The time doing eye exams on a medical mission trip in Honduras. Like you, I had practices a few phrases I knew I would use during the exam and giving instructions. The person has complained of itchy eyes, I want to give her some of the allergy eye drops that wee donated. I explan to the patient "usa dos gatos", before I can finish my practices phrase, I see my 13 year old translater laughing. "you just told the patient to put 2 cats in her eyes"! Gato= cat, Gotas= drops.
What you describe is cultural humility where we acknowledge that we are guests in someone else’s country. They don’t have to accommodate us, we make the effort, like you did to speak basic phrases to show we respect them. Kudos on your exchange with the shop owner. It feels good, right?
Yes, that's it. I never want to be a smartypants know-it-all American when I travel. I am in these countries to learn and enjoy what they have to offer.
And yes, that conversation with the shop owner made me very happy. (And also humble because I have so much to learn.)
The time doing eye exams on a medical mission trip in Honduras. Like you, I had practices a few phrases I knew I would use during the exam and giving instructions. The person has complained of itchy eyes, I want to give her some of the allergy eye drops that wee donated. I explan to the patient "usa dos gatos", before I can finish my practices phrase, I see my 13 year old translater laughing. "you just told the patient to put 2 cats in her eyes"! Gato= cat, Gotas= drops.
😄
What you describe is cultural humility where we acknowledge that we are guests in someone else’s country. They don’t have to accommodate us, we make the effort, like you did to speak basic phrases to show we respect them. Kudos on your exchange with the shop owner. It feels good, right?
Yes, that's it. I never want to be a smartypants know-it-all American when I travel. I am in these countries to learn and enjoy what they have to offer.
And yes, that conversation with the shop owner made me very happy. (And also humble because I have so much to learn.)