Thus, even Dr Liberman would have to acknowledge that someone in Bob's position poses special challenges. But, nevertheless, with a bit of practice, we also know it is possible to turn, "I play four saxophones" into, "Say, is that a Selmer Mach VI you're packing?"

Dare we imagine?

The sax man lights up and responds positively to Bob. Bob is careful to keep the conversation focussed on the sax man and his Mach VI. He doesn't have to tell the sax man that he, too, plays sax. The sax man can already figure that out.

Dare we imagine?

The sax man holds up his pride and joy. "Care to give it a test drive?"

Next thing, the sax man is pointing to his additional saxes up on the stage. No true sax man shows up to a gig with just one sax. "You going to be sticking around?" the sax man asks.

Bob doesn't need a translation. He's just been invited to sit in with the band. He manages to frame his response in the form of a joke: "Only if you play Woolly Bully," he chirps.