22 April 2013

This is a true story from the Japanese Embassy


A few days ago, Prime Minister Mori was given some Basic English conversation training before  he visits Washington and meets president Barack  Obama...

The instructor told Mori Prime Minister, when you  shake hand with President Obama, please say  "How are you".
Then Mr. Obama should say, "I am fine, and you?" Now, you should say "me too".
Afterwards we, translators, will do the work for you."

It looks quite simple, but the truth is...

When Mori met Obama , he mistakenly said "Who are you?" (Instead of "How are you?".)

Mr. Obama was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:

"Well, I'm Michelle's husband, ha-ha..."

Then Mori replied "me too, ha-ha.. .".

Then there was a long silence in the meeting room.

Moral of the Story :  Let Experts do their Work