'dude.'
Nigerian man: *very excited* So I could walk up to you and say, "What's up, dude!?!" ?
Me: *laughing* Yes. Yes you could.
I'm not sure if anyone else will find that conversation as hysterical as me, but I left that conversation with my heart especially warm. It's fascinating to see how other people view my culture, and discussing its many oddities is sometimes the quickest way to connect with people. In other words, if you go to France and make fun of America, they'll love you in a second. :)
I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1)
LOL! I had the experience of trying to explain the word "dude" to my French friend! It didn't turn out so well...
ReplyDeleteAnother funny thing about French & dude... have you ever watched Finding Nemo? You know the Australian sea turtles? I watched it in French with some French kiddos (w/ English subtitles for me) and it was rather amusing. For some reason these french-aussies kept saying "Cuckoo". I don't know if that's a "dude" equivalent??? but it was hilarious in any case.
That is very hysterical! It would've been fun to watch. :) In our family we call the guys 'dudes' and the girls 'dudettes'. :) Love you and miss you!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, this is cute :)
ReplyDeleteThe first time I heard the word "dude" it was in a series "full house" in French it was translated la fête à la maison (Ashley and Mary Jate Olsen). But I don't usually say it to a friend.
ReplyDeletePatricia