I’ve been lucky enough to have classmates from all corners of the world. Other cultures are infinitely more fascinating and relatable when you know people from different countries. But once in a while, my classmates and I encounter language and culture barriers that make what we’re really saying seem a hundred times worse. Just now, a Bangladeshi classmate from a course I took in Germany messaged me on Facebook. What could’ve been a routine catching-up conversation went haywire somewhere in the middle…
Masum: hi, Bianca-how r u?
Bianca: good, thank you. how are you?
Masum: fine, what about u?
Bianca: same as ever, how about you?
Masum: Did u marry?
Bianca: no, far from! why?
Masum: just for information………
Bianca: oh i’m still unmarried; I’m just 25
Masum: u r too young, i thought u r at least 30.
Bianca (freaking out, having palpitations): you thought i was 30? i look 30???
Masum (immediately realizing his mistake): no dear. u look so young…..
