Paper or plastic: lessons in English and grocery bags

Rethinking the environmental impact of 'paper or plastic' recalls the role the words played in a new life for Bosnian refugees.

from the July 26, 2007 edition

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A few days after the brothers had been through orientation at the store, I was at their apartment when they came home from work. Edo had loosened his tie. "Joy," he asked, "you understand, 'Paper or plastic?' "

"Yes, very good."

"What about, 'Driva up?' " Edo asked, his dark eyes eager.

"What?"

"You no understand. Nobody understand." He raised his hands in frustration. "You know, 'Wanna driva up?' "

"Oh, you mean, 'Do you want to drive up for your groceries?' " I mimicked turning a steering wheel. "Or, 'Do you want to carry them out?' "

"Yes," he said. "Driva up? Carry out?"

So I worked with him to make it more plain to the customers.

What changes have occurred during these nine years. These Bosnian refugees are settled and have bought their own homes. Ramiz doesn't work for the supermarket anymore. In fact, he owns two businesses.

Edo has gotten married. He and his wife have two small children. He still works for the supermarket, but he doesn't ask, "Paper or plastic?" anymore. Now he manages their dairy department.

I don't teach ESL any longer, although I still see these families regularly. But now I'm in grocery-bag limbo again, just when I thought I had finally settled on plastic.

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