Written Communication

As I write my book and encourage people to communicate more clearly around their own touch boundaries and needs, I find myself observing, even more than usual, the ways individuals communicate and touch in various cultures and situations.  I also observe the ways that people create strong and clear connection without using touch, as this is just as important.

I have observed cross-cultural use of many of the ideas that business gurus and communication professionals have been recommending for years, e.g. reflective listening, looking others in the eye, and body language. But I have also noticed, being a non-native speaker, on how people interact with me and with others who are from other countries.  In the tourist areas, some English-speaking natives start by asking ‘do you speak English?’ but many will automatically start talking English, and hope the other person knows what they are saying.  Many workers are adept at picking up on cues from their patrons and can identify whether to speak a native language or start with English, as English is default to those who know multiple languages but not the language of the country they are in. 

Conversations in Foreign Languages

I start my conversations with as much of the foreign language I know before I switch to English, ask for clarification, or request slower speech.  I find people are more communicative and warm in return than if I just lead in English.  My mother is visiting, and she says in Swedish ‘do you speak English.’   It seems to me that people are also more open with this level of communication.  Perhaps because it shows a basic attempt to learn and respect where we are?

People I have met are more than willing to help me learn their language.  They are willing to speak slowly, use simple words and phrases, and say things in a different way if I don’t understand.  They will switch to English if they know it and I cannot understand, but if I ask them (once I understand the words) to say it again in Swedish, not only will they say it, but they will help me pronounce it correctly.  It’s amazing and heart-warming and really fun to be able to learn to communicate this way.

It’s Too Hard

However, sometimes I don’t attempt clarity. People speak to me and I just pretend I understand, even when I have no clue.  Maybe I think I know what they said, but instead of clarifying, I just respond and then watch them give me an odd look because my reply wasn’t congruent with what they said.  Every time I don’t ask for clarification, I reflect on it later, usually with a bit of regret at a missed opportunity to learn and connect.  Usually I don’t clarify because I am in the midst of self-judgment or ego. Frequently I am afraid I will be perceived as stupid by the native speaker, other times I just am being lazy.  At times I recognize the words and am upset at myself for not remembering them, so I “punish myself” by not engaging. Now and again I default to English, as I can’t even think about how to say a sentence under my own perception of pressure but after the situation is done, I think of three or four ways to express what I needed to, even if I do sound like a 4-year-old.  (At least I will learn that way!)

Start by Trying

We all have to start somewhere with clarifying communication-at work, in relationships, and in social media.  It’s important to speak clearly and gently with others. To take time and trust the other person is doing the best they can in the moment.  I encourage you, as I am encouraging myself, to let go of the ego and ask for clarification if you are being triggered by another’s words, or if you don’t understand.  Take a few breaths, know that communication is one of the trickiest things we engage in.  Give yourself and the other/s time and space to really understand.  It’s time to be kinder and gentler with ourselves-and each other.  Communicate what you want, what you need, and what you want to understand.  Allow engagement, allow for mistakes.  I am, and am finding it’s one of the best and most rewarding ways to learn. 

With love,
Dawn