Recently, my son asked me “if you could have any super power, what would it be?” I was at a loss at the time of the question–invisibility? the power to read minds? the ability to fly? This trip has brought me my answer…I wish I had the power to communicate in and understand every language.
I have been working through translators here in Kosovo and the translator, I find, determines the tone and delivery of the message I wish to convey. Sometimes I will ask a very simple, neutral question and find that the recipient of this message will give me the oddest look and I wonder how they understand what I mean to say?
Body language varies from country to country but some things are universal. A roll of the eyes, a shift in posturing, a deep frown, a shake of the head…every movement has a subtle meaning, some meanings easier to decipher than others. I find myself very aware of my own body language, hoping to come forth as open and willing to learn because that’s what I’m here for.
Yes, I wish I could enter any culture and instantly understand what others are saying. I wish that I could be understood as well.
What a world this would be if we all understood one another a little better?
