[/QUOTE] Isn't the rule that exit row passengers must understand English so they can respond to instructions in an emergency situation? It would seem that this non-English speaking woman would be useless in an emergency -- especially when she was seated right next to the door -- and would compromise the safety of other passengers.[/QUOTE]

Yes that was my understanding.

Slightly OT but what about children in exit rows? Can an 11 yr old sit in the exit row with parent - both speak English