I must be looking pretty FOB lately. This past week, I’ve had multiple Asians talking to me in their native languages. From my eight months in Asia, I at least have an idea of what they’re saying (”You’re Korean?” or “Thank you!”), but I have completely forgotten what to say in response.
However, because I keep buying kimchi from the same Korean bodega, I know I might have to bust out the “I was adopted by an American family” line again. I pulled out my little phrase sheet to refresh my memory. It’s kind of annoying how quickly I’ve forgotten all that I learned while I was traveling. I’m still racking my brain to remember how to say, “I was raised by a family other than my own” in Thai.
But I don’t think I’m going to pull out my Mandarin handbook any time soon. My Chinese accent sucks.
this makes me think of a certain mcdonald’s trip – and photo op – where you busted out one of your infamous “…because i’m asian” lines. oh how i *heart* you, jayna rust.
can you read korean? that’s cool!