How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It was more trying when among such strangers Dr. Eric Wind, a completely humorless pedant who believed that his English (acquired in a German high school) was impeccably pure, would mouth a stale facetious phrase, saying "the pond" for the ocean, with the confidential and arch air of one who makes his audience the precious gift of a fruity colloquialism. (4.2.2)
We forgive Eric. It's pretty exciting when you get good enough at a language to start using colloquialisms. Still, it's annoying for everyone else when someone just wants to show off their language chops. At least he has a better grasp on English than Pnin. What kind of person do you think he is based on the way he tries to show off using language?
Quote #8
"I speak in French with much more facility than in English," said Pnin, "but you—vous comprenez le Fran-gais? Bien? Assez Bien? Un peu?" "Trés un peu," said Victor. (4.8.13)
This is a moment during Pnin and Victor's first meeting. The reason why Pnin asks Victor if he can speak French is that, like many Russian émigré's, he fled to Paris after leaving Russia. He also had some education in French even during his childhood. With these two things combined, Pnin is probably fluent in French. He'd even rather communicate with Victor in it. Unfortunately for him, that's not the dominant language in the United States. Maybe he should've moved to Québec.
Quote #9
Two interesting characteristics distinguished Leonard Blorenge, Chairman of French literature and language; he disliked literature and he had no French. (6.2.1)
We've never heard anything more ridiculous in our entire lives. Why are you the chairman of French literature and language if you hate literature and can't speak French?!