Love. This is the first thing that comes to the mind when we speak about the topic, isn’t it? Right. But the truth is that love does not always solve the daily little problems in a foreign country, where the local language is so strange to you as walking bare-footed on asphalt.
Music. Well, in this case the communication turns to be a little more interactive because even if we do not love everyone around us but still enjoy the same kind of music, perhaps we could become closer with time. Just like love, there are no barriers for music.
English. Now it starts to get more complicated. Those who do not speak English nowadays won’t find a decent job, but not everyone is truly worried about that. In Russia, for example, the majority of the citizens still believe that the world should learn their language, and not the other way around. In Asian countries the majority of people make great effort to conquer the English language, but still their specific pronunciation of English words confuses even the most attentive listeners. There are also those who think that if the society expects from them to learn a foreign language, then they would prefer to learn Japanese, Spanish or possibly French. In this situation, English cannot be considered as the universal language, nor any other language for that matter.
Internet. The Internet made life easier for most of us by bringing the entire world on our computer screens – and for this it deserves our very BIG “THANK YOU”, but in spite of this magic, with each new click we are somehow moving away from each other.
Mimic and Gestures. This topic is extremely dangerous, since the body language varies from country to country. For instance, innumerable dances in India, Bali, Thailand and also in some Arab countries focus on the finger movements – and they all have some special meaning. Prudence is the key word here. But no matter how threatening mime may seem to us, we still need to make an effort in our attempt to understand people from different cultures.
Drawings and paintings. They could help us when we are trying to explain something. I normally use them during my appointments with a hairdresser. But beware: pictures of bananas or pears could be terribly misunderstood – especially in South America, where the most innocent statements could be turned into something sexual.
Money. There are those who believe that this is the only true universal language, but its purpose is so lacking of human spirituality that it does not deserve any comments.
Life and Death. Events such as birth and death should unify us, at least in spirit and thoughts, because when we celebrate life’s miracle and when we mourn the end of it, it makes us think about the great mysteries. But in this case, not everybody is able to find a common language to express the feelings, fears and hopes.
The only common aspect concerning life and death is that all of us were already born and that our bodies shall perish one day, but never our souls.
Back to love, it would be great if a strong hug, a smiling look, or even a genuine good intention would bring us answers or solutions for our daily lives.
So, I shall continue breaking my head in search of the irreplaceable universal language, always betting on mutual respect, but also on some boldness.
Luciana B. Veit
Love – The Universal Language. If you like this chronicle, please consider sharing it!
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Tags: love, culture, expetriate, life
