The Barriers of Language.
One of the interesting things about being in another country is often the language barriers. A person will usually struggle to get just about anything across from simple directions to where is the bathroom. We learned a little about the language at Combat Skill Training focusing on the dialect for the Sharana area of the country. Being moved down to Kandahar threw a kink in our communications as the dialect changed and thus we started all over. This country would be way better off if they would simply go to one language rather than the six that they have now. It's no wonder they struggle as no one wants to learn the language of the province next to them as they feel that they are offending their ancestors if they change dialects.
Anyway, I have found that one of the fastest ways to break the language barrier is to offer the locals something to eat and often sit and partake of what they are having for lunch when I bring something to share. Trust me I usually only eat the bread as the rest looks a bit scary with all of the flies crawling throughout it, but this bread is excellent. The locals make two types which I enjoy. One is a flat bread that is made into a big flat disk in a swirling pattern quite bland in and of itself yet with a oven taste. Then there is a load bread with obvious honey baked throughout it, quite good. Anyway while sharing bread we will try to talk about many things such as how many kids we have (extremely important to the locals) or how old we are and simple things that we can guess at like the good of each nation. I rather enjoy these simple moments with my escorts standing watch or sharing in a little piece of bread themselves. It doesn't take much to realize that two differing languages can communicate if willing to share what little we have. I hope all of you have a wonderful day and share with others what little you may have. I love you all, Lincoln
Ponderings
10 years ago
8 comments:
It's neat that there are such simple ways to break through barriers. It seems like people could get along so much easier if they would only try.
Very neat post Hon. It is interesting because Chancy is having a little of the same experience at his work. Most of the cooks are Mexican and when they WANT to be understood they can be understood. When they don't they don't. It is just a decision.
The same could be said about people to talk the same language. If they want to be understood they will be and if they don't they won't.
Very wise woman, mom!
One reason the US became so prominent is the ONE language. I wonder if that will continue---even the people in Europe are taught and speak English. Here--hmmm-push 1 for English push 2 for ?? Enough of my pontificating.
Keep smiling as I know you wll.
Are the escorts with you while you were sharing the bread the Afghan interpreters or the Marine escorts?Just wondering.
Isn't it interesting that bread is universal?
That's a neat story dad. Do they think more children or less children are better? Why is it so important to them?
More children is the best in this kind of society. If one is able to keep them alive through their childhood then you are considered blessed.
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