Language Bloopers: The Gift of Hostility
This past weekend we had two Finnish girls from a bible school stay a couple nights at our place while they did practical work on Evangelism in Helsinki during the day. I was a little nervous about this. I am always concerned and want people to feel at home here. I thought maybe I was bothering them because I asked several questions and they responded almost as short as they could.
Well, Sunday morning they left after breakfast and headed for the international church. I followed shortly thereafter and the American Pastor, who organized them to stay with us asked how things were. I told him I wasn't sure and that he should ask them. He let me know that they were quiet in general and I agreed.
Usually, when one stays here I have them sign our guest book. So, before they left I asked that they leave a note and did not think anything much about it until I came back. Here is what one of them wrote:
"Thank you for giving us a very nice place to stay! We appreciate your hostility! God bless your family!"
Ok, so I understood what they meant, but what a hoot!
That is like me calling my mother-in-law a monkey "apina" instead of "anopi".
For my Finnish fans out there; "hostility" on "vihamielisyys". Oikea sana on "vieraanvaraisuus".
Well, Sunday morning they left after breakfast and headed for the international church. I followed shortly thereafter and the American Pastor, who organized them to stay with us asked how things were. I told him I wasn't sure and that he should ask them. He let me know that they were quiet in general and I agreed.
Usually, when one stays here I have them sign our guest book. So, before they left I asked that they leave a note and did not think anything much about it until I came back. Here is what one of them wrote:
"Thank you for giving us a very nice place to stay! We appreciate your hostility! God bless your family!"
Ok, so I understood what they meant, but what a hoot!
That is like me calling my mother-in-law a monkey "apina" instead of "anopi".
For my Finnish fans out there; "hostility" on "vihamielisyys". Oikea sana on "vieraanvaraisuus".
Comments
People are different!
Anyhow, nice to read your blog!
I grew up pretty shy and had a hard time expressing appreciation for things.
Thanks for the reminder!
I found your blog through Cathy's blog. If you don't mind I would love to read it?! I always read blogs starting from the oldest post. SO here I'm..
Hanna