Communication is an interesting thing. It involves not only sounds, tones, and flow; but body language, also.
I have found, when working at getting a thought or message across to someone who speaks another language, the LESS words used, the better.
I greatly admire anyone who can speak two or more languages! I believe in showing much respect, and appreciation to anyone who not only knows their language of origin, but also a bit of mine – American English.
When I got out of my car in the parking lot of a local plaza where I visit a SUBWAY sandwich shop, for lunch; I instantly thought of something funny. I wanted to share my funny thought with the gentlemen I saw working with a wheel barrel of cement to patch the sidewalk. I couldn’t wait to share the thought for a shared laugh!
As I got closer, I ‘thought’ the young men ‘appeared’ to be Hispanic. I did not want to assume. I asked: ‘Comprende’ English?’
(Understand English?)
Only one of the gentlemen workers responded that he somewhat understood me. I was determined to share my funny thought about the cement.
I asked: ‘You understand MAFIA?’
He responded: ‘Yes’
I said: ‘You know Jimmy Hoffa?’
He responded: ‘No’
I said: ‘Jimmy Hoffa DEAD – Morte’
He understood.
I said: ‘LOST’ (I made face and hand gestures to note Jimmy Hoffa, MAFIA could not be found.)
I then pointed at the cement and put a QUESTION tone in my voice: “JIMMY HOFFA? … ‘
As they saw me point to the cement, understanding mafia … and LOST … DEAD … they: LAUGHED OUT LOUD
I was SO THRILLED to be able to share my funny thought with these gentlemen, it brought extra JOY! OH BOY!
As La Corbusier (Architect-designer) noted: “LESS IS MORE!”
With LESS words I got MORE ROARING LAUGHTER!
I’m GOOOOOOOOOD!
HA HA Helen – grateful for getting to share a laugh.
