Language

[Unkotare]

Out tutoring this morning, and the father of the student introduced me to his neighbor who was also interested in setting up some tutoring for his student. It turns out that the father of the new student didn't really speak much English (I didn't hear him speak one word while I was there), but I was able to work out a schedule with him starting tomorrow. While driving home, it occurred to me how convenient it is to have language skills. It's all about communication.

 

[shockedcanadian]

Out tutoring this morning, and the father of the student introduced me to his neighbor who was also interested in setting up some tutoring for his student. It turns out that the father of the new student didn't really speak much English (I didn't hear him speak one word while I was there), but I was able to work out a schedule with him starting tomorrow. While driving home, it occurred to me how convenient it is to have language skills. It's all about communication.

I forgot who produced the quote but it went something along the lines of "if you speak the language to a man who understands you speak to his head. If you speak to the man in his language you speak to his heart". Mandela I think.

In short, far more powerful to speak to another person in their native tongue. The more we know and learn of other languages the better. Keeps the mind sharp too.

 

[Unkotare]

I forgot who produced the quote but it went something along the lines of "if you speak the language to a man who understands you speak to his head. If you speak to the man in his language you speak to his heart". Mandela I think.

In short, far more powerful to speak to another person in their native tongue. The more we know and learn of other languages the better. Keeps the mind sharp too.

If you don't speak a person's language, I have found that valuing their food makes almost as positive an impression.

 

[Unkotare]

Such nice people. It is great to meet new people who are kind and open.

 

[Unkotare]

Picked up some Brazilian food for the oldest boy's birthday the other day and got a hefty discount after chatting with the owner of the place in Portuguese for a bit.

 

[Stryder50]

I forgot who produced the quote but it went something along the lines of "if you speak the language to a man who understands you speak to his head. If you speak to the man in his language you speak to his heart". Mandela I think.

In short, far more powerful to speak to another person in their native tongue. The more we know and learn of other languages the better. Keeps the mind sharp too.

How many scores~hundreds of languages/dialects do we have on this planet ???
Makes one wonder how ET can know how to communicate with those they choose to 'encounter'.

 

[Stryder50]

So speaking of languages, my wife has been involved the past year helping a family (couple with two teenage children) from (PRC) China get to know American English.
For those who haven't given it thought, we have many phrases and idioms, expressions, etc. which can't (shouldn't) be taken literally. It is these that can confuse newbies the most. BTW, American idioms don't often match those of England/UK; yet we both "speak" the same language.

Anyway, a place for now to archive this tidbit;

20 Delightful Slang Terms From the 1930s​

These 1930s-era slang terms will blow your wig.

20 Delightful Slang Terms From the 1930s

They’re sure to blow your wig.

www.mentalfloss.com

 

[Stryder50]

I'm not sure I buy the premise of the title here, but for your consideration;

The Racist Origins of 7 Common Phrases​

From ‘cakewalk’ to ‘no can do,’ the origins of these common idioms and sayings are surprisingly dark.

The Racist Origins of 7 Common Phrases

From ‘cakewalk’ to ‘no can do,’ the origins of these common idioms and sayings are surprisingly dark.

www.mentalfloss.com

 

[Cougarbear]

I forgot who produced the quote but it went something along the lines of "if you speak the language to a man who understands you speak to his head. If you speak to the man in his language you speak to his heart". Mandela I think.

In short, far more powerful to speak to another person in their native tongue. The more we know and learn of other languages the better. Keeps the mind sharp too.

I agree. I also believe that even if we don't speak their language, we certainly can speak to their heart by our actions. That takes some doing and work.

 

[Unkotare]

How many scores~hundreds of languages/dialects do we have on this planet ???
Makes one wonder how ET can know how to communicate with those they choose to 'encounter'.

If ET could manage to get here, he could probably figure out all or most of our languages in short order.