The Language Barrier

August 11, 2017

Coming to Germany has definitely been an adjustment from only hearing English for the most part. I actually learned a bit of German when I was younger so I understand most conversational phrases, but replying is quite the struggle. After standard greetings, when someone keeps speaking to us in German, they are met with awkward blank stares for a while before a translation is acquired.

The most awkward thing that has happened however, is definitely the transition from Germany to France. I keep thanking people by saying “danke” instead of “merci”! We were just starting to get used to German and now it’s all thrown off again which is interesting. Soon we’ll be in Belgium and getting used to Dutch as well! It’s times like these that I really wish I were bilingual, that would be so useful for a trip like this.

I don’t think that could easily pick a favorite new phrase. It’s definitely fun being able to say “bon apetit” non-ironically here in France. I would love to come to a country and learn more in depth about the language while I am there because I feel like that would give a better immersion in the location in addition to being a better way to learn.

Written By

Caroline McCadden

My program while on this DOC is Rhetoric & Justice in Central Europe. With my major, I don't have much room to fit in classes on human rights which is a subject I'm very passionate about. Therefore, this program is an amazing opportunity for me to learn more about the influence of Nazi rhetoric and the fight for human rights, while in the locations where it all happened. My grandfather came to the United States from Germany during the Holocaust so I am definitely looking forward to learning more about my own history as well. I can't wait to get a taste of German culture, and on a different note, to try many new foods!