Of course language is essential to class. Take it from an Englishman.

David Brooks was right

Language barriers.
(Image credit: Ikon Images / Alamy Stock Photo)

I have to confess I have no idea what a Pomodoro or Padrino entails, nor a soppressata or capicollo, but as a seasoned, sophisticated British traveler I find that pointing at the menu and shouting tends to get the message across to foreigners.

Yet not everyone is such a homme du monde as I am, like the poor soul who David Brooks took to lunch one day.

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Ed West

Ed West is a journalist and author in London who writes regularly for the Spectator. He would like to plug two history books he has out this summer aimed at young adults.