School has inevitably started and this semester a few of my classes are studying languages and there form. I'm currently trying to learn Thai and studying the base structure of language in my Linguistics class. In view of this Language and its surrounding culture have been on my mind. Though I'm taking this quote slightly out of context It's caused me to really think about the barriers or open doors languages can lead to.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." -Nelson Mandela
The importance of communication in our society is endless. Its programed into our being we don't even have to think about it most of the time... that is until were are trying to speak someone else's language. We love foreigners whom we can understand. They are exciting and exotic we embrace them and want to know everything about their culture. Their differences from us are intriguing. However thinking about this quote (probably out of contest as well) made me realize their is and unfortunate flip side to this behavior.
"England and America are two countries separated by the same language" -George Bernard Shaw
When we meet someone, whether they are immigrants or tourists, that don't speak our language we as people often turn hostile. We become inpatient, dismissive, and a little bit racist. I'm guilty of this too.I used to work retail at a mall and when foreign customers couldn't speak English I would get frustrated. The lack of communication can be awkward and difficult which usually leads to agitation. But I also learned that it's my lack of patience that is the problem.
"Language is the friendliest of the things from which we cannot escape" -Mason Cooley
As you may know from previous blogs I've recently been to Thailand. I can count on my hand the number of Thai words I could speak at the time. For example: turn left, right, I'm full, thank you, and hello. Being on the opposite end of the uncomfortableness was an interesting experience. Thai people don't really get angry like our culture but it was easy to see when others felt uncomfortable at our game of charades. My Thai professor talked about his experiences in the country where he lived for two years. He talked about people with thick American accents but a fluent knowledge of the language. How people loved them and were so excited they were speaking Thai. From my own experience I can attest to that. I would say thank you in Thai Khob Khun Khaa and People would love it. They were amazed that we had bothered to learn their language which isn't a global powerhouse. It was a humbling experience. I'll probably never take for granted the work many have put into learning English.
