A Head Nod...Czech In Blog 04
About a month or two ago… I befriended a man.
We met through a mutual friend and in some weird string of events realized that we actually enjoyed each others company enough to become friends.
So we also became friends.
In the hours following that meeting, our exchanges have led to discussions on a variety of topics. I have learnt from him, and (deny this as he may) he has learnt from me :D
One of my favorite lessons from him has been the head nod.
This lesson is not monumental in any way to be quite honest. It’s a simple cultural difference.
In Bulgaria (his home country)… to shake one’s head from shoulder to shoulder means yes. To move the head in a motion as to look up and down means no.
Funny you see… in context of both countries I have lived in in the past 24 years, it is the opposite: to shake one’s head from shoulder to shoulder means no… a sign of disapproval. To move the head in a motion as to look up and down means yes.
Idk but it’s these small lessons that I really appreciate.
Imagine, had I never met this man enough to hear his perspective. Imagine, had I simply judged his actions based off my own biases and perspective…. that would have led to miscommunication, misunderstanding…. mistakes!
This is but one example of cultural exchange I have had since moving to Prague.
Below are 10 quickly summarized one liners of other such adventures ( The thing about one liners.. they seldom provide enough context so proceed with cautions :)):
The man who started playing hip hop when I walked into his store to make me feel more welcome- its the thought that counts:p.
The coworker who absolutely detests speaking English but powers through the discomfort to provide a bridge for knowledge exchange while I also struggle through my Czech.
The person delivering my mail who yells at me and asks why I am in this country.
The grocery store clerk who examines my Czech credit card a little too closely.
The child who stares for minutes on end and then shares a smile for the photographer.. in that second I am the view that made the photograph possible, and it was a lot of giggles :)
The group of men who laugh in disbelief at the notion that I am both good at science… and have a high concentration of melanin in my skin.
The friend from France who agrees to weekly lessons to increase my understanding of his native tongue.
The man who is passionately all knowing …so much so that he does not realize the limitations of his knowledge.
The landlord who perfectly balances a business mindset with an empathetic one.
The colleague and friend who fervently shares information about opportunities with me and is a constant source of encouragement !
The truth is, cultural exchange is not all rainbows and sunshine. In fact, the ratio is probably offset in the other direction. Of the top 3 reasons for therapy in the Czech Republic, intercultural relationships claims a spot.
I am quite aware the extremes to which these conversations can typically lead. Catch phrases like “identity politics”, “us vs them” and poorly interpreted cultural phenoms can disrupt progress before the conversation starts. It’s difficult for all involved and sometimes the right tools to navigate these conversations are not always apparent. There is good and there is not so good.
Being cognizant of biases and perhaps looking at things from a psychological point of view when appropriate helps to navigate these situations.
And hey, what’s the point of life if not to learn and grow?
Now to enjoy tea and go to bed.
Xoxo,
BT
