Using Bad Language

(I’m an American studying abroad. I’m taking a class on media in Europe. During a class discussion, one girl mentions she reads different news sources.)

Student: “I try and read sources from different languages too. English, German, Finnish, Estonian.”

Professor: “Interesting point. How about we go around the room and say what languages we all speak, so we can get an idea on the sources we could all use.”

(It’s a small class, about fifteen people, and I’m one of the last to go. Most of the other students are European and they’ve all listed multiple languages. I’m a little embarrassed for what’s coming next. I’ve taken a foreign language since high school but I’m no where proficient enough to read news in it.)

Me: *blushing a little* “English.”

(There’s a kind of awkward laugh from everyone in the room and the professor gives me a confused look.)

Professor: “You’re American. Of course we know you speak English. What else?”

Me: “Uh… that’s it.” *everyone just looks at me* “Sorry?”

(I am so embarrassed, even though I know none of the other students or the professor are trying to make me feel bad. I felt better later when I had lunch with my German friend and told him about the class.)

Friend: *shrugs* “I wouldn’t speak English if everyone spoke German. I can tell you that.”