Lost in Translation
Traveling the U.S. Offers Distinct Cultural, Social Diversity
The Signal - Business Section, September, 2005
Language and customs are challenging when traveling in a foreign country. But getting lost in translation can apply to travel right here at home as well.
From words or phrases that mean something totally different depending where you are, to attitudes and social norms, getting it right can be tricky. The key is to embrace these differences and learn something about the local people, their custom and rituals, wherever you travel no matter how near or far away.
Just traveling throughout the United States offers a glimpse of a huge variety of micro-cultures that make our country so fascinating. With such diversity between the East and West, North and South, the only way to experience it firsthand is through travel.
Think of the possibilities. Imagine the surprise when you realize that courteous drivers still exist in the upper Northwest, and so do full-service gas stations. But you have to go to Oregon for that. In fact, they won’t even allow you to pump your own gas in Oregon.
Head to Miami, a hot and humid, yet culturally vibrant tourism playground, and try to figure out what time to have dinner. With such diversity among locals with the Latin influence – or as it’s called, the Caribbean attitude – is dinner at 5 PM with the “early bird special” crowd, or do you wait to join the “Latin 9 PM is still too early” group. Guess it depends how hungry you are and how Cuban you want to appear.
Just be sure to watch the time. Remember that things occur slower and later on Latin time. Anticipate if you say dinner is at 6:30 PM, your Latin friend will arrive at 8 PM. Plan ahead and you’ll both make the reservation on time.
Go to New York and the locals do not want to bother with many details about your personal life. But in the Southern states, it’s the complete opposite. Starting any conversation first requires a full update on the family and kids.
In California we say the words “Let’s do lunch,” but usually without any intention of following through. Think about it, when was the last time you actually “did lunch?” Give a brief reply when asked “What’s up?” to a Northeasterner and they find you to be an unfriendly, over-stressed city dweller. What they’re expecting is a full answer to their question.
Then there is the Texas barbeque; don’t leave the Lone Stare State without trying one. The best guide to finding THE place to eat ribs is a taxi driver. These folks are tapped in to the best spots in town and can drive you there too. Be sure to wear casual attire, as this is one messy meal meant to be enjoyed.
The capitol of Texas, Austin, has developed into a liberal, open-minded city full of diversity. With the anything goes attitude prevailing, visiting Austin is similar to the culture of San Francisco, or across the world in Amsterdam.
While the language may stay the same when traveling throughout the country, the change occurs in attitudes and customs. Look around you and experience. The unique differences are the value and exposure that travel adds to our lives. Don’t get lost in the translation.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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