In American culture, English is the preferred language. There are, however, a significant number of other languages spoken in the privacy of family homes. When speaking or listening to an individual from another culture who is just learning English, carefully choosing and using words in addition to thoroughly listening to what is said is imperative.
A basic principle for effective communication is being alert to the false assumption that what is spoken will be interpreted as intended. A word’s meaning may be clear and distinct, provided everyone is playing by the same rules of honesty and integrity. Beyond the surface meaning, however, words could have any number of implications.
Effective communication depends on each person knowing that what is said is actually what is meant. According to God, honest communication is convincing because it is trustworthy. Listen to God’s word from Proverbs 20:7. “The godly walk with integrity. Blessed are their children who follow them.” You can be sure they’re watching.
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A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion.
~Proverbs 18:2 International Standard Version
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