Can You Repeat That?

It's funny the way people communicate when you can't use words. We all work together but we dont speak the same language. We don't read the same words or count the same numbers. So how do you get someone to understand what you need, what you want. How do you thank someone without being able to say a thing?


 On Thursday, I was trying to cover my bulletin board with paper. One of the cleaners came in and saw me struggling. She came over to help me. She speaks very little English. I smiled to let her know I was happy to have her help. I would hand her things and point so she knew what to do. When we were finished I cheered with my hands to show I was excited. I gave her a big grin to show I was thankful. Then I did a thumbs up and said nice. I got down off the chair and began to pick up the staples that were dropped and she kept yelling I clean. I kept saying it's ok and continued to pick them up. She seemed to be offended bc she came over and started picking them up herself. I didn't mean to offend her. I was trying to show her that she doesn't have to clean up after me. I respect her.that I am thankful for her. But I didn't know how to do that without words. 


There a few teachers here that speak little English. I feel bad that I can't understand them. They try to talk to me but i look like a deer in headlights. One of the arab teachers also speaks French so I communicate with her that way ( see French does come in handy) after using it with her im getting much better at it and its coming back from memory. But for the other teachers, i just nod yes if i cant make out what they are saying in their limited English. I hate to keep asking them to repeat it so I nod. But i do want to communicate with them. After all I'm in their country. I think it's a bit arrogant for me to come to their country and demand they speak in my language. Islam here is more than a religion. It's their culture. It's their law. Its their way of life. 
Yes, Doha is international with many different nationalities but I suspect their reason for doing so is all about money. Doha is trying to attract wealthy tourists. Actually doha is so rich that it is running out of ways to spend it's money. For example, they are building an underwater hotel with an aquarium. There are less wealthy here but there are no beggars. The government takes care of them.


Anyhow, I don't want to be the American girl that went to the Middle East expecting things to be done her way. I really want to know and learn more. I want to know about the things you can't find on google. Most of what I have learned about Doha so far is from talking to people. So, I am going to try and learn conversational Arabic. The Arabic teacher here has agreed to tutor me if I help her with her English. I happily agreed. Watch Out World by the time I leave here I will be speaking fast in 3 languages lol.