Voice Between

When it comes to experiencing the culture of a foreign country, sometimes a slow pace is the better pace.

I lived in Guatemala for a while. I remember learning Spanish and having red-cheek moments when I “messed up” the language. My face would burn and I would once again tell myself to just shrug it off and keep going. I was going to learn Spanish! If you’ve ever wanted an experience more than you cared about the possibility of awkward embarrassment, then you probably remember how easy it was to progress during that time. Despite my embarrassments, I never would have coveted language translation services because I wanted the learning experience.

I remember a particular time I was coming out of church and there were groups of people standing in a sunny courtyard. It was very pleasant as many sunny days in Guatemala are—never too hot. I was familiar with some of the faces but still struggling with the language. I was determined to be friendly however and so I said what I could and smiled as much as possible at some of the people around me. Finally the group of people that I was standing by—after some polite and limited conversation– said “nos vemos” which is basically like saying “we will see each other again. ” I however was more familiar with the phrase “nos vamos” which means “let’s go” so I started to follow them. When I was favored with an explanation of my discomfiting mistake, it was amusing for them and not quite as amusing for me but let me assure you that language translation services would never have taught me so much. Language translation services can be an undesirable protection against personal language experience.

Another time when I was with a group of young single adults. It was a beautiful day and we sat around talking a bit, smelling the meat cooking and just enjoying one another and the wonderful weather. Before we were going to eat, I started playing basketball with some of the girls. They were very friendly with me and we enjoyed ourselves. After our scrimage, a Guatemalan girl (Nancy) and I laid down on the pavement and enjoyed the beautiful day. I said something about my parents “mis papas” (the accent is supposed to be on the second syllable) with the accent on the first syllable. Nancy didn’t know what I was saying because instead of talking about my parents I was talking about fries or potatoes! It was another embarrassing moment to add to my list but I wouldn’t substitute language translation services for that fun experience. Language translation services can be an undesirable protection against personal language experience.

I remember later on when my parents and grandparents came to visit. I was enthralled with the idea of them coming to the land that I had fallen in love with. I loved the people, the weather, the colors, even some of the smells and I couldn’t imagine someone else not falling in love with my beloved Guatemala. However, when my parents and grandparents arrived they didn’t seem enthralled. In fact, their reactions were very different than mine. They, like many others (just a fact and not a judgment) responded to a new culture the easy way—with language translation services. I was a part of that service, as was a temporary tour guide who annoyed me because I wanted to be surrounded with Spanish, Spanish, Spanish! I couldn’t understand why my relatives didn’t want to bathe in the mistakes that a foreigner has the opportunity to make. Language translation services only kept us safe. Language translation services dampened considerably a trip which I thought would be different. Language translation services can be an undesirable protection against personal language experience.

Sure. In a legal setting, a business setting, or in a technical setting there is a time for language translation services—and speedy ones at that. However, there is a time and a place when a slow pace is the better pace.