If you're new here, you may want to learn what this site is about. I encourage you to subscribe to my RSS feed or sign up for free email updates. Thanks for visiting!
Photo by jetheriot
With an open book in his hand and a heavy accent, Jacob introduced himself while I settled in my chair with a cup of coffee. Hoping to receive new knowledge, an insight from a different world, a different way of living, I listened intently. Jacob pointed to the front page, hoping I would peer in and recognize the title.
He began to speak Russian, as I responded in English. He flipped through the pages, and pointed his finger from time to time, but I simply didn’t understand. I smiled and he smiled back, acknowledging the language barrier. He tipped his hat to me, and I waved in kind. He went on his way…
People are limited by the languages they speak and those they do not. I once met someone who spoke five languages (Spanish, French, German, English, Polish), some more fluent than others, but people like this are not the norm.
How do you communicate with strangers and friends who speak in a different tongue? What gestures do you use when language barriers are present?
Jason Simon
