On Being a Foreigner

What stands out most about being a foreigner is the frequency with which I say "Comment?" That means "what?" I also ask people to repeat things. I try to pinpoint exactly what I would like them to repeat by repeating the last thing that I heard and understood, but what usually happens is that the whole sentence is repeated. There are also sometimes the small explanations that follow. I think it's an incredibly valuable experience to be a foreigner. I don't think I have an American accent, but if I did, I wonder if people would speak to me differently. I'ec always felt a bit timid to speak with people who have accents because I'm not sure that I will understand what they're saying and then I wonder if they'll understand what I'm ssaying. There are plenty of accents around here of course My main point is that being a foreigner makes me feel nervous, because I wonder if I'm doing things "the way I'm supposed to" as in the way the french do them. But no one can tell I'm a foreigner if I don't tell them anything. I mean, just today as I ordered my crepe, the lady told me the price in English and I said "Comment?" and she repeated in French. Talk about victory!