Verbal Messages

 

Verbal Messages

America and England may speak the same language, but not all words are the same. It is important for other people visiting from different countries to England to understand the verbal differences. As an American, I have heard different word usage from my time abroad. Verbal messages can have all sorts of meanings, so it is necessary that we try to understand them.

               The following words/phrases are verbal differences I have encountered:

British Term

American Term

Toilet/washroom

Bathroom/restroom

Lift

Elevator

Biscuit

Cookie

Football

Soccer

Chips

French Fries

As you can see, we are talking about the same thing just in different vocabulary.

A dialect is a variation in pronunciation or grammar within a specific region. The city of Grantham has a Lincolnshire dialect. According to an article from Lincolnshire Live, the following words have a certain dialect, “Tates – potatoes, chuddy - chewing gum, oat – anything, nowt – nothing, shan - disgrace or outrage, duck – friend, beeling – crying, gofer - somebody from another county, bap – sandwich, etc.”  There are many different words that this dialect describes nouns.

Lingua franca is one or more languages used to communicate with people whose native language is different. According to ThoughtCo, known as a global or international language, lingua franca comes from the Italian term language plus Frankish. English lingua franca or ELF refers to communicating through the English language through teaching, learning, and use for people of other languages. Communicating with non-English speakers in Grantham can present significant challenges. For example, if I were to go into Grantham without my phone or a map, I would have no idea where to go. I might walk up to a native and ask for directions. If they were to answer in a different language, I would not know what to do. I might end up even more lost. Other communication tactics will have to be explored.

Based on an article from AI Phone, there are a few alternatives when trying to communicate with non-English speakers. One strategy is to listen actively and speak slowly and clearly. This might make you easier to understand and vice versa. Second is to ask simple questions. Keep your phrases simple, complex questions can be overwhelming. Third, is to be patient and respectful. This will show you are not upset or frustrated but rather are appreciative of their effort to try to communicate with you. Fourth is to use body language or non-verbal communication. An example of this could be pointing at something, shaking your head yes or no, giving a thumbs up or a thumbs down, and more. Fifth, try to use technology. Use pictures, maps, or other visual aids as a communication tool. You can also try and use a translator app from one language to the other if it is available. Another tool, if available, is to use an interpreter/translator. Maybe there is a person around that speaks both languages and can help with the communication process. Overall, there are numerous ways you can attempt communication with a non-English speaker.

The phrase “Language influences our view of reality,” means that the language we speak makes us see the world in a particular way. The language we speak can shape how we see the world and different languages. Since different languages have different words and expressions, we can interpret them differently because of our own languages. For example, How Language Shapes the Way We Think Ted talk expressed how in America if man broke a vase, you would say “He broke the vase.” However, in other cultures they would say, “The vase broke.” One places the blame on the man while the other places the blame on the vase. This shows how language influences our view of reality. It describes how we perceive the world and how language shapes it.

In conclusion, language is immensely powerful. It is a helpful communication tool and helps us shape our reality. There are several dialects throughout the world. Different words can have the same or different meanings from your culture. It is important to be aware of these differences and do our best to understand them abroad and in our daily lives.

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