When language is a barrier . . .

Press, 4 October 1977, Page 44

When language is a barrier . . .

By

ANN COATES,

Going it alone is not easy, but does have advantages. Continuous contact — not a feature of normal life-style — can strain a friendship and even a marriage. The lone ranger has to be a fair judge of character, make the effort to talk to strangers, be prepared to be lonely at times, and must not panic easily. Whether alone or not. language is not the barrier it once was because so much English is spoken throughout the world today. The Netherlands, West Germany, and Hungary are a few of the manv countries where it is the second language, taught often by tutors from English-speaking nations. Tourist hotels are staffed by people with a 'forking knowledge of the language because of the predominance of American guests.

Yet it is better to know a few phrases of greeting and the names of common commodities — something that is often appreciated in many countries. Small, inexpensive travel

guides are sold in some local bookshops. One gives a three months

course for those planning to remain > weeks in one country, out a more useful book for the average person has • a rainbow edge, for quick identification of the sections required. Miming is surprisingly successful, as I found in Czechoslovakia where I was able to order a meal with the help of an understanding waitress. But my first experience at mime was in Nice, on the French Riviera. I entered a hairdressing salon to be greeted by a young man flourishing a pair of black-handled scissors that seemed to be much bigger than any I had ever seen before. Shaking my head, I pointed to the wash basin and

acted out what I wanted done. He went into the back of the premises and, after an excited conversation, his mother came out.

She donned her overall and prepared for my shampoo and set. I was given quick and skilful treatment and was soon under the drier. I was handed a book of colour cartoons and I was delighted to find I could still read the simple French. I came to a page about the Moulin Rouge, a Parisian establishment similar to the Crazy Horse which our Prime Minister visited when he was in France a couple of years ago. Freely translated, the caption stated: “This is only something we put on to impress those silly American tourists!” I

laughed aloud; and got the flashing angry look I suppose I deserved.

When miming it is important to keep up the pretence of not knowing the language! The language problem is not as great as the mind barrier. Demanding things to be the same as at home is to court frustration and ill-feeling. Some time spent in public libraries before setting out is rewarding and increases understanding of the host countries. This can be illustrated by examples from Austria. An experienced travel agent told me this was his favourite country because its people were unspoiled by tourism. They are courteous and helpful, but keep their distinctive customs and remain Austrian.

of Cashmere

It was in Austria that I came across a group of travellers who caused a minor incident in which I was unwittingly involved. I arrived in the hotel lounge late in the evening and found the bar deserted except for a disgruntled looking barman. On the other side of the room. 40 Australians sat drinking coffee. The atmosphere was hostile.

I asked the one nearest the door what was wrong. “The beer was warm,” he replied. “We asked for ice blocks. They had none. We can’t stand their wine and they don’t stock the brands we asked for.

“So we ganged up and all demanded

coffee. Heil get you some if you ask for it.” , T But coffee keeps me awake, so I ordered tea. The barman glared as if I were the last straw. I later found that tea is rarely drunk in Austria, and I wished I had ordered something else — perhaps that fine fruit drink, apfelsaft. When the barman eventually brought my tea, he noticed my greenstone kiwi. , . . ... “New Zealand!” he exclaimed “I have a relative there."

The tension eased. The tourists began to laugh and talk. Something silent and gentle, yet with the power to break the barriers of race and language, had changed the atmosphere. It was a smile.