Is this Germany — I’m not Sure
By Maryori Vivas
JLfladjfijfladjfla. No, it is not mistyping. This is exactly how I feel when I visit a place where I cannot understand anything around me. It is clear – communication is the most important factor for people’s understanding of the world, and language (verbal and non-verbal) is the main tool we use for communication.
Local Christmas Market close to Karlplatz
How discomforting and frustrating it is to walk the streets of a new city and try to read letters run together that make no sense but that are words – sentences and messages that other people can understand. It is like being blind in a world totally new.
This is exactly how I felt, totally blind, during my last trip to Germany. I could read but I could not read. I read letters that were known to me, however, put all together they did not tell me anything at all. I walked down the streets trying to guess what was happening. Even with a city guide in hand, there were a lot of details of the culture I missed. I guess you’ve figured out by now that I don’t speak German.
My second day in Munich, I was on my way to Marienplatz, the famous square in the heart of Munich, and a guy asked me a question about Munich. He had a map in his hand, but he asked his question in German! I had to say, “I am sorry. No German” (the first thing I learned to say in German). Much to my relief, he then replied in English.
Giorgios was from a place close to Athens, and he was visiting Munich that cloudy winter day. It was funny to be asked about the city when I felt lost myself in the middle of those grand buildings. Giorgios and I spoke in English, and then we walked together for a while discovering new places in true tourist fashion. As he speaks German, I was able to point at strange signs and ask, What does it mean? It was completely different to see Munich with him, as he was my interpreter! He now lives close to Munich and is looking for a job there; I hope he gets it.
Indian Restaurant in downtown Munich
My last night in Munich, I walked again to some of the places I’d visited with Giorgios, but now with Daniel, a local guy who shared with me those special stories and insights that only a Munich resident would know. For example, Daniel showed me how in one building the lights are always left on – as a tribute to the victims of the Third Reich. Also we went to the Hofbräuhaus, where we enjoyed a German meal of a veal “sandwich” while he pointed out the differences between the locals and the tourists based on visual clues that he was able to recognize instantly.
On my flight home, I realized my blindness had disappeared in Munich once I found a connection to my immediate surroundings, thanks to Giorgios and Daniel. I believe it is the same with business and other cross-cultural challenges. We believe we are prepared or trained for foreign environments, however, some new environments prove we need additional help. Our success in a new environment will depend on whether we are able to select the right interpreter or coach in order to achieve our goals.
Maryori Vivas can be contacted at mv@gugin.com
