Language Trial and Error…
…at the Neighborhood Pharmacy
Jason got a sunburn surfing and he took it upon himself to go get some aloe. For this type of product, you have to go into the pharmacy, where one of the clerks is bound to ask if she can help, rather than let you walk around until you find what you need. Knowing this, he looked up the word for aloe in Portuguese before going. Aloés (with three syllables, like edelweiss). Perfect. When Jason told the helpful clerk what he needed she lit up, happy to be of service and said that yes, they had that and proudly walked him to the display. Of Always brand maxi pads. “Aloés” sounds a whole lot like “Always” from the American mouth to the Brazilian ear.
By Nicole Chance
Assistant Director, Middlebury International Programs
