Lost in translation

I’m not trying to brag, but I’m currently sitting at a 458 day streak on Duolingo. I’ve been a lifelong learner of Spanish, starting in 7th grade Introduction to Foreign Language class. At nearly 50 years old, I should be completely fluent by now but unfortunately I’m still far from it. I listen to Spanish music, have a few native-speaking friends that I chat with anytime I can, and am frequently on top of the leader boards in the weekly Duolingo standings, but I still struggle. Years ago I was working as a Medical Assistant rooming a young girl who arrived at the clinic for an exam. As I did my best to explain to her in Spanish that she could get undressed, put on the gown, and wait for the doctor to come in soon, her friend told me that the girl was “embarazada”. I didn’t know that word, but it sure sounded like “embarrassed”, so I tried to reassure her that she didn’t need to be “embarazada” (embarrassed), but as it became clear that we weren’t quite connecting I went to ask another M.A. for some help with translation. It turned out that I was the one embarrassed as I learned that “embarazada” actually means “pregnant”. I wish I could say that was the only stupid thing I’ve mis-translated in Spanish, but a) that would be an absolute lie, and b) mistakes are just the natural way of learning. For another fun example of my blundering Spanish, check out a previous post Native Tongue.

Learning a new language is difficult, particularly as an adult. I have a friend who is nearly 80 years old who still struggles with English through his native French tongue, and he’s lived here in the U.S. for over 30 years. I’m telling you, if you haven’t tried to learn a new language you should give it a try. I’ve often heard people say that if people are going to live here in America they should just “learn the language”. Forgive me for saying this, but those seem to also be the same people that expect everyone to speak English when they travel to other foreign countries on vacation. Whether we’re talking about immigrants trying to establish a new life in a land of opportunity, or vacationers sipping Margaritas in Cancun, language can often be a significant barrier to understanding our fellow human beings. Experts say there are over 7,000 distinct languages, with new ones still being discovered and others that are lost and extinct. I’m just dabbling in Spanish and French. I can’t imagine identifying over 7,000 languages. That would break my brain for sure!

Perhaps there is a way we are designed to interact with the world that goes beyond any written or spoken language. When someone gives you a kind smile, it can speak volumes. Holding the door for someone can tell them they are valuable and you respect them. Sharing with someone in need inaudibly says, “I love you” in a way that anyone can understand. An act of kindness is a word spoken to the soul of another human being, regardless of their native language. Love speaks to the heart of a person in a way that no audible language can do. Speaking fluent, perfect Spanish, English, or any other language will never have the impact or touch the world in the way that simple acts of love and kindness do. I think we’ve all experienced this at some point and can relate to the feeling of being loved by someone else’s kindness. And, it must be said that the opposite is true as well. When we don’t show love or treat others with kindness, we dehumanize them and strip them of their dignity and value they deserve as someone who was made in the image of God. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal….” All means All, regardless of language, nationality, color, or beliefs.

No matter what language you speak, let your words be seasoned with grace. Let your life be dripping with kindness toward others. Particularly when you find yourself in a situation with someone who may look different, believe differently, or speaks another language, choose love to be the way you see them and connect with them. Immigration papers, or the lack thereof, does not determine the value of a human being. Worth is not determined by their ethnicity or native language. Don’t let love be lost in translation, but be clear and intentional in your love for God and for others. And, maybe if you feel so inclined, sign up for Duolingo and learn a bit of a new language so next time you’ll be able to tell someone in their own native language “Hello” or “Welcome”. Who knows, you might even end up making a new friend.