As a poet, and english major, I am sometimes very interested in the ways humans communicate outside of language. Obviously language used between those who speak it will be a much more clear, and straightforward, or at least descriptive, way to talk to each other, there are times when it is not an option. I have often thought to myself about the incredible power that words can have over people, especially said by the right people. A loved one insulting you, a comedian telling an extremely graphic joke, a horror novel building suspense just right. All examples of how language is used to affect others. However, when we do not understand the language being used, it is utterly powerless. Then there are the ways we "talk" outside language, and these don't carry power, they are simply tools used, in many cases.
I think first about universally recognized sounds that take the place of words. Laughter is an obvious one, but that isn't even really controllable. I think about the sounds, "Mmmmm" and "Mhmm", or "Meh". These I'm sure you can immediately identify and would most likely use them yourself. These sounds are all borne of natural human responses, but some, like the "Mmmm" are ingrained from society. A scream, a spit, a sniff. All communicate to people, despite any language barriers that may exist between them.
Another form is signing, unofficially. Sign language is not so commonly known, but certain gestures are obvious. A pointed finger, a tongue licking lips (which could mean more than one thing), a pinching of the nose with a frown. Again, people of other cultures can figure out what you are trying to say through these humanly actions that connect us all. It is really very interesting how much these can be used, as well as being aware of their limitations. I remember a time when I was in South Korea and met 3 very kind gentlemen.
My father had gone out with the grand master to visit some friends, leaving me to spend the evening alone in this small town. I walked down to a small, family owned pizza shop seeking food. I walked in, and half the place was a restaurant, but the other half was couches and chairs around a dining table. Sitting there were three middle-aged men. I looked at the menu board for a few seconds, unable to identify a single topping on any of the pizzas displayed. Feeling quite unable to proceed, I turned to leave. One of the men called out to me in a sort of "Enh!" sound, getting my attention. I turned, and he waved his hand towards himself, inviting me to join them. It became apparent that not one of them spoke a word of English. They handed me a shot glass and poured me some soju.
For the next 10 minutes we sat, smiling, trying our best to converse. I explained to them I was here with my father, and that I did Tae Kwon Do. They explained this was one of the men's family pizza shop. I told them I was from Canada, showing them a flag to explain. Eventually the owner's 14 year old son came in, who knew some English from school. He helped translate for about an hour, where we tried to fill in all the gaps in understanding through gestures. It was a fascinating conversation. They eventually gave me a free large pizza and 2 litre bottle of Pepsi as a gift, and somehow I managed to get just pepperoni.
As someone used to conversing exclusively in english, it was amazing to see how much I could do without it. The company of those men, the feelings of spending time with new friends and interesting people was enough. I wouldn't be surprised if I could dine with a famous person from history that spoke no English, and still gather much about them and their life. English will always be the language I love most, and wish to use as well as possible. It is nice to know however that without it, I am not totally impotent, and that the humanity we all share connects us in a way we all understand fundamentally. This is what truly separates us from the zombies.
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