the interesting idea... the start of this project... the conversations to come



I'm a member of Post Crossing, the internet site for postcard exchange. I sent a card to another Post Crosser, Ilona from Germany. She asked that people tell her which magical power they would like to have. Her question really made me think!

In turn, I thought it would be an interesting project to ask people to pose Thought-Provoking Questions. I would do my best to answer with my opinion, and I would encourage others to add theirs.

And, so was born this blog! I hope that it will be the home for many interesting conversations in the year ahead!



Monday, December 27, 2010

Si! Oui! Da! YES!!!!


From Korea, on a really cool card, comes this question:

If you choose to live in another country, you have the responsibility to attempt to become fluent in that country's national language. Agree or disagree?

I say YES! wholeheartedly. I believe that even if you're just visiting a new place, you should attempt to learn to say THANK YOU in that country's language. Think about it: if you are in a place where you know no one, don't have much of a clue where anything is, and want things from people who live there, EVERYTHING you do is basically dependent on the good will of others. The LEAST you could do is express your gratitude in the language of the place.

Now, ALL THAT being said, it's also (in my opinion) incumbent on the people speaking the language of the place to be kind, gracious, and helpful to those attempting to communicate! No eyeball rolling, no facial expressions, no speaking too quickly to be understood, no giving wrong information or directions. Play fair!

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