"In Paris, one is always reminded of being a foreigner. If you park your car wrong, it is not the fact that it's on the sidewalk that matters, but the fact that you speak with an accent"

In this quote, Roman Polanski is talking about the experience of being a foreigner in Paris, using a nuanced and somewhat amusing reflection on the social characteristics and cultural understandings within the city. The city of Paris, noted for its abundant history, cultural landmarks, and renowned status as a hub of art and elegance, likewise possesses an intrinsic social intricacy that makes outsiders acutely aware of their foreignness.

Polanski suggests that even ordinary activities, such as parking a cars and truck, can end up being a centerpiece for highlighting one's outsider status. The act of parking improperly might generally be anticipated to bring in attention due to the logistical trouble or legal infraction it causes, such as blocking a sidewalk. Nevertheless, Polanski's observation turns the focus to language and accent as markers of one's foreign identity. The implication is that the local understanding zeroes in less on the unbiased act of infringement and more on the identity of the person devoting it. This highlights the concept that linguistic and cultural differences are typically more substantial in how individuals identify and connect with outsiders than the real actions those people carry out.

By accentuating an accent, Polanski is emphasizing how language runs as a powerful sign of belonging or otherness. An accent can betray one's origins, marking people as outsiders irrespective of their intent or behavior. This phenomenon is not distinct to Paris, but Polanski uses this particular urbane example to highlight the city's track record for having a particular cultural pride and insularity. It highlights an element of humanity relating to the unconscious predispositions and assumptions made based on speech and look.

In essence, Polanski's quote could be read as an illustration of social alienation and the subtle ways in which prejudice manifests in daily life. It casts doubt on universal styles of approval and identity, subtly critiquing social tendencies to specify people by their differences instead of their commonness.