Spotting the Advantages of a Language Barrier
A few years ago, in San Francisco, I attended a book-signing and lecture by a well-known travel writer. After the lecture a member of the audience asked the writer how he felt about traveling in a country where he did not speak the language. The writer replied that it sometimes leads to experiences because it forces one to be inventive to communicate. He said that in such circumstances people often use exaggerated gestures and facial expressions. He believed that the humor in such expansive expressions can break down barriers and lead to a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
