As a traveller, I've been exposed to many cultures, languages and environments. Picking up some words and phrases is most helpful, and yet, pantomime becomes part of the daily routine as I don't speak anything fluently other than bad English. Five years of Spanish in jr./sr. high and a year of German in college has come in handy over the years, but verbs never stuck with me. What baffles me is that even with language barriers, if we are willing to (sometimes) make complete fools of ourselves in the name of communication, we CAN transfer ideas, ask questions and receive answers. At least on some level.
Por ejemplo, (Thanks Mrs. Moran for driving some Spanish into my skull) I was in Italy staying with distant family I'd never met before and it was my time of the month... How do you suppose I was able to communicate to my 2nd cousin twice removed that I desperately needed tampons? That is not a ubiquitous word btw. Yes, I pantomimed the most grotesque thing you can think of. There's no way around it. We eventually got there together and laughed really hard because periods are always funny. AMIRIGHT?
Even if I have zero understanding of the language, I have such a strong desire to learn and communicate that I try to find other ways of listening. Art is communication, food is communication, music, body language, theater, vocal inflections and tone. It's beautiful to exercise this muscle of understanding through means other than language.
What's more, now living in Los Angeles, I'm exposed to so many more diverse languages and cultures within my own city! Armenian is a beautiful language and Glendale has the largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia.
It's beautiful to exercise this muscle of understanding through means other than language.
There's a Little Bangladesh and Little Ethiopia in addition to Koreatown, Chinatown and Little Tokyo. Probably more communities that I don't even know about yet. AND THE FOOD. Let me tell you, the food is unquestionably amazing.
Thankful that we don't have to travel too far to get a taste of something different. And I'm also thankful that America has not become the great melting pot that it once was thought to be. I'm overjoyed that different ethnic groups have kept their traditions, food and culture alive here. Roots are important to remember and share. I love learning from people who are different than me, who have had different life experiences. Thank you to those who have been willing to share their story and their culture with me. I'm hoping to share some of that with you in upcoming posts.
So here's to learning and listening a little more, and hopefully a little less absurd pantomime on future trips. I'll remember to bring my own tampons next time.
Schönes Wochenende! --> the very little German I've retained.