For one Scottish teenager, a late-night viewing of a comedy VHS tape didn't just provide laughs—it fundamentally altered the course of their life, unlocking a passion for languages that led to a career at the heart of the European Union.
The Spark of a Cultural Awakening
Growing up in Stirlingshire, the author had shown little interest in school French lessons, despite family holidays to Brittany and Normandy. The intricacies of grammar and vocabulary felt like a dry, compulsory exercise. This all changed one evening around the age of 13, when they watched Eddie Izzard's celebrated stand-up show, Dress to Kill, on VHS.
The comedian's surreal and absurd style was an immediate hit. A particular segment resonated deeply: Izzard's routine about learning French and his attempts to awkwardly insert school phrases like le chat (the cat) and la souris (the mouse) into conversation during a trip to France. Then, during the encore, Izzard performed an entire section of the show in French.
The moment of revelation came with the line "le singe a disparu" (the monkey has disappeared). Suddenly, verb tables and conjugations learned in class clicked into place. Understanding the language didn't just provide access to the joke—it amplified the humour. Another memorable line, "Je dois partir parce que ma grand-mère est flambée" (I have to leave because my grandmother is on fire), sealed the deal. Languages were no longer a chore; they were funny, dynamic, and full of purpose.
From Classroom to Continent
Inspired, the author threw themselves into French studies, which quickly became their favourite and best subject. This newfound enthusiasm for linguistics sparked a chain reaction. They soon began learning German, finding the process easier after their French breakthrough. This academic passion culminated in university studies of German and Turkish.
After graduation, the pursuit of language and culture led to a move to Berlin for an online marketing job, where immersion in German life was a thrill. In early 2014, a pivotal moment occurred: seeing Eddie Izzard perform a stand-up show entirely in German in a Berlin theatre. The experience echoed the original revelation, showcasing an English comic mastering and playing with a language they had worked so hard to learn.
A Multilingual Career in the Heart of Europe
The journey continued with a move to Amsterdam, where Dutch was added to their linguistic repertoire. The path ultimately led to Brussels in 2016, where they took up a position with the European Commission. Their role in communications, research, and innovation, while primarily conducted in English, involves liaising with people of all nationalities, allowing for the daily use of their hard-earned language skills.
Life in the Belgian capital has offered poignant, full-circle reminders of that initial spark. The first trip to Bruges involved passing a hotel named Le Singe d'Or (The Golden Monkey), a direct callback to Izzard's iconic phrase. In 2022, the author cemented their connection to their adopted home by becoming a Belgian citizen, filling out the application form in French.
Reflecting on the journey from a sofa in Scotland to a career in EU institutions, the author credits that single comedy show. Watching Eddie Izzard ask a confused Frenchman "Où est le singe?" (Where is the monkey?) did more than teach a verb; it opened a door to a continent, a career, and a fundamentally different way of engaging with the world.
