Setting Aside Idiom Itch

How can we talk with less cultural confusion?

The use of language in any country can either be a uniting or dividing force for its people. Know then in my use of English language with second language (ESL) Spanish people in South Florida, I’ve thus discovered how uninformed many tend to be about the meanings of informal American idioms describing common cultural situations each day. I mean who am I impressing when such ambiguously loaded expressions sadly produce only “stone silence” in those potential human bonding moments? It furthermore seems reasonable to conclude that such “dumbing down” of English language use with confusing idioms casts significant barriers for such immigrants in learning how to survive and/or thrive in America society each day?

I compose below then a fictional letter proposing an upcoming travel adventure filled with confusing idiom quotations sent to a primarily Spanish speaking friend. I challenge you then to consider how the unclear content of this letter might help Americans tear down those “walls” of informal word confusion to say what’s meant to be conveyed in cross cultural situations more clearly.

Hey Manuel:

I’ve got “ants in my pants” right now to get out of South Florida right now. So I’m “all ears” to know from you of places that are cooler and less crowded now. For I want to “shoot the breeze” with you again as I slowly sip my iced tea and spread thoughts of happy times gone by “straight from the mouth” of your trusting friend.

But it’s “down to the wire” about whether this vacation will ever take place as I’ve been “running around like a chicken with its head cutoff” to take care of daily crises at home. So I suppose you know already that I will apply more “elbow grease” now to get these important matters “off my chest” to find more “peace of mind” to schedule this vacation. For it’s always best that I can “call my own shots” for what has to be done.

Now don’t be surprised, however, if I “pop up in your neck of the woods” in the next week or so. For I’ll give it my “best shot” to get the car ready and take care of my financial obligations”that are “pulling me down” in the next week or so. I “get it” you’re still working so please know that I have no intention of “spoiling your party”. So let’s “touch base” somehow next week and I can “spill the beans” more clearly about how soon I will be in your “neck of the woods” to visit.

“Catch You Later”,

Jim