Enjoy destroying the Language Barrier...
Language creates a barrier to differentiate where you originate from, culture upbringing, and social status.
Let’s admit it we like talking to our own kind, like for instance we Filipinos especially who are living abroad, once we met another “kabayan” we somehow felt at ease, and we knew someone that we can talk to and somehow make a connection just by using our own dialect which is tagalog. But what if you have a friend who tagged along on that same moment which is let’s say a Russian or French whatsoever, of course definitely he won’t understand any single thing you say, And suddenly you just started to share stories and laugh without noticing that the one who you with is already left out and thinking at the back of his mind “are they talking about me?!, when will this conversation end?!” and then there was this tension, that he wanted to leave you. Sounds familiar right?!
Mostly cases this is not the only scenario, Here’s another one, In a Birthday Party, what if your new friend invited you to hang to a group of friends to where you’re the only Filipino, and one of them just started to make a conversation or joke in their own language, and you just laughed just to feel comfortable but deep inside you feel awkward. And then for a second another quiet moment, like your into some kind of different space to where your viewing it as a third person, and then you just said to your friend, “I’ll just go out for a sec I’ll need some fresh air.” As you walk outside. There was a moment of silence. You felt pissed! Cause you can’t relate to them, you started to roam the area hoping you will bump into someone who’s friendly enough to entertain you on the social gathering. I know right, don’t feel bad, it happened to me as well. J
How to destroy the barrier…
Plan ahead which occasion your going into, (Wedding Anniversary? Birthday Party, Business Celebration, Family Reunion or Whatsoever.)
What kind of people you’ll be dealing with. (Do they all speak English, Is it a multicultural environment.)
And most of all...
Would you personally see yourself mingling with these new faces? If yes. How can you make an impression?
Are you socially capable enough to feel comfortable under your own skin, going to a place where you only knew few familiar faces?
Would you be happy or gain something by going into this place?
Well for me, I loved gatherings, it helped me improve my social muscle and learn other languages as well, Cause I have this mindset, that people go to social gatherings to Socialize and Have fun! not sit in one corner and hoping a stranger will talk to you! Everybody loves celebrations mostly because of the food, gossips, and some because of the guest maybe there will be a Celebrity Speaker, A Famous Band playing etc. so for you to maximize the ecstatic feeling of enjoying the moment without you drinking a lot of alcohol just to have the confidence to make new friends, start it with the nearest people beside you, Practice this, Everywhere you go, you’ll be amazed with the results, Some of you reading will say “yeah I know what you’re saying but I’m not comfortable, I have my own reasons” Well here’s my answer what if the other person also feels the same way and he/she just waiting for you to initiate the conversation?.. hmmm we all have our own comfort zones, but if you wanted to be alone in your own pathetic imaginary wonderland then so be it.
On the Contrary Continue Reading…
I’m not saying you should always stepped in, and enter a group to where your always seeking for validation and this weird guy who has a bottle in his chest that will say “hey guys you look cool. Mind if I join?!” 80% of the time you’ll get rejected. Or you’ll see them Eye coding each other. People will feel if your just faking it and the reason why you want to enter their group is because you don’t want to look like a Loser going there without friends.
Have Fun! Start it from yourself, Self Amusement is the trigger! Talk in Tagalog and then translate. Like for instance you’ll say, “alam mo naalala ko ang mga bituin sa langit sa mga mata mo! Lol!” e.g your eyes are like the shining stars in the sky. I know it’s cheesy! Hahah! Then share it to them; if you have a positive Energy, they’ll just be sucked into it, as long as your intentions are right.
Next Key thing is be observant, who’s the most influential in the group and can understand what your talking about if your medium is English or if you knew some of their language that would be a kicker, talk to that guy, Once you got his attention start a conversation in English, people will accept you and respect you, after a few minutes you won’t notice that your already laughing with them, maybe some girls will poke and giggle into your jokes. Asking for more Tagalog Cheesy lines! Hahah! Right?!
Now your having fun huh… And you might be nodding yeah! I can’t believe this is Awesome!
To be honest,
It’s all within yourself, you just don’t know you have the skill, So before you end and bidding them farewells. Don’t Forget to exchange numbers or msn or email. It will be a plus if you keep in touch in them once in a while and you might need their help or invite them to your party or vice versa. And have one hella fun!
So that’s for it for now… Enjoy Destroying the Language Barrier!
Cheers! :)
Daniel