Re: Foreign Languages- A Waste of Time.


Lee Sau Dan <danlee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:87mzc84rxz.fsf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"mb" == mb <azythos2@xxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

mb> Also, read the OP re the advantage of not understanding the
mb> local language when people talk about you after having
mb> extracted your pounds and dollars by feigned respect.

Well... not understanding insults does not mean not being insulted.
The OP fails to distinguish between the two. And since he can't
understand others' complains about him, he's not going to maintain a
good relationship with the locals. He'll only remain remote friends
of the local. Maybe, that's what he perceives as "respect"?

Another "advantage" of not learning the local language is that you
aren't aware of dangers when people cried about dangers only in the
local language: "Fire!", "Earthquake!", "Tsunami!", "Don't go up to
the hill top: it's lightning", "Don't go into the sea: a storm is
coming", etc. And you don't understand the instructions given by the
policemen, firemen, or anyone who's attempting to save your life. And
you won't understand robbers and thieves or kidnappers, who'll kill
you if you don't something wrong. Advantage? You won't be frightened
or worried by these utterances. You don't know about dangers. That
can be a blessing. :)

That explains why Zaphod Beeblebrox who was wearing
a Babel fish in his ear needed his peril sensitive sunglasses
which turned completely dark at the first sign of danger. :-)
pjk


Lee Sau Dan


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