"see what I mean?" or importance of speaking the language.

[kroshka]

My grandprents immigrated from Russia ten years ago. One month later, they moved into their new apartment. We furnished it with all the necessities, including a brand new TV, home phone, answering machine, washer, dryer, etc.

We wrote out a list of phrases that they could use if somoene were to call them or knock on their door. Their language comprehension at that time was negative five.

I came to visit them the following weekend. Grandma met me at the door. I asked her if everything was allright, to which she replied that she and grandpa were being harrased. Every day, a strange woman called the house and left messages on the machine. Because they didn't speak/understand English, they had no idea what she wanted. They kept hitting the "erase" button but she kept calling back and leaving messages. They checked messages every time they came home from walks/shopping and each time there was a message from her.

I ask grandma to show me. She lead me to the answering machine and pressed "play". A nice female voice announced, "you have NO new messages." Before I could say anything, grandma pressed "delete" and yelled, "STOP CALLING US!!! Go find someone else to bother!!" then she turned to me and  said, "see what I mean?"

[Ezranight]

Dec. 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM

Lol, that is too funny...

[my2luvbugs]

Dec. 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM

Now that's cute. lol

[MSugarKane]

Dec. 24, 2009 at 6:29 AM

LOL!