Think about a time when you travelled to a country where you don’t speak the language. You probably got by (maybe eating a few things you hadn’t planned, or getting lost down a few side streets) –  but no more than that.

Maybe you were one of those tourists who believe that volume increases understanding (we’ve all seen them, asking for “2 beers and a G&T” in a louder and louder voice, with increasing frustration on the part of speaker and listener).  “They just don’t get it” we say, and we get very frustrated when we say the same thing over and over and still get blank looks or no response.

Without speaking the language, we will always be a tourist in a foreign country. Conversations are limited and superficial, and relationships the same.