Can you spell that please?

Toronto is a melting pot of different races, cultures and languages. I’m all for giving everybody a fair chance, but where it comes to business, especially the profession of receptionist, I feel that the individual should be proficient in English.

I made a medical appointment this morning and nearly went around the bend in the process.

The following is part of the conversation:

“Dr. Smith’s office.” (Not the doctor’s real name)
“Good morning, I would like to make an appointment with Dr. Smith.”
“Are you patient of Dr. Smith?”
“Yes.”
“Your name is?”
“Manero, Conny Manero.”
“Spell please.”
“M as in Mary, A, N as in Nico ...”
“Is appointment for Mary of Nico?”
“Neither, the appointment is for me.”
“Name please.”
“Manero.”
“Can you spell that?”
“M as in Mary, A, N as in Nico ...”
“Is your name Mary or Nico?”
(sigh)
“Neither. My name is Conny, Conny Manero.”
“Spell please.”
(Oh no not again)
“M – A – N – E – R – O .”
“Mango?”
“Manero.”
“Thank you Mary Mango. I can give you appointment for next week.”

Mary Mango? I wasn’t about to correct her. I didn’t have the patience or it.