How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Loneliness lay in my bed and I took loneliness into my arms at night … now I wanted to read her thoughts, but they were hidden away in a language I couldn't speak. (3.1.2.1)
Contrary to what Fowler says elsewhere, Phuong is not just a body to him. Not always.
Quote #8
I walked home and up on my landing the old women burst into their twitter of the hedges which I could understand no more than the gossip of the birds. (3.1.2.26)
Being in a foreign country adds to Fowler's isolation. It also shines a light that he's not entirely honest with himself or with us. If he were really not involved, then the gossip he can't understand wouldn't even capture his attention, like dust in the wind.