I only speak English, it’s fine most of the time. But every once in a while I run into someone who doesn’t speak English, happens more often when I travel internationally. So what happens when I need to speak to someone who doesn’t speak English? My first reaction is to talk louder, and MAYBE slower. But mostly louder. I know it doesn’t work, but that’s my first reaction, I’m human…

The other day I was thinking about this automatic reaction I have and how other people do it too, but not just with language. I’ve found that when people debate issues and one party doesn’t agree with the other party, they talk louder with words. So instead of changing their language or using a different argument, they just use louder or stronger words. They go from using words like “wrong” to “dumb/uneducated/ignorant” and then move on to even stronger words “racist/nazi/fascist.” Insert your own derogatory terms.

It’s as though people think if they use stronger words to show their conviction, that will convince the other person.

They don’t listen to the other person to hear what their core issue is. They don’t know the core issue so they can’t change their language to speak to that issue. Instead, they just throw up their hands and act like the other person is a (insert derogatory). They’re speaking louder like I do with the person who doesn’t speak English. In both cases, it’s generally not successful…

When you find yourself talking “louder,” consider if you’re speaking loud enough, but in the wrong language.

Crissy