Failure to Communicate

Traveling in Egypt a few months ago, I encountered a challenging situation that highlighted the difficulties of navigating language barriers. While purchasing snacks at a market, I noticed the young man at the cash register seemed frustrated while making change. Assuming he was frustrated because I had given him a large bill, I quickly offered a smaller one, motioning for him to take the change back and start the transaction again. Unfortunately, my attempt to help seemed to frustrate him even more. It appeared that he interpreted my actions as implying that he had made a mistake in giving me change.

This misunderstanding escalated into a small scene, with both of us talking in our respective languages – not understanding each other. I left feeling confused and embarrassed – mostly embarrassed.

Reflecting on this experience, I asked myself what I could have done differently. Navigating a language barrier can be challenging. There are strategies that we can employ in such situations. Handy apps like Google Translate are quick and simple to use. I did not have any such app at the time. However, it’s important to realize that computerized translators are limited.  For example, in my case, had I used Google Translate, it would have translated the phrase “I may have given you a bill that is too large,” as “I may have given you an invoice that is too large.”  That would not have solved anything.

Communication across language barriers is a complex process in which miscommunication is inevitable at some point. Without a shared language, even simple concepts can become impossible to convey, leading to frustration for everyone involved. While creative workarounds can help bridge the gaps in understanding at times, there are instances where we must accept the inherent awkwardness that arises from the language barrier.

Regardless of the outcome, every encounter across a language barrier has the potential to teach us valuable lessons. These experiences offer opportunities to develop our communication skills, deepen our cultural understanding, and foster empathy. By reflecting on our interactions, analyzing what went wrong or what could have been done differently, we can learn and grow from these experiences. Through continued learning and adaptation, we can improve our ability to connect with others, foster understanding, and minimize miscommunication, even in the face of linguistic challenges.