And let's just say, it hasn't been easy. Rather, the more accurate description would be this:
From this experience, I can offer the following advice for young players- when writing in your non-native language, it is best to exercise considerable caution with your epistles, lest you unwittingly give the wrong impression.
Read on......
During the Christmas break, I had a respite from my Spanish classes. Whilst this was good, after a couple of months, I realised that my tenuous grasp on the language was becoming ever more slippery, and that I was in danger of forgetting a fair chunk of what I had "mastered" (sarcasm intended).
After my previous unsuccessful attempt to meet a face-to-face language partner, I decided to join a website where you can search for an email pen-pal who writes in your target language, and who wants to learn your native tongue. Perfect, right?
The next day, I was contacted by a gentleman in Spain, who was keen to practice his English. Even more perfect!
Said gentleman lives on a farm outside of Barcelona, and is very interested in grass (not THAT type of grass), the natural environment, and healthy outdoors pursuits. This was a bit of a problem, as I know NOTHING about such things.
Model conversation partner that I am, I tried my best to convey enthusiasm for his hobbies using my dreadful Spanish. "Ooh, you went on a walk on the weekend? That must have been FUN!!!!!" I gushed. Then when he mentioned a new grass species he'd identified in his garden, I replied "You are very smart!!! I think you know a lot about grasses. You are an expert, in my opinion!!!!" In order to make it REALLY CLEAR that I was enthusiastic, I put a hundred exclamation marks after my every utterance, as well as multiple :-)s and ;-)s.
I thought I was doing really well, until I received an email from my correspondent, saying thank you for my "flirtatious remarks and compliments", and suggesting that I was a "very friendly lady, jejeje ;-)" (That's Spanish for "he he he")
I was mortified. The unfortunate Spanish gentleman obviously thought I was some sort of coquette, with my overly effusive praise and attempts to be friendly and engaged (NOT that kind of engaged! The other one!).
Hence, I decided to tone it down. Now, when he mentions a bushwalk, I remark blandly "Walking is good for the health. It helps the heart and uses energy. It is a sensible hobby" or when he discusses his garden, I note "Flowers are beautiful. There are many different colours and varieties." I sound like some tedious English textbook, open at the chapter entitled "Talking about hobbies."
This is boring me to death. Perhaps a return to flirting is required? (Or should that be "Perhaps a return to flirting is REQUIRED?????!!!!! ;-) ;-) )
