[Terry's Tale] Interesting Diversions From the Path

English, specifically US English, is the current “lingua Franca” of the world – that is to say that US English is THE common language of commerce and politics in this day in age.  This hasn’t always been the case.  A hundred years ago the transition was taking place that would wind up putting US English atop the ladder.  At one time though, as the phrase “lingua Franca” indicates, French was the dominate language.

Having the dominant language as your native tongue has advantages if you are reasonably literate.  Should you travel much outside your country you will quickly discover that, especially in the larger cities, businesses will try to either attract you as a customer or at least try to demonstrate some level of knowledge of English because of the general clientele they desire to attract. Such was the case when a friend, Kim, Tae-wan, with whom I had been working to help improve his English invited me to a "nightclub of nostalgia" The Rolling Stones which I wrote about in an earlier blog.  

 A Night of Nostalgia

Further, should you travel internationally and stay for a while in one place, people and/or companies will probably seek you out to assist with language or even other issues.  I wrote in another earlier blog about a gentleman named Mr. Kim who had some materials he thought to have come from a meteor for which he sought my assistance.

In my most recent situation, Kim, Na-re, a person with whom I have been working to help improve her English skills and who works for an international company, asked me to assist in helping her prepare for a job interview that would establish her position at her company.

Above: The Coffee Shop 

Below: The Bistro PLENTY

Below: The Bistro's door for the toilet

Opened up on the GREAT OUTDOORS!  You actually used a facility

 that adjoined the Bistro which is a rather common practice here. 

In many ways, it had the feel of high school test preparation, but within the ambiance of a coffee shop - initially, and then later at one of those nouveau bistros that provide some kind of 'retro' ambiance such as abound in the upscale shopping areas in the US.  All in all it was a very pleasant, relaxing afternoon and evening outing.