Why Learning the Local Language as an Immigrant Matters - WATERFALL EDITION

Last night, a broken pipe in the flat above our apartment caused a literal waterfall in the apartment.

I called the firefighters who were quite pissed off with those who didn't speak French - the head of the team just came in saying "No English, who speaks French here?" - but they were very kind while communicating with me. I ended up being the point of contact for both flats.

Let's be honest—I am a bit of a control freak. When I was worried about the electrical system of the house (water dripping through the lamps!) and also about the integrity of the ceiling (which they checked and luckily was OK), I was very pleased with dealing with the situation in the first person and being able to ask whatever I wanted to know.

Taking info for two didn't bother me because the guys above were just as miserable as us. I was rather angry with the landlords who didn't give an f and had told me to call the firefighters back and tell them not to come because they thought the problem had been sorted out (but no, the water was blocked only after the firefighters came).

However, the reaction of my flatmates was different:

• one was unbothered (wish him it doesn't happen to him while at home alone next time)
• one was panicky but let me do the dirty job and asked for everything afterward (by the way, water started dripping also in her room later on)
• one was sincerely concerned but more personally involved and would constantly ask me what was going on because she couldn't follow my conversations with the firefighters.

I wouldn't have changed my place for any of them.

When you're an immigrant, unless extremely wealthy, you're naturally in a more vulnerable position.

When you disregard the local language, you're likely making yourself even more vulnerable.

Shall we play with fire? (or water - I experienced both!)