AUSTAUSCH (2)

My wife runs the exchange programme at her school. Each of the five classes exchanges with a school abroad; this year, one from Poland, two from Belgium and two from Germany. The children spend a week there and welcome the foreigners to a week here. All communication takes place in English.

Three classes have been here in Denmark this past week, while the other two went visiting. At the weekend, each child goes home with his/her foreign partner, so the teachers are at a bit of a loose end. Last night, we had two Polish, two Belgian and two German teachers to dinner, plus three Danish teachers and me. Each time this happens, we have very traditional Danish food, prepared in advance by the school kitchen; herring washed down with beer and schnaps, some sort of pork dish, cheese and coffee. Since the guests often bring with them assorted forms of alcohol from their home country, it usually ends up being a pretty boozy affair. Last night was no exception.

Two things always strike me about these events. First, they are great fun; despite all of our differences, we share a common interest in getting to know people from other countries. As a native speaker and joint host, I have some sort of responsibility to make sure that everybody has a good time. But it is not very difficult.

Secondly, it is amazing how much interest and effort people will put into speaking English. If the Brits had half as much enthusiasm for learning foreign languages, then the country would experience real gains, in my view. Sadly, however, it ain't going to happen.

Walter Blotscher