Hi Everyone
I had the honor to attend the celebration of Europe day that was hosted by the European Commission's Delegation to Israel yesterday on 12 May 2009.
The event was packed with diplomats from all over the world. It started with a cocktail and continued with a wonderful concert conducted by the amazing German conductor Kurt Masur.
The concert was opened to the wide Israeli public.
Mr. Ramiro Cibrian the Head of the European Delegation delivered a speech before the concert started. Now everyone in Israel understand English, so Mr. Ramiro could easily delivered his speech in English, and no one would have wondered. But, instead he decided to deliver the speech in Hebrew.
Wow, what a great decision. The Israeli audience was so flattered that Mr. Ramiro took the time and made the effort to speak in Hebrew (not a very common language). And not only that, in his speech he managed to capture the Israeli culture. It felt like he was a true Israeli.
All this has reaffirmed my belief that if you truly want to experience the local country you must learn the local language. Not only you would feel more comfortable in the foreign environment, you will also gain the respect of the locals.
What do you think?
Do have any stories about how knowing the local language changed the way you experienced life in your host country?
Sharon
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