This is number two on the “what got me thinking about culture” list – the things we say, you can check out number one here.
When you step into a new culture, you really need to think about what you’re saying and how you’re saying it; I mean that really does apply no matter where you are, but it is amplified when you are the foreigner, and even more so when you are a leader in any capacity. Your leadership role places even more weight on what you say, and how you say it.
I’ve seen many instances where those who are being served have been hurt by the minister because of what was said. As a minister, I know that I too have said things that were hurtful; it’s never intentional, but it happens. That’s why the book of James says everything it does about our mouths, our words and how powerful they are.
It has been my experience that culturally American’s tend to talk too much, and they are often times much too quick to speak their minds. This is contrasted heavily with the Indian culture, which is for the most part much meeker and slower to speak. I admire this part of Indian culture, and it is definitely something encouraged by scripture.
Part of the challenge for American’s is that we need to say exactly what we mean and that usually requires some amount of thought. For a person in another nation who’s first language isn’t English, when they listen to someone speak who’s first language is English, there is an expectation for them to say what they mean. If I tell an Indian person, “What I meant to say was…” it really doesn’t make a lot of sense. So, I should be ready to say I’m sorry as well, rather than just making excuses. I need to ask forgiveness because I didn’t say what I meant, and that’s probably because I spoke too hastily.
In classical music, the silence between the notes of the works of great composers often speaks more loudly and eloquently than the music itself. We Americans who babble incessently might learn from your observation in this post that occassionally stopping our non-stop chatter in favor of more thoughtful, to-the-point speaking can actually deepen and improve our communications with others (especially with native Indians to whom we wish to introduce the amazing love of Jesus).
Best,
Paul