Communication Breakdown

It wonder if it's ever really possible for a westerner - such as myself - to be able to adequately communicate with an Afghan. Our interpreters are Afghans, so they are by definition not the solution to the dilemma. "What dilemma?", you might say. Well, I suppose it has to be experienced to be understood. The communication between Afghans ("them") and westerners ("us") very likely to fail because of a vast number of reasons. I won't even make an attempt at trying to explain what I mean, but I see examples of communication breakdown between us and them every day. I've yet to become frustrated, but I must say it was quite refreshing to talk with an American officer today. During our conversation, the phrase 'I know exactly what you mean' was heard more than a few times.

They say what they think we want to hear instead of pursuing the truth. They try to save face at any cost, and pointing out their mistakes even in the most polite, inquiring way is considered rude. They can be very polite and hospitable (or so it seems), but show no gratitude towards us. (A Swedish unit had seen in a man in a wheelchair begging and selling firewood by the roadside when passing by on several occasions. It was winter and very cold. They felt sorry for the man so they stopped and gave him a pair of warm winter gloves. Without any gesture of gratitude the man took the gloves, put them inside his jacket, streched out his open hand and said: "Radio!") I guess somewhere deep down they see us as barbarians and milk cows for money. We see them as animals and grown-up little children.

There is something familiar about the way the officials and authorities operate here. I spent some time thinking about what it was, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. Suddenly I realized what it was: Most of the guys in important positions are educated by the Soviets! The vast majority of them are completely unable to see outside their own little box of responsibility, and they are very reluctant to help each other out. Without a direct order from a direct authority, very little is likely to happen - they just stay where they are or go home. Fear is a key motivator for many civil cervants, just like in good old USS of R.


Another example of the peculiar signs - and the difficulty of communication (I like the Swedish translation best!)

There are fewer guests at the safe house now and more room in the yard. There was some trouble with the generators again and we have had no warm water for two days. That's not a problem with the temperature being what it is, but winter is on its way.