“When I first met your grandmother Bea, I thought she was the most beautiful thing ever. I was so happy that my brother found someone who was not only beautiful, but a pleasure to be around. In fact, I owned a dinghy around the time I met your grandmother. I adored her so much I named my boat, Lady Bea.”
The Power of Learning
Recently, I was lucky enough to spend time with my 85 year old great uncle, who greatly resembles my deceased grandfather. I always appreciate spending time with someone who has lived a full life and interacted with so many people important to me. Our most recent interaction reminded me of one of the things I loved most about my relationship with my Grandfather - listening to him tell stories. Storytelling is an important way for one generation to learn about the experiences of another. However, with different generations, there are inherently communication barriers. These barriers can be broken down in time and allow for much stronger communication.
The Power of Language
Having spent some time listening to my Uncle’s stories, it made me think about how much I also appreciate learning from other cultures. My fiancé’s family is Persian and in the six years since we starting dating, I have learned a lot about the Persian culture, as well as the Baha’i religion – mainly from listening to her family’s stories. Unfortunately, there is a big communication barrier as most of her family’s primary language is Farsi. Over time, I have been able to understand more of what they say because I can pick out certain words and can understand their body language but it is still difficult to fully understand a conversation if they primarily speak in their native language.
The Power of Language Learning
Unquestionably, the world would be a safer place if everyone were able to communicate better. While understanding every culture and knowing all languages is not possible, learning more languages and about other cultures are undoubtedly steps in the right direction. Learning a new language or understanding a different culture cannot happen overnight. It takes time, effort and complete respect for whatever you choose to learn.
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My story is quite simple. I plan to continue to learn as much as possible about the Persian culture and start to learn Farsi as well. I have asked my fiancé’s family to continue to tell me stories about when they were growing up and how they are dealing with the current situation in Iran. I have asked them to continue to speak Farsi in front of me. I plan on continuing to learn.
I’ve shared a couple of ways I love to learn, please feel free to share some of yours.
