Speaking Engrish

Winston Churchill once observed, “England and the USA.  Two great countries separated by a common language.”  The same might be said for Botswana.

I seldom telephone anyone here, because when I do I cannot understand them, and they cannot comprehend me.  I asked in the grocery recently for a “frozen pie crust” and was courteously led to the zip-lock bags.  

I am quickly getting faster at texting.

My first two weeks of lecturing, my students complained that they could scarcely understand me.  At least that is what I thought they said.  I was teaching about errors.  Here the words for “yes sir” are “er rrah”.  That led to some laughs.

It can be a bit frustrating to always have to say, "Say again", "What?", "Could you repeat that?"   And I am guessing it is not any less frustrating for the other person either.

Communication is always tricky.  I have become convinced that good, clear, straightforward communication is a KEY factor in good leadership.  I have also become convinced that good, clear, straightforward communication is very difficult.

Here, it can be so tough that I indicate understanding even when I don't, just to be merciful to the other person.  I hope I can break that habit.  It may be courteous, but it causes problems.

Part of my communication problem is that I don't hear well.  And, hearing is key to communication too.

But, hearing requires listening, and listening can be hard work.  

Hearing from G^d requires listening too.  And listening can be hard work.