§ 196 This “Yes” and That “Yes”
A distinguished French diplomat lately put into a few words what I think is the best possible explanation yet offered as a reason for the failure of his countrymen to perceive what our national attitude is, touching on the post-war issues which so deeply concern France and, by the same token, the failure of our countrymen to make out what the people of France want and what they are striving for.
“To begin with,” said the distinguished visitor, “the two races speak separate languages—always a bar to the adjustment of contrary points of view. But even where you find a Frenchman who speaks your tongue or an American who speaks mine, there still remains an obstacle.
“For example:
“When you set forth a proposition to an American and he says ‘Yes,’ he means, ‘I’ll do it.’
“But when you state the same thing to a Frenchman and he answers ‘Yes,’ what he really means is ‘I understand what you are saying.’”