Speaking Different Languages

I am not a linguist and have failed to learn, in any functional way, numerous "foreign" languages, relying shamelessly on my wife, who isn't daunted by such things, or, with one health related conversation on a recent trip, Google Translate, to keep me alive in places that don't speak English. But over the past couple of days I have realised again that there is a deeper translation issue at play in the world, that Google Translate or Duolingo will not solve...

There’s a certain type of person, who,

If they ever venture out

Into the big bad world

Beyond the bounds of the familiar,

Do not try to learn or use,

The language of those whose

Land they are trampling over.

Instead, they simply speak

Slower and more loudly

In their own language, that

Has served them adequately

Until encountering such rude

Individuals who have not learned,

Or will not use, their visitors’ tongue.

The volume increases and

the gestures become more frenetic,

Until, the deal is done, or else,

With shrugs and head-shaking,

The parties part, taking their take

On the encounter back to their friends,

Confirming everything they ever

Thought.

                     The question is,

How can you communicate

With those who refuse to learn

Or use, the language of grace?

Selah