Speaking of English Speaking

Speaking of English

"Today work, we talk English"

That's the new policy adopted by the management to enhance the communication skills in the company I work with. I actually find it funny, reminding me of my high school english class; the class where one gets to be punished whenever a tagalog word is muttered. Being a radical student that I was, I remember making fun of the rule by saying "Ouch" exaggeratedly, while pretending to be hurt; or talking animatedly to my teacher that she may stumble and be punished with the rules backfiring at her. Well oftentimes, the joke backfired at me.

Nevertheless, I tried to speak in English the whole time at work. I also tried not to make fun of people while they out-of-ordinarily talk in a strange language. I made fun with Aris and Russell doing American slang using gibberish. I was making fun of the rule when I suddenly remembered something which straightened my face afterwards: Dark lurking memories about my silly English dawned me.

There are embarrassing moments which crinkles the top of my nose and lines my forehead whenever I remember it. Worst, it involves the president of the company, a fine english gentleman.

1. Use FIXTURE in a sentence.
My boss asked why the air-con wasn't working one day. Taken by surprise, I said "It's scheduled for FIXTURE this afternoon", then realizing my mistake I walked away as fast as I could.

2. Use DISCO in a sentence.
My boss was showing how his leg injury got well at a short span of time. I jokingly said "Well, at least you can go DISCO". He smiled at my comment, probably lost in translation.

3. Use Mumbling in a sentence.
My boss asked me with something work related. I mumbled then made a escape to the comfort room.

4. Use Gesture in a sentence.
My boss asked where my supervisor was. I pointed outside with mouth closed as if directing a heavy traffic, getting rid of the conversation.

5. Use Laughter in a sentence.
My boss said something funny that I didn't catch. I laughed without knowing why.

6. Use earphones in a sentence.
My boss getting near my table then realizing that I was wearing a headphone would just smile and nod, while I do the same in response.

So English anyone? Seriously, I'll go for it then.