Sometimes Language is a problem !!!
This is a true story from the Japanese Embassy in US!!!
A few years ago, Prime Minister Mori was given some
basic English conversation training before he visits
Washington and meets President Bill Clinton.
The instructor told Mori "Prime Minister, when you shake hand
with President Clinton, please say "how are you?".
Then Mr. Clinton should say,"I am fine, and you?" Now you should say 'me too'.
Afterwards, we, translators, will do all the work for you." It
looks quite simple, but the truth is....
When Mori met Clinton, he mistakenly said "Who Are You?"
Mr. Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to
react with humor: "Well, I am Hilary's husband, haha..." Then
Mori replied confidently "Me too, hahaha.."
Then there was a long silent moment in the meeting room.
(written by Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers. Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers was born and raised in the USA and moved to Japan in 1984. He has worked as an independent writer, producer, and personality in the mass media for nearly 30 years.)
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