Years ago I was guide for British groups travelling in Denmark.
In one group was a man whom I could not understand. I could not for two weeks continue to say "What did you say" so I did following.
When he looked happy when telling something I said "Oh how nice"
When he looked sad I said "oh sorry to hear that"
When his facial expression was neutral I said "Oh interesting"
It worked out rather well. One day a lady speaking a very fine BBC English
said"Amazing that you understand him - I do not understand one word"
