I kinda have this weird idea where I would hypothetically visit China (where I was born) some time in the future (like as a tourist), then I would go chat up some random foreigners in China, and pretend I don’t speak English, then later reveal I do speak English, and then they’d be so surprised like “OMG this Chinese person speaks perfect English?” (because I immigrated to the US as a kid). I kinda want to do this as a prank. I mean I know it sounds silly, but its like the reverse of those youtubers that learn Chinese and surprise Chinese people. I mean, they’d probably eventually figure out that I was grew up in a English speaking country, but its still funny to do this as a prank to confuse people (especially people who’s native language is Engish) 😅.
Anyways… what’s are your stories (or even hypothetical scenarios) involving languages that you want to share?
There’s an accounting of this kind of event happening in the Catch Me if You Can novel. I can’t attest as to whether it’s true and unfortunately it’s been long enough that I don’t remember details, but I believe it’s primarily the protagonist overhearing two women talking about how attractive he is during a bus ride. I think at this point he’s in shackles, which could be considered to enhance the story.