“Say What?”

IslandLife XpBonaire
6 days ago
3 min read

— Greg Whelan’s Hilarious Look at Language Gone Wrong (And Why He Wants to Hear Your Stories, Bonaire!)

If you’ve ever tried speaking another language and ended up getting blank stares, awkward laughs, or an unexpected slap on the back — you’ll fit right into Greg Whelan’s world.

Greg, originally from Newfoundland and Labrador and now living part-time on Bonaire, is the author of “Say What? Language Misadventures” — a laugh-out-loud collection of real-life stories about language blunders, translation fails, and cultural mix-ups from around the globe. Think accidental insults, cringe-worthy misunderstandings, and moments when people said one thing, but it came out very, very wrong.

“I’ve made more language mistakes than I can count,” Greg says with a laugh. “And I figured, if I’m out here embarrassing myself, I can’t be the only one!”

The Truth Is Funnier Than Fiction

Released in June 2024, “Say What?” brings together tales of misadventure that prove how easily words can get lost (or twisted) in translation. From travelers ordering bizarre dishes they didn’t mean to, to businesspeople mangling introductions in foreign boardrooms, the stories are a reminder that no matter where you’re from, languages can trip you up — but that’s half the fun.

“It’s not about making fun of anyone,” Greg explains. “It’s about laughing together at those moments when language leads us into hilarious territory. We’ve all been there. You’re embarrassed, but somehow, it turns into a story you’ll tell for years.”

The book, illustrated by Renato Tavares Pereira, has been getting enthusiastic reviews — described as the perfect pick for travelers, language lovers, and anyone looking for a few laughs on a plane, at the beach, or in the bath.

From Newfoundland and Labrador to Brazil… and Now Bonaire

Greg’s journey to writing this book wasn’t exactly straightforward. Growing up on Canada’s eastern edge, near fishing villages steeped in Irish influence, Greg developed an early love for words and storytelling. But life took him far from home.

At 26, he landed in Brazil, where he started out teaching English, and quickly discovered how tricky it is to navigate a new language and culture. “I thought I knew Portuguese,” Greg jokes, “but nothing teaches you like making a complete fool of yourself in front of native speakers.”

During his nearly 20 years in Brazil, he transitioned from teaching to translating, then to a career in health, safety, and environmental work at power plants. By the time he returned to Canada, and later came to Bonaire, Greg had collected a treasure trove of language mishaps, both his own and from others.

Now that he’s living on Bonaire for the next several months, he’s excited by the island’s rich mix of cultures and languages. “Bonaire feels like the Island of Babel — in the best way. It’s such a unique place where languages bump into each other every day. I’d love to hear local stories of language slip-ups!”

Got a Language Story? Greg Wants to Hear It!

Greg is already working on his second book. And he’s putting out an open call to Bonaire locals and visitors alike.

“If you’ve got a funny story about a language mix-up — maybe you misunderstood someone, made a hilarious mistake, or ended up in an awkward situation because of words gone wrong — I’d love to hear it,” he says.

You can email Greg directly at languagemisadventures@gmail.com. Who knows? Your story might end up in his next book titled “Come Again?”.

Why We Love “Say What?”

It’s more than just a collection of funny moments. “Say What?” is a celebration of how language connects (and sometimes disconnects) us, and how those moments of misunderstanding can create unexpected bonds. Whether you’re a traveler, a language learner, or someone who’s ever struggled with a second language, this book reminds us to laugh at ourselves and enjoy the ride.