Language Instructors and their unique position of power - The Fulcrum

Not only do they teach us what words to say, but also how to say them. They have the power to twist our words and in this case, make us doubt what we heard.

Graphic: Kai Holub/Fulcrum. Reading Time: 2 minutes My experience feeling tried in translation “Elle est très belle aujourd’hui,” I heard as I turned to leave my French class. I laughed mindlessly as my professor repeatedly urged my classmate, “No? You don’t think so?” I remember repeating “What?” as I doubted my translation of the phrase. The blood rushed to my face as I managed to translate “She…is pretty?” and I was absolutely embarrassed by the grin that appeared on his face when he said “Oui.” I recall looking out the small window, itching to leave the room as my classmate chuckled…

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