Interaction and preconceived notions

“The world speaks many languages” The Alchemist Pg 86

The Englishman in the book, the Alchemist, believes that there is one universal language. As seen from the above quote, the boy thinks differently.This of course, refers to the world and the changing ‘moods’ that life presents. The events that led up to the boy working at the glass shop would suggest that he has not been entirely attuned to the ‘languages’ but has gradually begun to understand. During the time that he was a shepherd, he learned the language of the sheep, and was able to become proficient at his trade. In one sense the boy can be seen as someone with a particular knack for this kind of language, but throughout the book learns each new language in attempt to become closer to his personal legend.

This language is not a language in the traditional sense of the word, but a manifestation of the worlds own languages. To best look at this in understandable terms, we should perhaps examine the deaf. Without the ability to hear, baby’s must learn Sign Language. This language relies on interpreting what is seen and become a natural. The boy becomes a natural at interpreting omens and follows them, for the most part, without the spoken words.

My big question relates to understanding the world around us and communication, which is not always between two geographically separate person. America, as a mixing pot, does not always understand and communicate well with the cultures that are so close by. We can often hold a notion in our minds about how one group is meant to be. Languages must be learned and practiced and even then, there are many languages that also to understand. Finding one universal language does not fit well with the many complexities of world languages.

How does this change how we interact with each other? Are there any distinct common traits? There is no common language, but perhaps common tendencies?