> perfectly capable English speakers almost freeze up when they mishear a word, rather than try to help the conversation along. As a person who speaks a second

> perfectly capable English speakers almost freeze up when they mishear a word, rather than try to help the conversation along. As a person who speaks a second language I learned as an adult, I find this situation incredibly difficult to negotiate. In my first language, I can get through almost any such situation by using humour. In my second language, at best, I can manage 'just one more time?' with a frowny face. I often think - why wasn't I taught this skill in any language school I attended?