We have been amazed by the incredible language skills of the women of East Congo, who speak to us in French, Swahili and English, and occasionally in Lingala or other local languages. Our hosts have been consistently gracious and tolerant about the more limited fluency (and unintentional gaffes) of some members of our team of “ambassadors.”
But there is much more to effective communication than words alone. Everyone also conveys messages through gestures and body language. While our lack of proficiency in local languages is sometimes a drawback, it has never obscured the delight with which we have been received. We have enjoyed immensely the hospitality extended to us. That is communication!
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