Language lessons

On occasion, strangers will approach me in Seoul and ask for English tips. They know more English than I know Korean, so I'm happy for the chance to learn from them. People seem really interested in these conversations. They will move closer and stare. From today alone:

Korean: Hello.

Sluggh: Hello.

Korean: To say "agony" as it affects you. How?

Sluggh: I am in agony.

Korean: I am agony.

Sluggh: [Cupping left hand, pointing to my chest and then jabbing the cup] I am IN agony. Physical or mental torment.

Korean: Toh-ment?

Sluggh: Pain.

Korean: Ah. Thanking you.

* * *

Korean: Hello.

Sluggh: Hello.

Korean: How do you say, "I am a good selectah"?

Sluggh: That sounds good. To be more informal, you can say, "I can really pick 'em.' "

Korean: I can leelee peekoom.

Sluggh: Sort of. Stay with what you know. "I am a good selectah" is always acceptable.

Korean: Ah. Thank you.

* * *

I usually use these occasions to turn the tables and figure out something that's been bothering me.

Sluggh: How do you say "excuse me," not like "sorry" but "get out of my way"?

Korean: [Thinking, but no response]

Sluggh: I am on a bus and need to get off [giving elbowing motion].

Korean: Ah! "Mee-ahn hamnida" for old person. "Mee-ahn hayo" for young person. For children, "mee-ahn-oh."

Sluggh: And for a dog? "Mee-ahn-oh?"

Korean: Ha-ha. Yes, for a dog.