Unable to understand the American Language. (bless, service)

[mrscardero]

Every day that I go to work, I have noticed more and more that cars are coming into my lane. We have a sign before entering the toll that CARS NO TOLL. STAY ON LEFT. When the cars sit there for more then 10 seconds, I open my window and ask them if they have a question. Mind you, there is a sign on my window:
CARS FREE!
KEEP GOING!
--> -->

When I open my window, that's when they ask these questions in a heavy accent.

"How much?"
"Do pay?"
"Wers ticket?"
"I go?"
"Wut I do now?"
"You take money?"
"I give you this?"
"Quanto?"
"France?"

etc. etc.

I just let them know they don't have to pay. Some still sit there with a look on their face and ask me, "Where I go?"
I tell them to keep going. With patrons that are unable to read the American language, I understand. Here's the kicker.

Those that do speek the American language, make me laugh. Don't worry. I don't show it. I give good customer service. With a smile and wonderful greetings. A lot of them tap on my window and ask me how much the toll is. Not that my sign isn't big enough for them to read. It is in English. When I tell them that it's free, they ask me, "Where do I go now?". Some you can tell if you can joke with them. Especially the younger once. I tell them, "You can stay in my lane if you want, but I am pretty sure a big rig will get behind you and start blowing the horn because they know you don't belong here." Their responce? "So I just keep going?" My responce. "You can't stay here." (with a smile)

I love those who blow their horn because again, they can't read the sign on my window. Some argue why they don't have to pay. Those that argue with me makes me really wonder.

I get more patrons that do speak the american language come through my lane. You know how I know? It's when they start reading my sign out loud. It sounds really funny hearing it from the other side of the window.

"CARS FREE. KEEP GOING. Oh ok."
I hear this a lot.

[Magic Man]

Well, they shouldn't be forced to speak English! You should have your sign in, like, 100 different languages for anyone who doesn't want to learn the language of this country! That is discrimination, and prejudice against people from other cultures!

(This has been a lesson in sarcasm.)

That is really funny, though. It's amazing how much stupidity you see when working with the general public. I was constantly amazed while working in retail.

[mrscardero]

Originally Posted by mball1297

Well, they shouldn't be forced to speak English! You should have your sign in, like, 100 different languages for anyone who doesn't want to learn the language of this country! That is discrimination, and prejudice against people from other cultures!

(This has been a lesson in sarcasm.)

That is really funny, though. It's amazing how much stupidity you see when working with the general public. I was constantly amazed while working in retail.

I have this paper I bring to work with me all the time. If they can't understand me, I ask them their language and I just go down my list to find what I need to tell them. Like how to say CARS FREE. KEEP GOING. in French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and other languages that I can think of. Even in English... Especially directions. They usually want certain locations (Tappan Zee Bridge/Albany/New Jersey/Woodbury Commons Outlet) so I just take the important locations and directions on how to get there down in different languages.

[Booko]

One thing I learned from tech writing is that no matter how well designed and easy to use your manual may be, there will always be a lot of people who just will not refer to it.

No, it seems a lot of people don't read signs either.

But you say this phenomenon of people showing up in your lane is on the increase?

The only thing I can think of that's changed is we're completely bombarded by information all the time. Maybe someone's suffering from information overload?

[+Xausted]

please, dont diss the stupid people...its a form of racism...us stupidedo's have feelings too

[Neo-Logic]

It ****** me off that there is somehow this preconceived notion that the opinions and words from those who can't speak English perfectly somehow demeans their point or their thinking. It's utterly stupid and narrow minded.

Here is what happens to those who comes to the United States from another country:

-They learn English & retain their heritage
-They learn English & completely assimilate
-They do not learn English & retain their heritage

[Don Penguinoini]

LOL! You should oem over here. It is hard enough trying to understand your version of English as it is!

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by mrscardero

I love those who blow their horn because again, they can't read the sign on my window. Some argue why they don't have to pay. Those that argue with me makes me really wonder.

Lol, if they really want to pay then charge them and pocket it, everybody wins.

[+Xausted]

Originally Posted by Don Penguinoini

LOL! You should oem over here. It is hard enough trying to understand your version of English as it is!

ha ha ha, you are so right. in the last few days i have had to explain what a dole -ite was. what taking the mick is.and others that i cant even remember....i find "them" all so quaint now, bless those americans and their bizarre form of our language

[Magic Man]

Originally Posted by +Xausted

ha ha ha, you are so right. in the last few days i have had to explain what a dole -ite was. what taking the mick is.and others that i cant even remember....i find "them" all so quaint now, bless those americans and their bizarre form of our language

If you would use real words instead of those crazy, made-up things, there wouldn't be a problem. A bachelor party is a bachelor party, not a "stag night". If you'd like, I could give you lessins in real English. You might even start to sound intelligent. (I doubt it, but it's worth a shot.)