Wednesday’s Word – Communication

gmail-language-translation (Photo credit: denharsh)

I am hosting an international student who knows very little English.  It is interesting to attempt communication, through words, signals and in this day and age, an online translation tool.  Little by little we are making progress, and it reminds me how much we take for granted in what we say and how we say it.  The next time I speak to someone who does not know English, I am planning my words more carefully.

Think of how your words might sound to someone who doesn’t know your language – how might you then choose differently?

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The Worth of Friends

Given the time that is coming upon us with political debates and a Presidential election in the US, I thought this was appropriate to post.  Good to be reminded…

The Language Of The Heart

Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on 13 May 1998 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

I can remember the first couple of times I traveled to Italy, and would attempt to speak the language.  Especially in the marketplace, Italians for the most part, were appreciative of my attempt.  I must say I’m a little out of practice now, but I remember well how much of a difference it made – to the hotel desk clerk, the grocery clerk, the train ticket office, etc.  It always produced a smile and a soft, helpful tone.  (Except once when I was in Venice – but then, the poor vendor probably was sick of dealing with foreigners.)  Even when in “English-speaking” countries, the natives appreciate when you understand their idioms.

Have you tried to learn some phrases when you have visited other countries?  Do you notice a difference in treatment when you try to speak someone else’s language?  Share your stories with us!

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Getting To Know You

Abraham Lincoln (Photo credit: George Eastman House)

“I don’t like that man.  I must get to know him better.”  ~Abraham Lincoln

I wonder what our world would look like if we took this quote to heart.  What do you think?

Remember What Mom Always Said…

The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid.  ~Author Unknown

It reminds me of what most of us probably heard our moms say:  If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

What do you think? Does that still hold true for today?