A Small Dog

As a pilot walking through the concourses of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, I frequently encounter people from other countries who are seeking directions to their departure gate. I’ll tell you how these encounters go in just a moment. First, let me tell you how I see other people handle giving directions to visitors who do not speak English. Here is an example:

“Disculpe me. ¿Donde esta la puerta E-cinquinta de San Salvadore?” (Pardon me. Where is gate E-15 for San Salvadore?)

“I don’t speak Spanish. I don’t know what you want,” says the person whose help is being sought.

“¿Que?” (What?)

The person speaks to the visitor in a louder voice, almost shouting. “YOU SHOULD TRY TO FIND SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS SPANISH BECAUSE I CANNOT HELP YOU!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”

“¿Que?” (What?)

Why am I talking about this situation in a website about small dog care? The airport situation I have just described is metaphor for how some of us try to communicate with our dogs. (more…)