Comments on: Say That Again

By: Robin

Robin — Wed, 07 May 2014 15:11:08 +0000

Love it….so many times I say the wrong things without meaning to. That’s when I am speaking English, not even attempting another language. Always love reading your blog. Thanks!

By: Cate Morris

Cate Morris — Wed, 07 May 2014 02:10:19 +0000

In reply to Bryan.

It sure makes a difference when people are patient with you in a foreign language isn’t it?!
Your right about our need to cut each other some slack from time to time. We mess up a lot in our communications.
There is a lot to be learned too, if we stay in the conversation and ask questions until we understand, or if the person we are speaking to is willing to ask us questions to clarify our words.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 07 May 2014 00:36:48 +0000

Cate,
Great post! It’s funny (not haha but interesting) that you used the Spanish comparison. I got to Skype with a Facebook friend who lives in Argentina and, by mutual agreement, spoke in Spanish the entire time. I realized 5-10 minutes into the conversation that I was EXTREMELY rusty with my speaking and comprehension. I also had to adjust my hearing to the Argentine accent, which is much more different than the Spanish I learned in high school or that I used at my previous job.

I was upfront with my friend in saying that I was nervous and that my mind was “blanco” [white] in trying to figure out what I needed to say. He was very patient and encouraging with me saying that he understood me and was kind enough to repeat several questions that I didn’t quite understand.

I realize that I need to be that way with my fellow believers and, to use a vernacular phrase, cut them some slack sometimes. Thank you for posting this topic. 🙂