Lost in Translation

Many of you have heard of some of my speaking-related mishaps as an American living in Israel.

There were the several years during which I mixed up the words for "alfalfa" and "inner doubts" (nevetim and levetim, respectively). I asked for "inner doubts" on my bagel many times.

Then there was the even longer period during which I mixed up the words for "to take a shower" and "to self ignite." Viggie's friends were often surprised to hear that he was off setting himself on fire (but can I leave you for him a message?).

(Pictured: not the same thing)

Worst was/is definitely the one where I still mix up the words for "to wake up" and "to arouse." Yes, the latter has the same connotations here as in America.

I get around that one by just never using the word "wake up," just in case. Which is sometimes a bit awkward, but always far less awkward than the alternative.

Anyway. My latest language snafu was less embarrassing, but just goes to show how easy it is to slip up. All I did this time was mix up my tenses - I asked someone what she did at her workplace, rather than what she does. Why is that so bad? It's usually not - unless the person you're talking to is in their 50s, and it sounds like you're assuming they're over a decade older.

(She was pretty nice about it. Still - I think I'll stick to short, childlike sentences for a while.)