One reality in the world is the fact that not all heads-of-state and foreign dignitaries speak or understand English. That is why, it is common to have an interpreter, who translates conversation(s) between non-English-speaking and English-speaking dignitaries or diplomats.
Nonetheless, some non-English speaking leaders want to "give a good impression", so they try to say something in English; by the same token, some English-speaking officials, who visit a foreign country, also try to say something in that country's "native tongue", such as, John F. Kennedy, who said "Ich ein Berliner" [in which he meant to say: "I am a Berliner!"] during his visit to West Berlin, Germany in the early 1960s -- [East Berlin was Communist then].
A recent story is told about a certain newly-elected foreign head-of-state, who neither speaks nor understands English, but who wanted to say something in English during his visit to the White House. So, before the scheduled trip to Washington, DC, he was given some basic lessons in American greeting customs, and also had several "practice sessions" with his country's coach/instructor [who acted as "US President"] which went as follows:
While shaking the US President's hand [played by the coach], the dignitary was instructed to say: "How are you?"
Then, the "US President" [the coach] responded: "I am fine, thank you. And you?"
Then, the dignitary was instructed to say: "Me, too."
And from that point on, the head of state was informed that the [officially appointed] interpreter was to translate the conversation between him and the US President.
During the actual visit in Washington, DC, the following exchange took place:
Upon meeting and while shaking Obama's hand, the visiting head-of-state somehow said: " WHO are you?"
Thinking that the guest was trying to be funny and jocular, Obama responded: "Well, I am Michelle's husband."
To which the foreign head-of-state replied: "Me, too!"
There was a long silence in the room!
Author Unknown
Nonetheless, some non-English speaking leaders want to "give a good impression", so they try to say something in English; by the same token, some English-speaking officials, who visit a foreign country, also try to say something in that country's "native tongue", such as, John F. Kennedy, who said "Ich ein Berliner" [in which he meant to say: "I am a Berliner!"] during his visit to West Berlin, Germany in the early 1960s -- [East Berlin was Communist then].
A recent story is told about a certain newly-elected foreign head-of-state, who neither speaks nor understands English, but who wanted to say something in English during his visit to the White House. So, before the scheduled trip to Washington, DC, he was given some basic lessons in American greeting customs, and also had several "practice sessions" with his country's coach/instructor [who acted as "US President"] which went as follows:
While shaking the US President's hand [played by the coach], the dignitary was instructed to say: "How are you?"
Then, the "US President" [the coach] responded: "I am fine, thank you. And you?"
Then, the dignitary was instructed to say: "Me, too."
And from that point on, the head of state was informed that the [officially appointed] interpreter was to translate the conversation between him and the US President.
During the actual visit in Washington, DC, the following exchange took place:
Upon meeting and while shaking Obama's hand, the visiting head-of-state somehow said: " WHO are you?"
Thinking that the guest was trying to be funny and jocular, Obama responded: "Well, I am Michelle's husband."
To which the foreign head-of-state replied: "Me, too!"
There was a long silence in the room!
Author Unknown