An example of understatement in the essay “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” written by American humorist David Sedaris, is when the author describes the two Polish students in the class he attends as “less than sophisticated” because of their limited French vocabulary. In reality, the two students absolutely butchered their individual introductions. Here, Sedaris utilizes understatement to a humorous effect, underscoring the absurdity in expecting beginner learners to introduce themselves in fluent French.

Meanwhile, one instance of irony in the essay is when the author realizes that he does not know the French alphabet. He starts the class confident of himself because has spent a few summers in Normandy, as well as taken a beginner French course in New York. Once he realizes that he lacks such basic knowledge, however, he is quickly deflated.

Another instance of irony is when Sedaris grows to fear all forms of communication because of the stresses of his French class. Even though the class is meant to make him more eloquent and self-confident, its actual effects are the opposite. In a humorous bit, he illustrates how he and his classmates have even regressed in speech.

My only comfort was the knowledge that I was not alone. Huddled in the hallways and making the most of our pathetic French, my fellow students and I engaged in the sort of conversation commonly overheard in refugee camps.

“Sometime me cry alone at night.”

“That be common for I, also, but be more strong, you. Much work and someday you talk pretty. People start love you soon. Maybe tomorrow, okay.”

In both of these examples, Sedaris juxtaposes the supposed sophistication of the French language and his own bumbling attempts to learn it. He uses humorous irony to render his own experience of the class humbling and insightful.