Page 07

Level C1

After their meal with Doña Carmen, Anna and Michael decided to take a walk along the city walls of Cartagena to enjoy the sunset. The warm breeze carried the sounds of street musicians and the chatter of vendors selling handcrafted goods. Feeling adventurous, Michael noticed a local vendor setting up a hammock between two palm trees. Curious, he approached the man and asked:

"Hey, can I try lying in the hammock?"

Demo 1

The vendor hesitated for a moment before responding:

"Sorry, amigo, but this one is for sale, not for trying."

Michael nodded, realizing his mistake. He had assumed that he could try the hammock before purchasing, but the vendor clearly preferred to keep it in perfect condition. This small misunderstanding reminded him that permission is not always granted, and when it is denied, it’s important to accept it respectfully.


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Why Some Permissions Are Denied

While it’s common to ask for permission, not every request is granted. Understanding the possible reasons behind a refusal can help avoid frustration or offense. Some common reasons include:

  1. Protecting property or resources
    • Vendors, like the hammock seller, may refuse requests to prevent damage to their goods.
    • Museums and historical sites often deny permission for flash photography to protect artifacts.

  2. Respecting privacy or personal boundaries
    • Not everyone is comfortable being photographed or having their personal space invaded.
    • Some individuals may refuse to lend personal items for sentimental or practical reasons.

  3. Following rules or policies
    • Many businesses have strict policies about entry, seating arrangements, or service limits.
    • Workplaces have security protocols that restrict access to certain areas.

  4. Cultural Expectations
    • In some cultures, certain requests are considered inappropriate or unusual.
    • What may seem like a small favor in one country could be considered impolite in another.

Accepting a Denial Politely

When permission is denied, the way a person responds can impact the interaction. Instead of arguing or insisting, it’s best to accept the answer gracefully. Here are some appropriate answers when permission is denied:

  1. Formal Answers
    • "I understand, thank you anyway."
    • "No problem, I appreciate your time."
    • "That makes sense, I respect that."
  1. Informal Answers
    • "Oh, got it! No worries."
    • "Alright, thanks for letting me know!"
    • "That’s fair, thanks anyway."

Michael realized that instead of saying "Can I try lying in the hammock?", a better approach could have been:

"I understand these are for sale, but would it be possible to try it first?"

This phrasing acknowledges the vendor’s concerns while still making a polite request.

Negotiating Permission

In some cases, permission may not be granted immediately, but it can be negotiated. In Michael’s case, the vendor could have replied:

  • "If you’re really interested, you can try it, but please take your shoes off first."

This type of conditional permission happens often in different contexts:

  • "You can borrow my car if you fill up the gas tank when you return it."
  • "I’ll allow you to leave work early as long as you finish your tasks first."
  • "You may take photos, but please don’t use flash."

Negotiating permission often involves using words like “if,” “as long as,” “on the condition that,” and “provided that.”

Mixed Conditionals in Permission Scenarios

Later that evening, Anna and Michael sat on the city walls, reflecting on their day. Michael chuckled and said:

  • "If I had known the hammock was for sale only, I wouldn’t have asked to try it."

This mixed conditional follows the same pattern seen in previous chapters:

  • "If I had known..." (past condition)
  • "I wouldn’t have asked..." (past result)

Other examples:

  • "If we had arrived earlier, we might have gotten a better table at the restaurant."
  • "If she had told me about the entrance fee, I would have brought more cash."
  • "If I had asked politely, they might have made an exception for me."

These sentences all reflect how a past situation affects a hypothetical past outcome.

Key Takeaways

María and Tom’s visit to the coffee plantation reinforced an important lesson: knowing how to ask and give information about processes enhances the travel experience. By understanding how things are done, they gained a deeper appreciation for local traditions.

  • Permission is not always granted, and understanding the reasons behind a denial can help to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Respectfully accepting a denial maintains good relationships and avoids conflict.
  • Negotiating permission is sometimes possible by offering compromises or conditions.
  • Mixed conditionals help to reflect on how past knowledge or actions could have changed an outcome.


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