Language in Action

Well, here I am then, In Spain. I’m being shown around the Nerja region by a Norwegian. I’m actually staying in a hotel in Nerja. It is very near our Belgian butcher, and not far away from the opera-singing greengrocer who has now probably retired. I must investigate later. I am sitting on my balcony writing this. It is cool in the breeze, but not cold. I can see that beautiful turquoise blue sea. It is so quiet here compared with what I am used to. Then again, it is only 2.20 in the afternoon. Do they have a siesta even at this time of the year?
My Norwegian speaks impeccable English. I don’t have to speak slowly or over pronounce words so that he understands. I can speak at full speed.
The man in the hotel also speaks English fluently, though I suspect that it is only hotel English that he speaks. They never used to do that. They used t use gesture and intonation and waving of arms, but the Spanish can do it better than most. They make you understand.
And even in these circumstances, my Spanish is useful. It’s good to respond spontaneously to a friendly “Hola”, to eavesdrop on the conversations going on at reception and to understand the notices in the hotel. Curiously, the last to be given each time is the English. German, French and Spanish come first.
I’m quite enjoying being secret fluent speaker. I can understand more than I think they can. Yet I don’t have to make the effort to speak. It’s a rather good position to be in, actually.