The importance of communication can never be overemphasized. While the spoken word forms less than 10% of the communication process, it cannot be ignored. The criticality of learning the local language if it is foreign to you, if understood fully, can save one from myriad disastrous situations.
One had experienced it only to a limited extent. Because i had always worked in places where Hindi or English was the spoken and the written language. Coming into Mozambique where Portuguese is the official language was a new challenge. During my induction stage, my predecessor had cautioned me adequately that I must pay attention to this critical aspect. So mentally I was prepared to learn the rudiments of Portuguese as soon as possible.
When i started getting into my role as Head HR, i was advised that one has to be very cautious about what is spoken and how it is interpreted into Portuguese. We had learnt the hard way. A person whom the management trusted turned out to be trouble creator to sustain his own importance. Since we did not know the language, he misinterpreted discussions to create misunderstandings and thereby spoiling the labour-management relations.
As soon as we realised this, disciplinary action was initiated and his services terminated.
This happened within one month of my joining and it added impetus to my efforts at learning Portuguese. I spent a lot of time reading and listening to the locals. By and by i began to comprehend bits of conversation and make the whole sense. Eight months down the line, I do not need anybody to act as an interpreter for a worker to explain his problem to me. On my part I am able to explain simple points without an interpreter. However, i still need an interpreter when discussing issues other than routine.
Recently a Safety Officer was inducted into our organisation. I was introducing him in the shift and we had one person translating. During my introduction I said, "His primary responsibility would be towards safeguarding the interests of a safe working environment...." The interpreter translated, "His primary responsibilty would be towards safeguarding the interests of the company."
I could see antagony and cynical expression fleeting across the faces of the workers.I also realised what was said and interjected immediately. I then started explaining in my laborious Portuguese what I wanted to convey and saw the expressions being relieved.
I shudder to imagine the damage that could have been caused by such misinterpretation.The workers would have lost faith in the system for which we have been working so hard.
One had experienced it only to a limited extent. Because i had always worked in places where Hindi or English was the spoken and the written language. Coming into Mozambique where Portuguese is the official language was a new challenge. During my induction stage, my predecessor had cautioned me adequately that I must pay attention to this critical aspect. So mentally I was prepared to learn the rudiments of Portuguese as soon as possible.
When i started getting into my role as Head HR, i was advised that one has to be very cautious about what is spoken and how it is interpreted into Portuguese. We had learnt the hard way. A person whom the management trusted turned out to be trouble creator to sustain his own importance. Since we did not know the language, he misinterpreted discussions to create misunderstandings and thereby spoiling the labour-management relations.
As soon as we realised this, disciplinary action was initiated and his services terminated.
This happened within one month of my joining and it added impetus to my efforts at learning Portuguese. I spent a lot of time reading and listening to the locals. By and by i began to comprehend bits of conversation and make the whole sense. Eight months down the line, I do not need anybody to act as an interpreter for a worker to explain his problem to me. On my part I am able to explain simple points without an interpreter. However, i still need an interpreter when discussing issues other than routine.
Recently a Safety Officer was inducted into our organisation. I was introducing him in the shift and we had one person translating. During my introduction I said, "His primary responsibility would be towards safeguarding the interests of a safe working environment...." The interpreter translated, "His primary responsibilty would be towards safeguarding the interests of the company."
I could see antagony and cynical expression fleeting across the faces of the workers.I also realised what was said and interjected immediately. I then started explaining in my laborious Portuguese what I wanted to convey and saw the expressions being relieved.
I shudder to imagine the damage that could have been caused by such misinterpretation.The workers would have lost faith in the system for which we have been working so hard.
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