Understanding people with accents
Flat tire drama…
Recently, on my way back from meeting with a Latino pastor I got a flat tire. This certainly added a little drama to my day, especially since I had my son with me. It’s a good thing he thought it was fun.
Later that afternoon I went to the tire store right away in order to get a replacement tire. While I was sitting in the waiting room a black man walked in.
He was trying to explain to the store manager that he needed a tow truck to get his vehicle to the tire store. Adding to his problem was the fact that he didn’t have a way of getting to his car.
Unfortunately, the store manager was having some difficulties understanding this customer because of his accent. And what do people do when they can’t understand someone speaking with an accent?
They start talking SLOWER AND LOUDER. I wanted to step in and help but, eventually they understood one another…after about 15 minutes.
When I worked retail…
When I was working at Target, the local retail store here, I had a friend from Eritrea. He had a really thick accent.
My other coworkers, including myself, had a really hard time understanding what he was trying to say to us, at least in the beginning. But, as we spent more time together at work and outside of work I got to know him really well.
My neighbor…
My neighbor is Somali. Yes, the same one I’ve mentioned before who practices the Islamic faith.
He actually works for the city. In a recent conversation he mentioned how puzzled he was about when 
people understood him. People seemed to understand him at work, but not on the street.
You see, he helps people who are about to go in foreclosure and welfare. He said people don’t have a problem understanding what forms they need to bring back and any other instructions given to them.
However, if he were to ask them for those same people for directions at the gas station they’d respond with a big…WHAT???
Practical application
When someone you know speaks with an accent it’s important to focus on their face when they’re speaking. That’s why I don’t recommend you try to have a conversation over the phone if you having trouble understanding.
Also, really seek to understand what they’re saying and ask lots of questions.
The most important thing is to have your heart in the right place and be patient.
Do you have any friends with a thick accent? How have you dealt with this challenge? What are some other solutions for this communication problem?
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
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Well, not many with thick foreign accents, but we do down here in the ATL have people with thick southern accents! I love what you said about the practical application be patient and put your heart in the right place. That is excellent advice!
Nathaniel Thomas
September 15, 2010