If my Russian classes had been more communicatively focused, we might have had a task like negotiating land border crossings when visitors do not have the correct visas.
Lacking such practice, I muddled through such interaction for the first time on a group trip from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan last week. As the most capable Russian speaker in our group, I was put to the task in explaining my colleague's passport and visa situation. Although there are mistakes at which my former teachers might wince, I can say that we negotiated and came to terms (although my colleague did have to return to Almaty to get his visa) without any communication hiccups.
At the end of our conversation another guard interrupted to ask, "Are you the interpreter for this group?" I don't know if it is a reflection of perceptions of American lack of savvy with foreign language or a compliment, but I will take this as a substantial communicative success!
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1 comment:
Now it's my turn to tell you - you are a rockstar!
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