Delftsman

An Oldie, but still pertinent

Why Is It That We Have To Speak English?

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a Naval conference that included
admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French
Navies.
At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of
half dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the
countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but
a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many
languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked: "Why is it
that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than
speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because
the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't
have to speak German."

Suddenly the group became very quiet.

H/T to Jack

Posted by Delftsman3 at June 6, 2006 10:53 AM | TrackBack