Language can be a bit of a problem. Speech can be a bit of a problem. If you’re an Irish Jew with a speech impediment it might be a bit of a problem. (Although the good news is that you will get a job on the BBC.)
What I’m trying to say is: sometimes language and accents can be a barrier to good communication. To which I offer up this following true story:
Earlier today, The Good Mr T and Young Master Benedict are travelling by car to a cricket match. Mr T takes a call from a work colleague on his speaker phone. They conduct a conversation. Master Ben is, as they say, “all ears”. The conversation ends.
Master Ben: Dad?
Mr T: Yes?
Master Ben: Is Ian…a retard? Because he can’t talk properly.
Mr T: He’s Scottish.
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Next year the Scots vote on whether to stay in the Union. My guess is that they will – things just haven’t been the same since Connor Macleod chopped that weird geezer’s head off and became a mortal. |
So there you have it – a succinct story about the problems of communication. Luckily, I have Scottish, Irish and Welsh blood in me as well as my native English blood which means generally I have no problem understanding all the gobbledygook the Scots, Irish and Welsh speak. It also means I know when to expect the phlegm -thus avoiding repeatedly changing my tee shirt. Alas, Master Ben has more English blood in him which means his ears are not quite so fine-tuned.