One time I had an especially hard time understanding a service tech, having to ask him to repeat each instruction two or three times, as I could not get through the accent. Finally I apologized for not understanding him, and asked to be transferred to another tech. He did so, but I think reluctantly, as it reflected on his ability to communicate well.

Another time at the former Robinson-May department store (now Macy's-aren't they all?) I asked to see a kitchen knife, which was clearly priced. In her best Armenian/Iranian/Russian accent she told me the price...three times. Finally I pantomimed opening the case. I live in an area that has a large Armenian population, and a slightly less Korean population. I think it good business to hire people who speak those languages, but at the same time those sales folks must be able to communicate in English, also.