SMILING, A PASSPORT TO EVERY COUNTRY
The number of people who go oversea is increasing. If you with a group organized by a travel
company, you may have an assistance of a kind guide who will help you achieve
the purpose of your trip. However, if
you go abroad alone, particularly for the first time, you will feel nervous
unless you are confident in making yourself understood in language of the
country you are going to.
The other day I met up with a Japanese business man who now lives in America. He, needless to say, is very proficient at
English and has made many business trips to other various countries as
well. I supposed that he could enjoy
communicating with non-Japanese speakers without many difficulties. What he told me however was contrary to my
expectations. "Speaking foreign language
fluently is not necessarily helpful to become friends with people of other
countries and sometimes can be obstacle.
For example, when you are stuck as to what to say or do for some
reasons, you ask someone nearby in Japanese, using gestures may help, too, if
you do not know the local language. You may soon be surrounded by many people
who may take the trouble to show you the way you want to go. Some may draw you
maps, other may suggest that they go get someone who can understand you.
Whatever countries you travel to, you will find such kindhearted and obliging
people who may make it possible for you to get to your destination or to
communicate with them, even if not always in words. The most important thing is that you should
acquaint with people of that country and when you do, have a smile on your
face. Few people would make a wry face
at a smiling one, which could cultivate friendship between you and them. Thus, a smile can be a passport to any country."
When oversea, remember that besides words you have signs, sounds and gestures,
even one's own friendliness as many ways to communicate your ideas, thoughts
and feelings with.
