What makes me sigh about swishy's comment is that it completely missed the whole point of the article. It was about the importance of learning different languages and being worldly, not about the fact that I didn't realize the street signs were going to be in two languages. And I am aware that other countries speak different languages I just didn't figure that an English speaking country such as Ireland would have their signs in two languages. It was just surprising to me. When I approached Irish people with my questions about their native language they were happy to enlighten me about their culture and did not respond with disgust or in a condescending manner such as swishy did. I was eager to learn and they were glad that an American such as myself was interested in listening instead of just talking about how great the U.S. was. That was one criticism of Americans I constantly received abroad, that we talked to much about our country and didn't ask enough about others cultures. I don't think that a person needs to know anything and everything about a country they are visiting, being immersed in a culture you learn pretty fast. I loved my time abroad, I learned and grew so much. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. You can call me ignorant and tell me to stay in the U.S., but I know I'm not and I will never stop traveling. I encourage people to take a chance and step out of what's comfortable, there will always be a home to come back to. You might feel like and idiot at first but life's a learning experience if you don't ask questions then you really will be ignorant.
Posted on April 26 at 12:46 p.m.
What makes me sigh about swishy's comment is that it completely missed the whole point of the article. It was about the importance of learning different languages and being worldly, not about the fact that I didn't realize the street signs were going to be in two languages.
And I am aware that other countries speak different languages I just didn't figure that an English speaking country such as Ireland would have their signs in two languages. It was just surprising to me. When I approached Irish people with my questions about their native language they were happy to enlighten me about their culture and did not respond with disgust or in a condescending manner such as swishy did. I was eager to learn and they were glad that an American such as myself was interested in listening instead of just talking about how great the U.S. was.
That was one criticism of Americans I constantly received abroad, that we talked to much about our country and didn't ask enough about others cultures.
I don't think that a person needs to know anything and everything about a country they are visiting, being immersed in a culture you learn pretty fast. I loved my time abroad, I learned and grew so much. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. You can call me ignorant and tell me to stay in the U.S., but I know I'm not and I will never stop traveling. I encourage people to take a chance and step out of what's comfortable, there will always be a home to come back to. You might feel like and idiot at first but life's a learning experience if you don't ask questions then you really will be ignorant.
On Simmermon: When English words don’t work abroad