Ukrainian Language Day, 9 November 2005

I learned this language slowly and badly, mostly in shops and offices, and I am told my accent gives me away in the first sentence.

What I have noticed is that people are patient with a foreigner who tries. The correction comes gently and usually with an example, and nobody switches to another language to spare me the effort unless I ask.

That patience is a kind of hospitality and it is the reason I got anywhere at all.

Happy Ukrainian Language and Writing Day, with thanks to everyone who has waited while I found the word.