The Language Exchange

Owen, Thursday, 7:48 p.m.: Hi Leticia, it's Owen, the tall guy from the language exchange at Café Las Campanas. Thanks for being so patient with my Spanish today. I've only had a few classes, so I'm sorry about all the mistakes. Same table next Thursday at six?

Leticia, 7:55 p.m.: Hello Owen! Yes, next Thursday at six is perfect. Don't worry about the mistakes. I've only studied English at school, and I've forgotten almost everything, so I'm writing this with a translation app. Please be patient with me too.

Owen, five weeks later, Thursday, 8:10 p.m.: Great session today! This week I've learned that "chucho" means dog and "patojo" means kid. I've never had so much fun with grammar. How has your week been, by the way?

Leticia, 8:16 p.m.: Busy! I work at a travel agency near the arch, and tourists ask me questions all day. I usually answer with my hands. Have you tried the coffee at the little place behind the church? It's my favorite.

Owen, twelve weeks later, Thursday, 6:09 p.m.: Running late! I'm parking. Two minutes.

Leticia, 6:25 p.m.: Owen, I'm at our table by the window, and the window is open. You've been on the phone right outside for fifteen minutes. You were arguing with someone about a coffee delivery, and your Spanish was fast and fluent. You even called the driver "patojo." Is there something you want to tell me?

Owen, 6:26 p.m.: I'm at the door, but I can't come in until I explain. Please listen to this first.

Owen, 6:26 p.m.: Voice message (0:41). Owen speaks in quick, perfect Spanish, with the accent of someone who grew up in Guatemala.

Owen, 6:27 p.m.: Translation, in case your English is as bad as you say: My mom is from Xela, and I've spoken Spanish my whole life. I saw you at the exchange on the first Thursday, and I didn't have a better excuse to talk to you, so I pretended to be a beginner. If you knew my Spanish was perfect, you wouldn't need me. Can I still come in?

Leticia, 6:28 p.m.: Voice message (0:22). In perfect English, laughing: "Owen, I lived in Toronto for four years, and I've never used a translation app in my life. I've made mistakes on purpose every Thursday since we met, for exactly the same reason. Come in and order two coffees. In whatever language you like."