Editor’s Note:
This light-hearted story reflects a common experience when people communicate across languages. Whether speaking English, Indonesian or any other language, literal interpretations can happen when someone is still learning a second language. Rather than criticizing domestic staff, it reminds us that clear communication—and checking for understanding—can save everyone from some memorable surprises.
As I was rushing to an appointment, I briefly stopped in our kitchen. We were trying out a new cook who had only been working with us for a few days. She seemed to understand English.
Quickly grabbing a can of kidney beans from the pantry (and this was where I made my mistake), I handed it to her and said, in what I thought was perfectly clear English:
“For dinner we’ll have grilled cheese sandwiches, chips and the beans. You know?”
She smiled confidently.
“Iya, iya.”
That evening my daughter, son and I (fortunately my husband was at a meeting) were getting ready for dinner.
My daughter walked into the kitchen to get something and returned almost immediately with a very serious expression.
“Mom… she put the kidney beans in the sandwiches.”
We all stared at each other in disbelief.
Trying very hard to keep straight faces, we watched as our new cook proudly served dinner.
Sure enough, when we carefully opened the sandwiches, there were the kidney beans—neatly arranged between the slices of bread together with the cheese.
From her point of view, she had done exactly what I had asked.
Once she had gone back into the kitchen, the three of us couldn’t stop laughing. We bravely ate our grilled cheese and kidney bean sandwiches anyway.
To be fair, the beans weren’t the only problem. The sandwiches were rather dry, overcooked and hard as well.
I can’t honestly recommend the recipe.
Tidak enak!
Perhaps the real lesson wasn’t about cooking at all. When communicating across languages, what seems perfectly obvious to one person may sound completely different to another. A few extra words—or asking someone to repeat the instructions in their own words—can prevent some very memorable misunderstandings.
The good news? This one has remained a favourite family story for years.
P.S. The cook will remain anonymous… just in case she happens to be working in your house!
Mini Glossary
- Iya — Yes.
- Tidak enak — Doesn’t taste good; not tasty.
© Held by the Author.
