Doing this one ex post facto since I somehow completely forgot to write it while I was actually in Dublin. Not sure how that happened. My bad.
Dublin continues to recede into the past as my life in Manila carries on. I think I’ve become quite good, almost too good, at compartmentalization. The Edward Paras of DC, the Edward Paras of Pittsburgh, the Edward Paras of Dublin, and the Edward Paras of Manila may as well be different people, with no shared experiences or other commonalities beyond a steel wristwatch and a camouflage backpack.
Communication in Dublin was relatively seamless, primarily because we all speak English. The concept of low to high context communication, which often illustrates differences between languages, seems less relevant when comparing how two groups use the same language. For instance, if I were learning Korean and attempting to converse with a native Korean speaker, the process would be quite different. A fluent speaker hears words, processes them immediately, and responds without delay. In contrast, a language learner hears words, translates them into their native language, processes the meaning, and then formulates a response. This translation process might miss figurative or contextual nuances in the original language.
In Dublin, speaking the same language meant that understanding each other’s words and intentions was straightforward. Even if there were esoteric references or figurative language, shared cultural contexts and linguistic nuances helped bridge any gaps. The fact that we all spoke English allowed for a level of immediate understanding that might not be present in cross-language communications.
During my time in Dublin, I don’t remember experiencing any significant communication barriers or mishaps. The most notable difference I observed was the humor and workplace banter. Irish humor tends to be more provocative compared to what I’m used to in the States. Additionally, the Irish culture appeared more gregarious and social. This was evident in the interactions and the atmosphere within my office. As someone who considers themselves quite introverted, this cultural difference was interesting. I go to the office to work, not to make friends. However, in Dublin, there seemed to be an established banter among colleagues that was distinct from offices I’ve worked in before. Teasing, in good fun, or “taking the piss” as they’d say, was a staple.
Outside of the workplace, that culture of “taking the piss” combined with a European dry wit, is much more palpable. I want to state that bouncers are some of my least favorite people in the world, and I won’t expand on that, but trust me. You can definitely have some more curt interactions with strangers in Dublin than in most American cities. However, Europeans aren’t armed, so there’s not the same undertone of violence to every interaction with a random person on the street that you get in America.
I think communication was one of my goals for this trip, and I’m not sure if I really moved the needle on it. I made some good friends, which was admittedly a first for college, but in terms of connection with colleagues and strangers, which are both things I’d like to improve at, I’m not convinced I’m that different from where I was three months ago. Maybe it’s the environment, maybe it’s me. Most I can do is give it a better shot next time.
This really is the last post. Shame that it kind of undermines my big wrap-up sendoff extravaganza in the previous “last post,” but that’s on me for somehow missing this one. As I said before, we all had a lot of fun in Ireland. It was a good two months, the longest two months that went by the quickest. Even if I will end up compartmentalizing it away when I return to my Pittsburgh self, I’m glad it happened. I made some great friends, had a lot of fun, and learned a bit along the way.
Edward Paras, signing off for real this time.