One of the many problems you may encounter when you first move aboard is probably dealing with utility companies in English.

○        When I first moved to the U.S., I found that it was more difficult to understand people on the phone than to speak to them in person.

-          Could you please repeat that?

-          Can you speak a little slower, please?

-          Could you spell that for me, please?

 

○        When I was in college, I had a few part-time jobs. One of them was working for a translation company as an over-the-phone interpreter 电话翻译员.

-          In the U.S., you can request an interpreter翻译员.

 

Situation 1: Calling the internet company

-          I am calling because…

-          my internet isn’t working.

-          the reception (or signal) is poor.

-          the internet is very slow.

-          In Sydney, Australia, it takes up to 2 weeks before someone comes and installs the internet.

-          Most likely the internet company is going to tell you to

-          “switch the modem off for 10 secs and back on”

-          “Is the internet light flashing or solid?”

-          For security purposes 保安理由, can you please verify the last 4 digits of your ID?

 

Situation 2: Calling a handyman company

-          I am calling because…

-           my toilet pipe has burst 厕所渠爆了

-          a pipe is leaking 渠漏水

-          Can you please send someone out here?

-          When’s the soonest someone (or a technician) can come?

(It would be a pressing situation 紧迫情况 if your water boiler has stopped working.)

 

Situation 3: Noise complaint

-          Calling the security guards downstairs or non-emergency services

 

-          Hi, there’s a lot of noise coming from my neighbor's flat.

-          It sounds like there’s a fight going on.

-          It’s past ten o’clock and I think they are playing mahjong (or singing karaoke).

-          My neighbor's dog has been barking the whole night.

-          Can you please have someone take a look?