I just had a rather interesting experience while purchasing a package of cigarettes (no judgment, please) at the local convenience store.
Three lines: one, with young Somali girls in Hijab, bying soft drinks speaking perfect English; the other, with a blue collar-type guy buying lottery tickets in French, and me. So I responded in French. The gentleman helping me said "I don't speak French, can't you speak English?"
Wikipedia says:
Today, French is the second most spoken language in the two northern New England states of Maine and VermontA full fifth of Mainers speak French at home, and as their first language, and still, people discriminate against them. It is the first language of our Governor, and the first language of Mike Michaud, ME-02, who is likely to be our next Governor.
My response to the young man behind the counter, after he said " Thank you!" for my purchase?
"Il n'y a pas de quois.
