Tell us about a moment when you used the wrong word or used a phrase incorrectly. Describe the context and how you felt.

Dear Bi-Lingering,
I remember a time when I used the wrong word. Actually, it was that I mispronounced it. I was visiting my family in Irvine, this is where my mom’s side of the family lives. When I’m there I have to communicate in Dari. If I don’t, I get scolded. I was trying to tell my aunt that I was going to take a shower: “Ma shawar migiram.”

My aunt responded with a confused look. After some back and forth she understood what I meant and explained that “showar” means spouse, so I basically said I was going to take a husband! “Shaawar” was shower. “Shaawar” is just adapted from English. I don’t even know what the proper Dari word is! At any rate, I was very embarrassed, and whenever I want to say that phrase I pause so I don’t mispronounce it, or I say something completely different: “Khode meyshoyam” - “I’m going to wash myself.”

Sincerely,
Bi-Lingerer