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Like when they're talking about your women while standing behind you in Wal-Mart. You should just sit there and look like you know exactly what they are talking about. It usually gets them to shut up quickly.

At a previous job, we had long negotiation meetings w/ the Japanese. They would always hold discussions amongst themselves in Japanese and it irritated my boss.

He learned enough Japanese to thank them for coming to the US and how much he looked forward to a fruitful relationship. The look on their faces was priceless. From that they day on they left the room when they had to talk to each other.

There is a Mexican store down the street from me. Since the only other place to go within walking distance is a Circle K, so I sometimes go there. The first time I went in I tried talking to the butcher and he could not understand ONE word of English. I needed a translator. The lady in charge of the bakery spoke enough English that she gave me a "sample" which turned out to be a whole chorizo/jalapeno/cream cheese type of sandwich. It was wonderful! I guess I left an impression or something, because the next time I came in I was looking for some tortillas. I asked where the big tortillas are in Spanish. The butcher helped me out, watched me for a couple seconds, then asked in a little bit of English how we say tortillas in English. I said, "Tortillas."