As I
sit here, around a bunch of people who I thought I would have stuff in common
with, I have found myself restricted by a language barrier. For the first time
in my life (that I can remember), being an Anglophone is to my
disadvantage.
Here in Denmark, virtually everything is written and spoken in Danish. And while this makes perfect sense, being a country of people who speak Danish, I am somewhat surprised by the lack of English spoken. For some reason, I had expected for English to be more widely spoken. This assumption may stem from the privilege I have being a French and English speaking Canadian, that has lived in many places internationally, yet have always been able to communicate using the English language.
English is considered the international language of business, and while I'm sure Danish business men and women are capable of speaking English, the average Danish teenager and I may find trouble communicating. We would probably have to resort to miming, pointing, deciphering and mind-reading.
Thankfully this experience has taught me to be more appreciative and understanding of others who are in the same place. Not everyone speaks English... (duh Gabby)
