“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosopher
For more than two decades, I’ve worked in International
Programs and with those whose primary language is not English. What inspired me
to pursue a life working with those who could not speak English was born of a
very personal experience. At a tender age, I was whisked away to a far away
land where English was not the national language. Without adequate preparation,
I made my debut on the international stage where I would have to learn to
communicate in order to survive socially. The limits of not being able to share
my thoughts became painfully evident.
Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, “The limits of my
language mean the limits of my world.” He was right. Without the means to
communicate and to express myself, my world was very small. It was small and
frustrating. Language barriers prevented the flow of natural conversation and
of being understood. Add to this, cultural differences, worldview, perception and that
when a communicator tries to use the verbal style from one culture in a
different one, issues are likely to arise. And they did. It was an awkward
time, especially as a child, but I learned from it.
All these life experiences with international collaborations
whether in the classroom or in business, have culminated in the sensitivity
toward others who do not know the language, culture or its nuances. I know all
too well what it’s like to be linguistically deficient and I know all too well
what it’s like to feel inadequate or embarrassed.
I have worked with the Kansai University students before and
found it not to be so much challenging as it was rewarding. I understood them
and they understood me. Even though the limit of their language was the limit
of their world, through understanding, great patience and wisdom the bridge to
cross-cultural communication and collaboration was achieved.
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