08-03-2010, 11:22 AM
Even if you have a good translator, it's good to have some knowledge of the language because people speaking different languages think differently from one another. The way they look at the world, form concepts and understand reality is influenced by the conventions of their (our) language.
During my thirty-year military career I was stationed in several nations. Where I could read and write the language, I discovered all sorts of things that I probably would have overlooked. Those where I learned the rudiments of the language--I called it "restaurant Italian"--gave me at least an opening to the people and culture. Those where I knew none of the language, I felt like a tourist: seeing and thinking I understood, but knowing I probably didn't. That went doubly so for dealing with members of the host country military. (Besides, it seemed like basic courtesy to meet and greet in the local language.)
A wise general would study not only the language but the art, religion and culture of an adversary, even if--especially if he was surrounded by competent translators. :wink: Especially if they were not his own close, well-known people. :roll:
During my thirty-year military career I was stationed in several nations. Where I could read and write the language, I discovered all sorts of things that I probably would have overlooked. Those where I learned the rudiments of the language--I called it "restaurant Italian"--gave me at least an opening to the people and culture. Those where I knew none of the language, I felt like a tourist: seeing and thinking I understood, but knowing I probably didn't. That went doubly so for dealing with members of the host country military. (Besides, it seemed like basic courtesy to meet and greet in the local language.)
A wise general would study not only the language but the art, religion and culture of an adversary, even if--especially if he was surrounded by competent translators. :wink: Especially if they were not his own close, well-known people. :roll:
"Fugit irreparabile tempus" (Irrecoverable time glides away) Virgil
Ron Andrea
Ron Andrea
