Studying Post-Grammatic Stress
(I work for the university psychology department where several labs have students participate in experiments. A girl is wandering around the hall looking lost.)
Me: “Excuse me, but you look a little lost. Can I help you find something?”
Volunteer: “Yeah, I signed up to participate in an experiment, but I don’t remember which one or what the requirements were.”
Me: “All right, that’s fine. We can look you up on one of our computers. Can I have your name?”
Volunteer: “[Name].”
(I go to the office computer and find her name, the experiment, and the requirements.)
Me: “Well, it looks like you’re going to be in the lab down the hall and the only requirement is that you should be a native English speaker.”
Volunteer: “Oh, but I don’t know that language.”
Me: “What language?”
Volunteer: “Native English. I’m not familiar with that language, only regular English. I’ll just go tell them I can’t do it. Thanks!”
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Tell us your story about a customer who couldn't understand the most simple concept.
