Language

I have thought this several times since moving here and finally am sitting at the computer when it came back. I think about people who come to the US not able to speak the language and how hard it must be for them. It is difficult for us to do some very simple things because we don't speak the language. We tried to take a cab the other day but had to get out and take another one because we couldn't get the driver to understand where we wanted to go. Thankfully most drivers can figure out what we're trying to say in Chinese and we get where we want to go.
Another thing I notice is that if we say even the smallest thing in Mandarin the people here invariably smile at us with joy in their eyes. It makes me want to learn more. I'd love to talk to these people more. They are so friendly. They are so gracious. They have such a humble attitude of service. Even my dentist,who I think of as a professional person with status, opened the door for Linda and I as we were leaving the other night.
This experience really reinforces in me the need for a universal auxilliary language, one which everyone would learn in addition to their native tongue. It would make international travel so much easier, more enjoyable and more fulfilling. If we are living in a global society it really is time we communicate on equal footing with all people and not just simply demand that they learn English. As we learn bits and pieces of Mandarin I'm sure I'll write about this more. And as I try to teach medical english to medical students I'm sure I'll have more thoughts and ideas about this.