Bilingual Blessing

What a privilege it is to speak a second language. The ability to communicate with others in their own language is a given comfort often overlooked. Usually in the United States we expect everyone to speak English. Though expectation could be justified by the fact that majority of Americans speak English, the other fact still remains; English is not the official language of the United States. But still because English is the dominate language it is encouraged to learn. Although it is necessary that some native English speakers learn another language to help others learn English. Realizing this predicament of many haughty Americans not knowing a second language, I find it both a privilege and exciting talent in which to thrive. I have an innate desire to help others, and I feel my ever-growing Spanish skills and the increasing demands of bilingual educators is a great situation to be in. It is exciting to recognize my skills and be able to use them effectively.

Text Message Miscommunication

When asked to write about an instance in my life where “communication has gone wrong”, a million situations came to mind. Being raised with a generation thriving on communication through electronic devices often more than face to face, many instances of miscommunication are possible. Though technology has been a blessing in many ways, it has also has been a cause to many misunderstandings between people. Because of the lack of face-to-face interaction through many modern communication devices, many conversations become misinterpreted. (With the telephone at least tone and voice inflection provide guidance, but facial expressions are absent.) Text and e-mail are the two main vices on which my generation has thrived. The meanings of exclamation points and periods have greatly increased. With exclamation points, comments can be read as overly enthused or with a period (since minimal to no punctuation is used through this medium) can add a negative tone.

My miscommunication occurred once when a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a movie. I replied with a simple “no thank you.” If face to face, or on the phone, the gratitude I had for my friend asking me and the grace when declining would have been easily understood. But because there was no first hand contact, voice intonation, or even punctuation, my friend understood my response as apathetic and unappreciative. First of all, I believe my friend was over analyzing these three little words and the intentions behind them. But I also recognize that if I had added a simple exclamation point, my response would have been perceived much differently. This situation has taught me that lack of punctuation when trying to respond quickly is not always the best choice. It can have grave consequences. Since then, I am very conscious of my text messaging and how what I say may be perceived by others without my personality present to guide it.