Informal Language in a Formal Setting
Author: Darya Saleh Ismael, University of Kurdistan – Hewler, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Review/editing: Aaron Rotsinger, University of St Andrews
Situation: Olivia is an English professor from England. For some time, she has been living in the Kurdistan region of Iraq to teach a module to postgraduate students in an international university. She is keen to know more about Kurdish culture, and she learns a lot through her daily interactions with people. She thinks that Kurds are hospitable and welcoming. One of the challenges for her is that she needs to speak at a slower pace to avoid misunderstandings. One day, two of her students, Lava and Payman, request a meeting with her. The two have difficulties with their English listening skills. Before the meeting happens, she meets them at the door of her office. Payman asks if she should wait outside while Lava has her meeting, and Olivia replies, “okie dokie!” When her turn comes, Payman is no longer waiting outside. Later, Lava explains to Olivia that Payman felt disappointed when Olivia said “okie dokie” to her and left. Olivia can’t help wondering what is wrong with the phrase and is confused.
Question: Why might Payman have left in this situation? Or what could Olivia have done to prevent the misunderstanding?
Olivia’s pronunciation of the word “dokie” sounds like “donkey” to a Kurd which is offensive because it means “idiot”.
Payman is hesitant to ask for clarification because she feels embarrassed to appear that she doesn’t understand.
Olivia shouldn’t use informal language with someone who is not familiar with it.
Payman doesn’t have a positive view toward foreigners, and the view keeps her from asking for clarification.
Are there animals in your culture that are insulting, or otherwise connected to certain human characteristics?
Do you think you can use the same cultural expressions in different places?
What do you think are the socio-cultural challenges when moving to a new place?
What should we keep in mind when communicating with people of different nationalities?
What are some examples of other ways a lack of language skills can cause misunderstandings?